Happy 4th of July, Happy American Independence Day. This is a nation still being born. The Founding Fathers had a fascinating concept that is still not fully realized. We're getting there but it is slow going, especially for citizens who still do not benefit from all the grand ideas. I have faith we'll get there, … Continue reading Ramble on Independence Day
Politics
Happy Juneteenth and a note about Federal Holidays
155 years ago today, on June 19th, 1865, a contingent of Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and advised local enslaved African Americans that they were free. This was a year and a half after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and almost two months after the surrender of Lee's army, effectively ending the American Civil … Continue reading Happy Juneteenth and a note about Federal Holidays
A Ramble on protests, expectations and reactions
I have found it difficult to blithely post National Food Day entries lately with all that is going on. There will be more, but the gravity of issues before us will keep me distracted from time to time. It is wonderful that protests continue and that the pressure for reform is finally being felt across … Continue reading A Ramble on protests, expectations and reactions
Playwright pitch for “The Rally”
I've never tried to pitch an idea for a new play on my blog. So I'm hoping that lots of my readers are theatre or film producers. You are, right? I'm guessing this would work better as a cinema release than a theater script. The setup: Imagine a time when a populist politician has won … Continue reading Playwright pitch for “The Rally”
A change is gonna come
It's been too hard living, oh myAnd I'm afraid to dieI don't know what's up thereBeyond the cloudsIt's been a long, long time comingBut I know, but I know a change is gotta comeSam Cooke This is different. And that's a good thing. There are many factors that have made the current activism to address … Continue reading A change is gonna come
A Ramble on re-opening, protests and the steps forward
New York City today begins phase one of the re-opening after three months of stay at home orders. It will be a slow process with only a few people going back to work and very limited businesses starting up again. We are eager to get moving but it will be tense judging how mass transit … Continue reading A Ramble on re-opening, protests and the steps forward
I needed to stand up and be counted
I went down to the demonstrationTo get my fair share of abuseSinging, "We're gonna vent our frustrationIf we don't we're gonna blow a fifty-amp fuse""You Can't Always Get What You Want" - The Rolling Stones Because of my health issues, I have avoided crowds up until this point. After Monday's threat (or promise) to unleash … Continue reading I needed to stand up and be counted
An ancient curse: May you live in interesting times
I usually pursue trivial topics in this silly blog. National Days. Food. National Food Days. That sort of things. Sorry to digress but I must address what is happening now. Mob violence has been a threat to the authorities throughout time. The Romans famously used "Bread and Circuses" to keep the peace. Since the 1960's … Continue reading An ancient curse: May you live in interesting times
Wear a Mask PSA competition
Here in the state of New York we are required to wear a mask in public to stop the spread and protect other people. Governor Cuomo established a competition for New Yorkers to create a public service announcement to get the message across. More than 600 videos were submitted and the public gets to choose … Continue reading Wear a Mask PSA competition
Trying to keep our sense of humor
You may have heard that here in New York City all restaurants and bars are shut for dining in and only open for take-out and delivery. This action was chosen because too many New Yorkers ignored social distancing and crowded bars and restaurants all weekend. All evidence shows that this distancing and staying away from … Continue reading Trying to keep our sense of humor
New York Pandemic Shut Down Extra Credit
I was born in Florida and raised in Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio. I discovered New York City in my teens and fell in love right away. However, I did not move here until 1998. I discovered that native New Yorkers were disdainful of transplants like me. However, they reluctantly allowed us to call ourselves "New … Continue reading New York Pandemic Shut Down Extra Credit
A whole new world
Exactly a week ago I fretted about what would happen if the spreading COVID19 infection hit the theatre industry. Yesterday it came true. Broadway has been shut down for at least a month. But it is much worse than that. Professional basketball and hockey have been suspended. College basketball playoffs, which at first was going … Continue reading A whole new world
National Tater Tot Day
