Prompted by a piece in today's paper--on a totally unrelated subject--I started thinking about the female singers I enjoy, the ones I wish could sing every song I've ever loved.
Top of the list is Karen Carpenter, who I consider the best female pop singer of the past 50 years. I think there is probably no song she couldn't sing and make it better. She turned a silly ditty from Sesame Street, "Sing," into a Top 40 hit and the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" into a minor-key lament. Listen to her version of "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," and you'll wish she had dubbed Madonna in the movie. I think it's a tragedy she died before she could record an album of American standards and Broadway classics.
Second is probably Gloria Estefan. Her vocal range is much the same as Karen's, but she brings a Latin flair to everything she does...and does numbers Karen probably wouldn't have attempted, such "Conga" or "Go Away". But on a ballad, she's on a par with the best--if you can sing along with "The Words Get in the Way" without a catch in your throat, you're not human.
Third is a bit more obscure--Marilyn McCoo, once one of the leads in the Fifth Dimension. Another alto, she puts soul into the ballad mix, as well as a little jazz, with numbers like "Wedding Bell Blues" and "One Less Bell to Answer".
One more who died too young: Laurie Beechman. I first saw and heard this remarkable performer as the narrator in the original cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. After appearing in lead roles in other shows, notably Les Miserables and Cats, and recording some solo albums, she died of cancer at age 44.
You'll note an absence of sopranos. IMO, too many of them let their ability to sing above the melody obscure that melody in vocal tricks. Whitney Houston would have been a much better performer, again IMO, if she stopped trying to show off.
Any thoughts?
Sunday, August 09, 2020
Saturday, August 08, 2020
Why We Need the Electoral College
There's a lot of talk, as there is in any presidential election year, about abolishing the Electoral College. It always centers around "one person, one vote" and they way that the votes of the citizens of, say, Wyoming have more clout than those of, say, California. That the EC, in other words, dilutes the value of votes in the most populous states and increases the value of those in the least populous states.
Further, it is often said that the EC was created by the Founding Fathers to keep the Southern States from rejecting the Constitution and is, thus, inherently racist.
All the above may be true.
But it neglects the one problem with a direct popular vote for President: It would, effectively, disenfranchise the citizens of about two-thirds of the states. How? Let me explain: the bulk of the population of the United States now resides in the urban centers of a double handful of states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and California. There are enough voters in just the big cities and surrounding suburbs of those states, not even counting their rural and exurban populations (and two of them, NJ and CT, don't really have rural areas), to be a majority of voters in a Presidential election...in fact, to be an overwhelming majority.
It might be true that the two biggest cities in Texas--Dallas and Houston--would be outliers in that calculation, that they--unlike the other major metropolises--would be more likely to vote Republican than Democrat (but I'm not really sure of that). Still, the major metro areas of other states--Denver and Seattle, for instance--would likely take up the slack.
What do you think would happen if we elected a President in a system where only urban dwellers have a real voice in the result? How would the farmers of Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas react? What would the miners and oil riggers of West Virginia and Oklahoma think? Do you think they would simply acquiesce in a system that essentially treated them as irrelevant?
And they would be irrelevant, at least politically. No President would feel any need to invite their representatives to the table. What they would not be is irrelevant in other ways. They would still be relevant economically....but their economic importance would not grant them any political power any longer.
No, the EC is now the way we keep the energy belt and bread basket of this nation as supporters of the Constitution...and we, who dwell in the big cities, better keep that in mind.
Further, it is often said that the EC was created by the Founding Fathers to keep the Southern States from rejecting the Constitution and is, thus, inherently racist.
All the above may be true.
But it neglects the one problem with a direct popular vote for President: It would, effectively, disenfranchise the citizens of about two-thirds of the states. How? Let me explain: the bulk of the population of the United States now resides in the urban centers of a double handful of states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and California. There are enough voters in just the big cities and surrounding suburbs of those states, not even counting their rural and exurban populations (and two of them, NJ and CT, don't really have rural areas), to be a majority of voters in a Presidential election...in fact, to be an overwhelming majority.
It might be true that the two biggest cities in Texas--Dallas and Houston--would be outliers in that calculation, that they--unlike the other major metropolises--would be more likely to vote Republican than Democrat (but I'm not really sure of that). Still, the major metro areas of other states--Denver and Seattle, for instance--would likely take up the slack.
What do you think would happen if we elected a President in a system where only urban dwellers have a real voice in the result? How would the farmers of Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas react? What would the miners and oil riggers of West Virginia and Oklahoma think? Do you think they would simply acquiesce in a system that essentially treated them as irrelevant?
And they would be irrelevant, at least politically. No President would feel any need to invite their representatives to the table. What they would not be is irrelevant in other ways. They would still be relevant economically....but their economic importance would not grant them any political power any longer.
No, the EC is now the way we keep the energy belt and bread basket of this nation as supporters of the Constitution...and we, who dwell in the big cities, better keep that in mind.
Friday, August 07, 2020
Too Basic Communication
"What we have here is failure to communicate."
I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that famed line from Cool Hand Luke applies to much of our political and social discourse in the current climate. As an example, I've been trying to argue that the phrase "defund the police" is poor communication, because it's too easy for opponents to define "defund" as "abolish" and thus completely misrepresent the intentions of the cause. The problem is "reform the police" doesn't quite cut it, either--because police reform, historically, has been about official corruption not about the basic functions of the police.
Basically, we're stuck in a time when every issue has to be able to be reduced to a three- or four-word slogan, when the reality is that there is a long, nuanced policy proposal behind the sloganeering. But nobody has time for long, nuanced proposals anymore....and they don't fit in headlines or television chyron crawls, anyway.
