Quick Book and DVD Review

Triangle
Originally uploaded by pookie_san99.

Triangle The Fire that Changed America.
2003.David Von Drehle.340pages published by Grove Press.

I bought this book in New York after visiting the Fire Service Museum and learning of this tragedy.The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Greenwich Village March 1911 killed 146 workers.It was the worst workplace disaster in New York until 9/11.
Von Drehle traces the background of those involved in the fire and its aftermath.The immigrant sweatshop workers,the owners,the early union organisers,city officals and politicians.
He also details how the susequent trial and fallout changed laws and led to political changes on a local and national front.
Particularly harrowing were the accounts of the fire.They eerily recalled scenes of September 11th 2001.
Judging from the extensive reference section at the end of the book and extensive notes and sources Von Drehle spent a lot of time researching this important event.This is reflected in the compelling highly readable book he has produced.Recommended.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
I watched this dvd earlier in the week.Its a comedy of sorts.Detective noirish.Buddy movie.Set in New York.With a plot that gives a knowing wink to such classic gumshoe detective movies as The Maltese Falcon and ChinaTown.
Robert Downey Jnr stars and narrates while his sidekick Val Kilmer plays a gay detective.Its fun trying to unravel the plot and keep up with the twists.
I also think the directors commentary is worth a listen as Kilmer and Downey together with the director go off on various tangents and name drop.An enjoyable movie and as they joke "wheres our franchaise deal"...