As you know, I celebrate National Food Days and have never mentioned National Tater Tots Day. It was not because I don't like them, I do. It is not because they are not interesting, they are. According to Wikipedia: "The product was created in 1953 when Ore-Ida founders F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg[1][2][3] were trying to figure … Continue reading National Tater Tot Day
I want my symbols back
Sometimes it is easiest to use a shortcut hand symbol to react to something. The good old thumbs down or thumbs up sign is reputed to go all the way back to the Roman Empire in gladiator contests. Thus it is recognized universally. After Trump used it reflexively during his campaign it became inextricably tied … Continue reading I want my symbols back
Rare Political Commentary
This blog is focused on theatrical experiences, personal notes, food adventures and celebrations of National Days. I seldom lapse into political commentary, but will make a brief exception today. President Trump and various members of his administration are currently embroiled in an impeachment fight that I have followed closely. I'm not predicting what the outcome … Continue reading Rare Political Commentary
Review – Hillary and Clinton
Playwright Lucas Hnath is on a bit of a "what if" kick lately, following his recent "A Doll's House, Part 2" with a look into two of our most famous political figures. While I shied from his multiple universe framing device, he nails the insight inside one of the most famous marriages of all time. … Continue reading Review – Hillary and Clinton
Live Podcast taping and my favorite political podcasts
Last Wednesday I attended a live taping of KCRW's Left, Right & Center post election special edition at The Town Hall here in New York. It is a radio show but I consume it as a podcast. It was up within 12 hours and is on their feed now if you wanted to listen to … Continue reading Live Podcast taping and my favorite political podcasts
VOTE
In the United States we have federal elections every two years and today is that day for 2018. I work hard to keep my political beliefs out of this blog. I respect every belief that is based on careful consideration of the facts. It can seem daunting to be a single citizen with a single … Continue reading VOTE
Review – Pound
Playwright Sean O'Leary has weighed in on a fascinating historical puzzle. Acclaimed poet and literary influencer Ezra Pound disgraced himself with anti-Semitic broadcasts in favor of Italy's fascist government during World War II. Returned to the US in 1945 he was committed to an asylum under threat of treason charges. With the support of one … Continue reading Review – Pound
Korean War Armistice Remembrance
Sixty five years ago this morning at 10 AM the Korean War Armistice went into effect. Technically we are still at war with North Korea and I am certain much will be made of that anniversary attendant with the recent theatrics surrounding the conflict. Maybe something will actually be accomplished. It is called America's Forgotten … Continue reading Korean War Armistice Remembrance
Independence Day
For a very long time the colonies were content to work as subjects of the King. When he tried to extract money to pay for the cost of defending them from the French and various native groups a growing number of colonists fought back to either have full representation in their governing bodies or, failing … Continue reading Independence Day
Happy Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day. Today is many things, the artificial start of summer, a long three day weekend, a traditional grilling out holiday, and a day to celebrate troops serving our country. Being an old hippie pacifist I still respect those who choose to protect our nation in uniform and under arms. But we are all … Continue reading Happy Memorial Day
Presidents Day
Today is Presidents Day, a day off for many, and an opportunity to salute the Presidents who have made this country great. Though timed for the birthdays of George Washington (who demonstrated restraint with power) and Abraham Lincoln (who brought civility to our nation's greatest challenge), it is intended to salute all presidents. This post … Continue reading Presidents Day
Review – Hello Dolly!
Thorton Wilder's play THE MATCHMAKER is the foundation for the musical HELLO DOLLY! Mr. Wilder's work is wonderful and the musical adapted from it was a big hit right from its premiere in the 1960's. The current re-incarnation features the very talented Bernadette Peters and Victor Garber. I've seen each of them previously on Broadway … Continue reading Review – Hello Dolly!
Review – Hillbilly Elegy
It has been a while since I finished reading Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance but I needed time to reflect on it before I commented on it. Surprising to me, much in it was familiar. I too spent some of my life growing up between Dayton and Cincinnati and had neighbors (very nice people) who … Continue reading Review – Hillbilly Elegy