In an episode of The West Wing during the preparations for a campaign debate, Jed Bartlet's staff are seeking a "ten-word answer" to the difficult questions of the day. Finally, Jed comes up with this:
That sums up how I feel about political and social discourse right now.
I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that famed line from Cool Hand Luke applies to much of our political and social discourse in the current climate. As an example, I've been trying to argue that the phrase "defund the police" is poor communication, because it's too easy for opponents to define "defund" as "abolish" and thus completely misrepresent the intentions of the cause. The problem is "reform the police" doesn't quite cut it, either--because police reform, historically, has been about official corruption not about the basic functions of the police.
Basically, we're stuck in a time when every issue has to be able to be reduced to a three- or four-word slogan, when the reality is that there is a long, nuanced policy proposal behind the sloganeering. But nobody has time for long, nuanced proposals anymore....and they don't fit in headlines or television chyron crawls, anyway.
In an episode of The West Wing during the preparations for a campaign debate, Jed Bartlet's staff are seeking a "ten-word answer" to the difficult questions of the day. Finally, Jed comes up with this:
That’s the ten-word answer my staff’s been looking for for weeks, there it is. Ten-word answers can kill you in political campaigns, they’re the tip of the sword. Here’s my question: what are the next ten words of your answer? Your taxes are too high? So are mine. Gimme the next ten words: How are we gonna do it? Gimme ten after that, I’ll drop out of the race right now … Every once in a while, there’s a day with an absolute right and an absolute wrong. But those days almost always include body counts. Other than that, there aren’t very many un-nuanced moments in leading a country that’s way too big for ten words. I’m the President of the United States, not the president of the people who agree with me. And by the way, if the left has a problem with that, they should vote for somebody else.
That sums up how I feel about political and social discourse right now.
Thursday, August 06, 2020
Weather or Not
OK...we were lucky. Tropical Storm Isaias gave us a mildly flooded basement (but we have one corner that gets wet in any rainstorm), but we never lost power or any other utility, no trees came down near us, and by 1 PM on Tuesday we had bright sunny skies and cool weather.
Wednesday was one of the nicest days this summer...not very hot, not very humid, a breeze blowing.
This morning, we woke up to a thunderstorm--not violent, but enough to say "I'll wait for a bit before I run errands."
My thoughts are with all my friends and associates in PA and elsewhere who have experienced severe flooding, damage from fallen trees, and utility outages, including some who will apparently be out for at least the weekend, and some who cannot work because of it.
Rain, rain, go away.....
Wednesday was one of the nicest days this summer...not very hot, not very humid, a breeze blowing.
This morning, we woke up to a thunderstorm--not violent, but enough to say "I'll wait for a bit before I run errands."
My thoughts are with all my friends and associates in PA and elsewhere who have experienced severe flooding, damage from fallen trees, and utility outages, including some who will apparently be out for at least the weekend, and some who cannot work because of it.
Rain, rain, go away.....
Wednesday, August 05, 2020
Trump: Comic-book Villain?
I haven't watched the entire Axios interview with Donald Trump (I have far better ways to spend that much time), but I have seen enough, with his responses on a wide array of subjects, to know that this man is either eternally confused, simply not interested in learning anything, or adamantly opposed to anything he doesn't see as being in his own best interest. Possibly all three.
And it doesn't seem to do any good to present him with evidence that refutes his position. Told that blacks are proportionally more likely to be killed by police than whites, he responds "I don't know that" and reverts to the argument that whites are killed as well and in higher numbers. Either he doesn't know what "proportionally" means, or he ignores it because he thinks his base audience neither knows or cares. Possibly both.
Clearly, in his mind, if he "doesn't know" something, it is either wrong, a lie, or simply doesn't really exist because, after all, he's a "stable genius," the smartest man he knows, the person whose advice he most relies on in regard to all subjects--and if he doesn't know something or knows differently, all other data must be false.
In my experience, these are indications of malevolent egotism, the kind we once associated with fictional villains like Lex Luthor and Doctor Doom.
And it doesn't seem to do any good to present him with evidence that refutes his position. Told that blacks are proportionally more likely to be killed by police than whites, he responds "I don't know that" and reverts to the argument that whites are killed as well and in higher numbers. Either he doesn't know what "proportionally" means, or he ignores it because he thinks his base audience neither knows or cares. Possibly both.
Clearly, in his mind, if he "doesn't know" something, it is either wrong, a lie, or simply doesn't really exist because, after all, he's a "stable genius," the smartest man he knows, the person whose advice he most relies on in regard to all subjects--and if he doesn't know something or knows differently, all other data must be false.
In my experience, these are indications of malevolent egotism, the kind we once associated with fictional villains like Lex Luthor and Doctor Doom.
Tuesday, August 04, 2020
Lantern's Light
Moving away from politics and current events for a bit....
When I was an active comics collector, one of my favorite titles was Green Lantern. For those unfamiliar with the character, GL was a test pilot named Hal Jordan who was recruited to become one of 3600 interstellar police officers throughout the universe by the group's founders, the mysterious Guardians of the Universe.
As a member, he was given three things: a power battery, shaped like a green lantern; a uniform; and a ring which, when charged at the battery, would emit a green energy that could be shaped and commanded by his will and imagination into anything he desired. A good deal of the time, GL used that ability to create giant, verdant versions of familiar objects: boxing gloves, fans, arrows, you name it.
That, of course, led to a question: Why use the power that way? I had my own theory--the ring was limited, as described, by the ring-bearer's will and imagination...but I figured it was also limited by his knowledge and abilities. He could create and manipulate those objects because he knew how they worked. He couldn't create a weapon that would vaporize an opponent because he had no idea how such a device would work...or even if it were possible.
Over time, I had to give up that theory as the writers came up with ways to use the ring that Hal Jordan couldn't possibly have understood (in one case, he used it to turn himself into a robot in order to enter a room filled with deadly radiation). But I always thought it was a logical limitation on his power...and one that would differentiate the various members of the Green Lantern Corps as they came from differing backgrounds and planets.
When I was an active comics collector, one of my favorite titles was Green Lantern. For those unfamiliar with the character, GL was a test pilot named Hal Jordan who was recruited to become one of 3600 interstellar police officers throughout the universe by the group's founders, the mysterious Guardians of the Universe.
As a member, he was given three things: a power battery, shaped like a green lantern; a uniform; and a ring which, when charged at the battery, would emit a green energy that could be shaped and commanded by his will and imagination into anything he desired. A good deal of the time, GL used that ability to create giant, verdant versions of familiar objects: boxing gloves, fans, arrows, you name it.
That, of course, led to a question: Why use the power that way? I had my own theory--the ring was limited, as described, by the ring-bearer's will and imagination...but I figured it was also limited by his knowledge and abilities. He could create and manipulate those objects because he knew how they worked. He couldn't create a weapon that would vaporize an opponent because he had no idea how such a device would work...or even if it were possible.
Over time, I had to give up that theory as the writers came up with ways to use the ring that Hal Jordan couldn't possibly have understood (in one case, he used it to turn himself into a robot in order to enter a room filled with deadly radiation). But I always thought it was a logical limitation on his power...and one that would differentiate the various members of the Green Lantern Corps as they came from differing backgrounds and planets.
Monday, August 03, 2020
"Invaded?"
This is a follow-up to yesterday's post about the Black Lives Matter march and rally in Ridley, where I live.
Yesterday, a counter-rally (unfortunately, much bigger) was held at the site of the police station...and while it appeared to be peaceful and the organizers made all the right noises about "only supporting the police" (see the article in today's Daily Times--I'd link to it, but the paper only allows me to read three articles on line a month), including a statement from chief organizer Joe Carafa, who said, "What happened yesterday had nothing to do with us." But it was clear that many of the attendees were the same people who screamed, shouted obscenities, and attempted to disrupt the BLM march--including some pick-up trucks that were identified as the same ones that deliberately spouted black exhaust at the marchers on Saturday.
More disturbing perhaps were a couple of comments in the "Sound-Off" column this morning, a feature in which people can call or e-mail and make anonymous remarks. One caller proudly announced "I was there and flying a Confederate flag, why is it wrong?" Well, my friend, if you have to ask, you clearly will never get it.
Even worse, though, was this one: "We have our rights. This is our home. We don't want it invaded and we can stand up for ourselves...." [emphasis added].
"Invaded?" If that is the way you speak and think of your fellow citizens exercising their rights, then you don't have any idea what the United States of America is about.
Yesterday, a counter-rally (unfortunately, much bigger) was held at the site of the police station...and while it appeared to be peaceful and the organizers made all the right noises about "only supporting the police" (see the article in today's Daily Times--I'd link to it, but the paper only allows me to read three articles on line a month), including a statement from chief organizer Joe Carafa, who said, "What happened yesterday had nothing to do with us." But it was clear that many of the attendees were the same people who screamed, shouted obscenities, and attempted to disrupt the BLM march--including some pick-up trucks that were identified as the same ones that deliberately spouted black exhaust at the marchers on Saturday.
More disturbing perhaps were a couple of comments in the "Sound-Off" column this morning, a feature in which people can call or e-mail and make anonymous remarks. One caller proudly announced "I was there and flying a Confederate flag, why is it wrong?" Well, my friend, if you have to ask, you clearly will never get it.
Even worse, though, was this one: "We have our rights. This is our home. We don't want it invaded and we can stand up for ourselves...." [emphasis added].
"Invaded?" If that is the way you speak and think of your fellow citizens exercising their rights, then you don't have any idea what the United States of America is about.
Sunday, August 02, 2020
Shame on Ridley
I moved to Ridley Township almost exactly 22 years ago, in August 1998. In all that time, I have been happy to call myself a resident and have never felt my neighbors in the township are a problem. Yes, I've met a few jerks, but on the whole, they are polite, respectful people.
Yesterday, I was ashamed to admit I live here. A small Black Lives Matter march and rally was held (I counted the participants at under 100) and was met by a rude and, yes, violent counter-protest of about the same size.
I didn't join the group until they got to the township police station, which is a short walk from my home. The violence was over, thanks to the local police who professionally separated the two sides, but the rudeness and stupidity from the counter-protesters continued. I heard one man yell to a speaker, "You're a Marxist!"--which makes me question if he even understands the word, because the speaker had said nothing that could remotely be characterized in that way, unless of course to be in favor of justice for all, no matter race, ethnicity or religion, is now a Marxist precept. Another yelled for the speaker to "Go back where you came from," but since the speaker, a young black man, spoke with no discernible foreign accent, that could only be a call for him to return to his own home, which was just as likely to be in Ridley as anywhere else.
I give full marks to the Ridley Township police and those from other jurisdictions who were also present. They did not turn out in riot gear, though some of the non-local cops wore visible bullet-proof vests. At one point a line of the police was deployed in front of the police station, in an obvious move to "protect" it--although the marchers gave no indication they intended to attack it in any way. In fact, shortly after that action was taken, the speakers announced that the marchers were returning the way they came and left to go back to their initial rallying place.
One more point: The marchers all wore masks. For the most part, the counter-protesters did not.
I am sad for my neighbors who were so badly misrepresented by the few who showed up yesterday. I urge you all, let it be known they did speak for you.
Yesterday, I was ashamed to admit I live here. A small Black Lives Matter march and rally was held (I counted the participants at under 100) and was met by a rude and, yes, violent counter-protest of about the same size.
That's a quote from the article in this morning's Delaware County Times.While the Black Lives Matter protesters marched along MacDade Boulevard, two pick-up trucks stopped in front of them near Kedron Avenue and burned a bunch of black smoke in front of them.Throughout the route, which started at the park across the street from Frontier Saloon, then went down Academy Avenue to Holmes Road, then down MacDade to the township police station, both sides yelled at each other with shouts ranging from "Go the f--- home!" to "We love you!"
I didn't join the group until they got to the township police station, which is a short walk from my home. The violence was over, thanks to the local police who professionally separated the two sides, but the rudeness and stupidity from the counter-protesters continued. I heard one man yell to a speaker, "You're a Marxist!"--which makes me question if he even understands the word, because the speaker had said nothing that could remotely be characterized in that way, unless of course to be in favor of justice for all, no matter race, ethnicity or religion, is now a Marxist precept. Another yelled for the speaker to "Go back where you came from," but since the speaker, a young black man, spoke with no discernible foreign accent, that could only be a call for him to return to his own home, which was just as likely to be in Ridley as anywhere else.
I give full marks to the Ridley Township police and those from other jurisdictions who were also present. They did not turn out in riot gear, though some of the non-local cops wore visible bullet-proof vests. At one point a line of the police was deployed in front of the police station, in an obvious move to "protect" it--although the marchers gave no indication they intended to attack it in any way. In fact, shortly after that action was taken, the speakers announced that the marchers were returning the way they came and left to go back to their initial rallying place.
One more point: The marchers all wore masks. For the most part, the counter-protesters did not.
I am sad for my neighbors who were so badly misrepresented by the few who showed up yesterday. I urge you all, let it be known they did speak for you.
Saturday, August 01, 2020
Updates
1. Updating yesterday's entry on baseball: there is now at least one more team out of action, the St. Louis Cardinals, who had several staff test positive on Thursday. Whether that will affect the team they played earlier in the week, the Minnesota Twins, remains to be seen.
2. Updating Thursday: The heat wave here has broken, after thunderstorms Thursday night and rain nearly all day Friday. Now, we're waiting to see how much we're affected by Hurricane Isaias. (Ad how are your local broadcasters doing with pronouncing that one? Consensus here seems to "Ee-sigh-as".)
3. Updating Wednesday: Thursday's paper did not include all the things missing from Wednesday's edition--except the classified ads and death notices (which are paid for, so they have to run them). It did however include, again, the "special section" aimed at senior citizens, which ran complete--as near as I can tell--in Wednesday's paper.
2. Updating Thursday: The heat wave here has broken, after thunderstorms Thursday night and rain nearly all day Friday. Now, we're waiting to see how much we're affected by Hurricane Isaias. (Ad how are your local broadcasters doing with pronouncing that one? Consensus here seems to "Ee-sigh-as".)
3. Updating Wednesday: Thursday's paper did not include all the things missing from Wednesday's edition--except the classified ads and death notices (which are paid for, so they have to run them). It did however include, again, the "special section" aimed at senior citizens, which ran complete--as near as I can tell--in Wednesday's paper.
Friday, July 31, 2020
Play Ball? Redux
My good friend Rich Kolker has been posting on Facebook about "fixing" baseball for the future--suggesting things like a pitch clock, but arguing against starting extra-innings with a man on second. That's all well and good....but I have a greater concern about whether baseball can even play even a shortened season this year.
We're just over a week into this "season" and already two teams--the Phillies and the Marlins--have all but suspended operations, mostly because the Marlins apparently were not as careful about isolating their players and staff as they might have been. (At last count, the Marlins had 17 players and staff test positive for COVID-19 and, as a consequence, three Phillies staffers are not infected and both clubhouses at Citizens Bank Park are off limits.) It has meant an incredible juggling of the schedules of the rest of the teams...and no idea when those missed games will be made up, if at all.
And this morning, I was struck by the fact that there are six other teams headquartered in COVID hot spots: the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Angels. I haven't heard anything about problems with their rosters, but I think it's inevitable there will be....and then what?
We're just over a week into this "season" and already two teams--the Phillies and the Marlins--have all but suspended operations, mostly because the Marlins apparently were not as careful about isolating their players and staff as they might have been. (At last count, the Marlins had 17 players and staff test positive for COVID-19 and, as a consequence, three Phillies staffers are not infected and both clubhouses at Citizens Bank Park are off limits.) It has meant an incredible juggling of the schedules of the rest of the teams...and no idea when those missed games will be made up, if at all.
And this morning, I was struck by the fact that there are six other teams headquartered in COVID hot spots: the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Angels. I haven't heard anything about problems with their rosters, but I think it's inevitable there will be....and then what?
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Beating the Heat
Today my area tied a record for the most days at 90 or above in July. We've been in a heat wave--with high humidity--for nearly two weeks. That means my usual methods for getting some fresh air and sunshine--a walk in the park, or even sitting outside in the yard to read--have been out of the question.
We're getting a break--a little bit of one, temps only in the high 80s--over the weekend, but we're right back in the sauna in August. So, other than staying in your air-conditioned lair, how do you deal with this kind of weather?
We're getting a break--a little bit of one, temps only in the high 80s--over the weekend, but we're right back in the sauna in August. So, other than staying in your air-conditioned lair, how do you deal with this kind of weather?
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Morning Screw-ups
I have a morning routine. I suspect most of us do.
Mine is that I bring in the local paper that was dropped in my driveway, make breakfast, and while I eat, read the paper (with Morning Joe on in the background). After I've eaten, I do the puzzles in the paper--the crossword and "Celebrity Cypher".
The last two mornings that routine has been disrupted. Yesterday, the paper wasn't there on the driveway. This has happened a few times in the past month, and always on a Tuesday. I'm beginning to suspect that, on Tuesday, there's someone who passes the house and swipes the paper. (Part of my reasoning on this is that last Tuesday, when there was no paper, was the day the delivery bill would normally be included. I can't imagine my delivery person neglecting to deliver the paper and the bill.)
Today was even stranger. The paper was there...but, by my reckoning, only half of it. The index on the inside front page lists 64 pages of contents. The paper, as delivered, has only 32 pages. Among the missing pages: comics, syndicated columns, puzzles, and sports. Yes, the entire sports section, including the back page which is usually the sports headline story, is not there.
I went around the corner to the local convenience store...and all their copies were identical to mine and they said they had already put in a complaint. I plan to as well.
Mine is that I bring in the local paper that was dropped in my driveway, make breakfast, and while I eat, read the paper (with Morning Joe on in the background). After I've eaten, I do the puzzles in the paper--the crossword and "Celebrity Cypher".
The last two mornings that routine has been disrupted. Yesterday, the paper wasn't there on the driveway. This has happened a few times in the past month, and always on a Tuesday. I'm beginning to suspect that, on Tuesday, there's someone who passes the house and swipes the paper. (Part of my reasoning on this is that last Tuesday, when there was no paper, was the day the delivery bill would normally be included. I can't imagine my delivery person neglecting to deliver the paper and the bill.)
Today was even stranger. The paper was there...but, by my reckoning, only half of it. The index on the inside front page lists 64 pages of contents. The paper, as delivered, has only 32 pages. Among the missing pages: comics, syndicated columns, puzzles, and sports. Yes, the entire sports section, including the back page which is usually the sports headline story, is not there.
I went around the corner to the local convenience store...and all their copies were identical to mine and they said they had already put in a complaint. I plan to as well.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Play Ball?
Four days into the "season" and Major League Baseball has had to postpone two games--in two different cities--because a dozen or so players and staff on one team (the Miami Marlins) tested positive for COVID-19. The Phillies-Yankees game that was supposed to be played last night didn't happen...because the Phillies had to be tested after playing the Marlins over the weekend and because the visiting players clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park had to be cleaned and disinfected. The Orioles-Marlins game scheduled for last night in Baltimore similarly was postponed, because the Marlins are quarantined in their Philly hotel until the remaining players and staff are cleared.
There's no word from MLB on when or how those games will be played. No word on how MLB will deal with similar situations in the future (and there will be similar situations in the future, I have no doubt). How does baseball carry on with two or three or more games being "postponed" every week over COVID concerns, not to mention the inevitable games cancelled or postponed due to weather?
I will be very surprised if baseball is still being played three weeks from now.
There's no word from MLB on when or how those games will be played. No word on how MLB will deal with similar situations in the future (and there will be similar situations in the future, I have no doubt). How does baseball carry on with two or three or more games being "postponed" every week over COVID concerns, not to mention the inevitable games cancelled or postponed due to weather?
I will be very surprised if baseball is still being played three weeks from now.
Monday, July 27, 2020
In Memoriam: Olivia deHavilland, 1916-2020
By now, I am probably among the last to post a tribute to Olivia deHavilland. She died Saturday, just weeks after her 104th birthday. With her, it can truly be said, Old Hollywood passed as well.
Much has been said of her role as Melanie Wilkes in Gone With the Wind, but that is not my favorite of her many roles. Nor is Maid Marian in The Adventures of Robin Hood, though she is glorious in that. My favorite is Arabella Bishop in Captain Blood, the first of her nine co-starring roles with Errol Flynn. In that role, she is not just beautiful, but young, gay and sassy.
One of the obituaries I read of her said she was one of those actresses who was "too beautiful for her own good," and that can certainly be acknowledged as true. Her beauty and bearing meant she was most often cast in the part of the "good girl," the one with a heart of gold and very little brass to her nature. (That's part of the reason I prefer her in Captain Blood--Arabella is defiant and a little annoyed by the restrictions of her place in society.)
Like many actresses of her type and era, she did not begin to get the meaty roles that won her two Oscars until she grew a bit older and her beauty became more regal and less gamin.
I guess I'll be watching Captain Blood, Robin Hood and one of her Flynn co-starring Westerns, Dodge City, in the coming days.
Much has been said of her role as Melanie Wilkes in Gone With the Wind, but that is not my favorite of her many roles. Nor is Maid Marian in The Adventures of Robin Hood, though she is glorious in that. My favorite is Arabella Bishop in Captain Blood, the first of her nine co-starring roles with Errol Flynn. In that role, she is not just beautiful, but young, gay and sassy.
One of the obituaries I read of her said she was one of those actresses who was "too beautiful for her own good," and that can certainly be acknowledged as true. Her beauty and bearing meant she was most often cast in the part of the "good girl," the one with a heart of gold and very little brass to her nature. (That's part of the reason I prefer her in Captain Blood--Arabella is defiant and a little annoyed by the restrictions of her place in society.)
Like many actresses of her type and era, she did not begin to get the meaty roles that won her two Oscars until she grew a bit older and her beauty became more regal and less gamin.
I guess I'll be watching Captain Blood, Robin Hood and one of her Flynn co-starring Westerns, Dodge City, in the coming days.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Not What I Wanted
I think we all have things we say about how we would like the world or life to be. "Like a fairy-tale" or "like a romantic comedy". Some may even wish for it to be like an old-time cop show, where the bad guys always pay the price.
This morning, I saw the following on Facebook:
"I know I said I wanted life to be like a musical....
"...but I didn't mean the second act of Into The Woods...."
This morning, I saw the following on Facebook:
"I know I said I wanted life to be like a musical....
"...but I didn't mean the second act of Into The Woods...."
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Christmas in ....?
Today, July 25, a bunch of places--notably the Hallmark Channel--are celebrating "Christmas in July." It seems to be an annual thing, I know, but one thing has always perplexed me: Why "...in July"?
If the idea is to give ourselves a holiday six months after the real one, shouldn't be "Christmas in June," on June 25? Why are we doing it seven months later? I know people who celebrate their "half-birthdays" six months after their real ones. I know people, usually relatively newly-weds, who celebrate their "half-anniversaries"--six months after their real ones. I don't know anyone who celebrates their birthday (or anniversary) plus seven months.
Can you explain this?
If the idea is to give ourselves a holiday six months after the real one, shouldn't be "Christmas in June," on June 25? Why are we doing it seven months later? I know people who celebrate their "half-birthdays" six months after their real ones. I know people, usually relatively newly-weds, who celebrate their "half-anniversaries"--six months after their real ones. I don't know anyone who celebrates their birthday (or anniversary) plus seven months.
Can you explain this?
Friday, July 24, 2020
First Quarter
Well, in just one week, I will have been retired for a full three months--the end of my first quarter not working for the first time since I was 18. And what have I learned?
First of all, I've learned that you should always have something planned for what you will do with all your time. I did have a plan--I was going to do a lot more work with community theater, clean out the garage and have the junk hauled away, volunteer more at church. All those plans pretty much fell by the wayside: Community theaters closed in April and have yet to announce re-opening plans; the places that assist in junk clearing have strict rules about what they will and will not do, none of which work for me at the moment; church is only now re-opening and still has restrictions on things to be done....all, of course, because of the pandemic.
So, instead, I've been spending lots more time at this keyboard and sitting around reading. In the first few months, I got out to the local park to walk or even sit and read there. But 90 degree heat and 90% humidity as we've had for a lot of the last month does not allow for that in comfort.
I hadn't planned on being housebound so much. I'm rethinking my plans for the next few months.
First of all, I've learned that you should always have something planned for what you will do with all your time. I did have a plan--I was going to do a lot more work with community theater, clean out the garage and have the junk hauled away, volunteer more at church. All those plans pretty much fell by the wayside: Community theaters closed in April and have yet to announce re-opening plans; the places that assist in junk clearing have strict rules about what they will and will not do, none of which work for me at the moment; church is only now re-opening and still has restrictions on things to be done....all, of course, because of the pandemic.
So, instead, I've been spending lots more time at this keyboard and sitting around reading. In the first few months, I got out to the local park to walk or even sit and read there. But 90 degree heat and 90% humidity as we've had for a lot of the last month does not allow for that in comfort.
I hadn't planned on being housebound so much. I'm rethinking my plans for the next few months.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Keeping Busy
What are you doing to keep busy in the time of COVID? I started this blog so I would have something to get my mind working each morning, something that made me say, "You have to think, plan, have a motivation." But even that is not enough.
I miss performing; I miss directing; I miss meeting people to work together on a project. I'm preparing to lead a "puppet ministry" with the youth director at my church...but even that is largely on hold until we can once again meet in large groups.
I spend too much time on the computer, mostly just surfing the web and responding to stuff on Facebook. Sometimes that becomes an impetus for this blog, but mostly it's time-filler. I'm reading more--I'm halfway through the 46 books Rex Stout wrote about Nero Wolfe...and that's in just over a month.
What are you doing?
I miss performing; I miss directing; I miss meeting people to work together on a project. I'm preparing to lead a "puppet ministry" with the youth director at my church...but even that is largely on hold until we can once again meet in large groups.
I spend too much time on the computer, mostly just surfing the web and responding to stuff on Facebook. Sometimes that becomes an impetus for this blog, but mostly it's time-filler. I'm reading more--I'm halfway through the 46 books Rex Stout wrote about Nero Wolfe...and that's in just over a month.
What are you doing?
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
That Which Survives
As I was thinking about what to write for today, I began to consider a question: Which businesses and industries affected by the pandemic and lock-down are likely to come out okay in a year or so...and which will suffer to the point of non-existence?
I think the largest retailers--Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, etc.--will do all right. They all might wind up with a "down" year...maybe even an unprofitable one...but they'll survive. Businesses we once thought of as invincible--Macy's, Sears--that were already suffering from the turn to on-line retail will become even smaller. Sears will probably disappear entirely, selling off its once iconic brands like Kenmore and Craftsman to others.
Local and regional stores will be dependent on the local economies. Around here, the regional chain Boscov's was one of the first to resume advertising as we opened up; getting a jump on its more national competition will, I think, put it in good position to survive. The chains that are largely mall-located (American Eagle, Express, as examples) are in for a hard road.
The entertainment business is another question entirely. I honestly don't see movie theaters opening in any real sense before Summer 2021, in part because it will take that long for the movie industry to have enough product to fill them. Can they survive a full year closed? The production end, once they have the go-ahead in Los Angeles and New York, can ramp up pretty quickly. If they haven't been doing the pre-production work of script development, set design, storyboards in the past three or four months, they've missed a bet. (But I'd look for a glut of animated features, because so much of that work can be done remotely these days.) And, of course, they can turn to streaming services until the theaters are back in business.
Speaking of theaters, I think the entertainment business that will suffer the most is live theater. Broadway doesn't expect to be open until January 2021 and I suspect that is optimistic. Even shows that were open and running last February will have trouble getting back on the boards. Can they get the cast back? Will they have to hold a new casting audition? New shows will be even worse off--they won't even be able to begin casting until January (if then) and the long road through rehearsals and try-outs means Fall of 2021 for new productions. (I expect a lot of revivals, which will require less in the way of tweaking of script, etc.)
National tours will probably be moribund until Fall of 2021 as well, waiting until most of the country is fully open before scheduling anything.
Now we get to what I really care about: Local amateur theater. Everything around here is shut down, at least until January, I think. (I figure being able to start auditions in September/October and then two months of rehearsals and such, if we're lucky.) And a lot of those early productions may be very bare-bones--the theaters will have gone through nine months with no revenue...and probably even some losses, as rights that were paid for shows intended to be produced in the Spring may not have been refunded.
What do you think? Is my analysis correct?
I think the largest retailers--Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, etc.--will do all right. They all might wind up with a "down" year...maybe even an unprofitable one...but they'll survive. Businesses we once thought of as invincible--Macy's, Sears--that were already suffering from the turn to on-line retail will become even smaller. Sears will probably disappear entirely, selling off its once iconic brands like Kenmore and Craftsman to others.
Local and regional stores will be dependent on the local economies. Around here, the regional chain Boscov's was one of the first to resume advertising as we opened up; getting a jump on its more national competition will, I think, put it in good position to survive. The chains that are largely mall-located (American Eagle, Express, as examples) are in for a hard road.
The entertainment business is another question entirely. I honestly don't see movie theaters opening in any real sense before Summer 2021, in part because it will take that long for the movie industry to have enough product to fill them. Can they survive a full year closed? The production end, once they have the go-ahead in Los Angeles and New York, can ramp up pretty quickly. If they haven't been doing the pre-production work of script development, set design, storyboards in the past three or four months, they've missed a bet. (But I'd look for a glut of animated features, because so much of that work can be done remotely these days.) And, of course, they can turn to streaming services until the theaters are back in business.
Speaking of theaters, I think the entertainment business that will suffer the most is live theater. Broadway doesn't expect to be open until January 2021 and I suspect that is optimistic. Even shows that were open and running last February will have trouble getting back on the boards. Can they get the cast back? Will they have to hold a new casting audition? New shows will be even worse off--they won't even be able to begin casting until January (if then) and the long road through rehearsals and try-outs means Fall of 2021 for new productions. (I expect a lot of revivals, which will require less in the way of tweaking of script, etc.)
National tours will probably be moribund until Fall of 2021 as well, waiting until most of the country is fully open before scheduling anything.
Now we get to what I really care about: Local amateur theater. Everything around here is shut down, at least until January, I think. (I figure being able to start auditions in September/October and then two months of rehearsals and such, if we're lucky.) And a lot of those early productions may be very bare-bones--the theaters will have gone through nine months with no revenue...and probably even some losses, as rights that were paid for shows intended to be produced in the Spring may not have been refunded.
What do you think? Is my analysis correct?
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Music, Music, Music
For a number of reasons, including the new computer, I am rebuilding my digital music library, starting with importing my CD collection.
What does your music collection look like? Mine is pop music from the '60s to the early '80s, Broadway and film musical cast albums, and instrumental movie soundtracks. Favorites are the Beatles, the Carpenters, Simon & Garfunkel, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Gershwin, Lerner & Loewe, John Williams, Miklos Rosza, and Wolfgang Korngold.
So a lot of my music is older than I am...in some cases much older. How about you?
What does your music collection look like? Mine is pop music from the '60s to the early '80s, Broadway and film musical cast albums, and instrumental movie soundtracks. Favorites are the Beatles, the Carpenters, Simon & Garfunkel, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Gershwin, Lerner & Loewe, John Williams, Miklos Rosza, and Wolfgang Korngold.
So a lot of my music is older than I am...in some cases much older. How about you?
Monday, July 20, 2020
Live With It?
I may have said this before, but I think on some level, COVID-19 is something that we as a civilization will simply have to learn to live with...at least for the next several years.
Yes, I know, it's deadly--but so were tuberculosis, malaria, yellow fever (want to know how bad yellow fever could be? Watch the movie Jezebel sometime.), and a host of other maladies we dealt with in the past (and I'm not even going to go back to the days of smallpox and plague). The difference today is, I think, two-fold.
1. We have a much better understanding of disease and how it spreads then we did even 80 years ago, when our soldiers brought back malaria from the South Pacific. That means we can treat things better and control the infection rate.
2. Conversely, we have greater ability to track the spread and inform the public...not only in our own nation, but worldwide...and that's one of the problems. Sometimes information is scary.
The thing that worries me even more than living with the virus for another two years is what it is doing to our political life. None of the other scourges I mentioned (or others such as polio) became politicized in the way COVID-19 has. Nobody called the Spanish Flu a political hoax--at least not in any reports I've read. Nobody suggested the annual polio epidemics or yellow fever epidemics were a tool being used by their political opponents.
That is even scarier than the epidemic itself.
Yes, I know, it's deadly--but so were tuberculosis, malaria, yellow fever (want to know how bad yellow fever could be? Watch the movie Jezebel sometime.), and a host of other maladies we dealt with in the past (and I'm not even going to go back to the days of smallpox and plague). The difference today is, I think, two-fold.
1. We have a much better understanding of disease and how it spreads then we did even 80 years ago, when our soldiers brought back malaria from the South Pacific. That means we can treat things better and control the infection rate.
2. Conversely, we have greater ability to track the spread and inform the public...not only in our own nation, but worldwide...and that's one of the problems. Sometimes information is scary.
The thing that worries me even more than living with the virus for another two years is what it is doing to our political life. None of the other scourges I mentioned (or others such as polio) became politicized in the way COVID-19 has. Nobody called the Spanish Flu a political hoax--at least not in any reports I've read. Nobody suggested the annual polio epidemics or yellow fever epidemics were a tool being used by their political opponents.
That is even scarier than the epidemic itself.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Extremities
Am I alone in thinking that our current situation--pandemic, lock-down, racial and political unrest--has caused normally sane, rational people to go off the deep end? All too often I see postings from people I have known for years espousing extreme positions--on both the right and the left. I see writings from newspaper columnists--who I may have disagreed with in the past but who I always thought of as reasonable--that take positions so far from the center as to fall off the edge.
I'm not naming names or posting examples. I'm not interested in starting any flame wars. But I sincerely wonder if we can continue in our present state without coming to blows with those with whom we used to share common interests, if not always the same opinions.
I'm not naming names or posting examples. I'm not interested in starting any flame wars. But I sincerely wonder if we can continue in our present state without coming to blows with those with whom we used to share common interests, if not always the same opinions.
Saturday, July 18, 2020
New Computer II
OK...so I'm on the new computer. I never did manage to get the virtual machine with Windows 7 set up--because I couldn't get a working version of Win7 (or of any earlier version of Windows, despite having disks for 95 and 98 still on hand from older computers).
But it has forced me to explore some of the capabilities of parts of Win10 I wasn't aware of. Turns out Paint 3D will do a lot of the things I wanted that other, older, image program for...not in the same way and not without some finagling, but I can achieve many of the same effects.
I'd still like to find a good video editor, since Win10 eliminated Moviemaker. MS claims Photos' video editor is just as good, but--from what I can tell in playing around with it--no, it's not. For instance, in Moviemaker, I could "splice" two videos together by starting with one and then inserting the other one, and then doing a fade or some other transition to the next. Can't do that in Photos and believe me, I've looked through the instructions and the help files.
Anyone have a good video editor they trust, preferably free?
But it has forced me to explore some of the capabilities of parts of Win10 I wasn't aware of. Turns out Paint 3D will do a lot of the things I wanted that other, older, image program for...not in the same way and not without some finagling, but I can achieve many of the same effects.
I'd still like to find a good video editor, since Win10 eliminated Moviemaker. MS claims Photos' video editor is just as good, but--from what I can tell in playing around with it--no, it's not. For instance, in Moviemaker, I could "splice" two videos together by starting with one and then inserting the other one, and then doing a fade or some other transition to the next. Can't do that in Photos and believe me, I've looked through the instructions and the help files.
Anyone have a good video editor they trust, preferably free?
Friday, July 17, 2020
Musing on "Mason"
Jill likes the old Perry Mason series--she uses it as background noise while she's working (in part because the distinctive theme song helps her keep track of time) and finds it to be soothing TV at bedtime. That has got me thinking about how to revive/reboot the concept, especially since so many people seem to think the current attempt, with an "origin" story, has failed.
Here's my idea:
Erle Stanley Gardner wrote 82 Mason novels from the early 1930s to the mid '60s...and each was set contemporary to the time it was written. Let's set the series somewhere in the middle, say early 1950s, and only use adaptations of the actual novels. Yes, some details of each might have to be altered to fit the period, but not radically so. Each episode should run 90 minutes, to give enough time not to rush the story.
If this sounds like the A&E Nero Wolfe series with Timothy Hutton, yes, it does. I've always thought that was the best way to get a long-running book series on TV.
Here's my idea:
Erle Stanley Gardner wrote 82 Mason novels from the early 1930s to the mid '60s...and each was set contemporary to the time it was written. Let's set the series somewhere in the middle, say early 1950s, and only use adaptations of the actual novels. Yes, some details of each might have to be altered to fit the period, but not radically so. Each episode should run 90 minutes, to give enough time not to rush the story.
If this sounds like the A&E Nero Wolfe series with Timothy Hutton, yes, it does. I've always thought that was the best way to get a long-running book series on TV.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Illustration vs. "Art"
As I mentioned yesterday, this morning Jill and I visited the Brandywine River Museum, dedicated to the works of the Wyeth family and related artists. It has one of the finest collections of book and magazine illustration from the "Golden Age" (circa 1880 to 1920), including, of course, the work of the family patriarch, N.C. Wyeth.
Despite a very successful career, Wyeth struggled with being recognized within the larger art community, in which he was derided as "merely an illustrator," as were his friends and contemporaries Howard Pyle and Norman Rockwell--as well as all those who turned out dozens of drawings, paintings to illustrate stories, articles, books, and magazine covers. To be honest, it's a distinction I've never understood.
First of all, if the objection is that the illustrators worked on commission, producing not what they wished but what their clients wished, then so did hundreds of "classical" painters. Perhaps the most famous painting of all time, the Mona Lisa, was done on commission for the subject's husband. If the objection is that, rather than painting from their own imaginations or from nature, the illustrators are interpreting the words of storyteller, how does that differ from da Vinci interpreting the words of the Gospels to delineate the Last Supper, or Botticelli interpreting the Roman myths to paint the birth of Venus?
At any rate, if you have any interest in great illustration, I urge you to visit this museum. Here's a link to its website: https://www.brandywine.org/museum
And, if you are unfamiliar with Wyeth's work, here's one of his paintings for the Charles Scribner edition of Treasure Island:
Despite a very successful career, Wyeth struggled with being recognized within the larger art community, in which he was derided as "merely an illustrator," as were his friends and contemporaries Howard Pyle and Norman Rockwell--as well as all those who turned out dozens of drawings, paintings to illustrate stories, articles, books, and magazine covers. To be honest, it's a distinction I've never understood.
First of all, if the objection is that the illustrators worked on commission, producing not what they wished but what their clients wished, then so did hundreds of "classical" painters. Perhaps the most famous painting of all time, the Mona Lisa, was done on commission for the subject's husband. If the objection is that, rather than painting from their own imaginations or from nature, the illustrators are interpreting the words of storyteller, how does that differ from da Vinci interpreting the words of the Gospels to delineate the Last Supper, or Botticelli interpreting the Roman myths to paint the birth of Venus?
At any rate, if you have any interest in great illustration, I urge you to visit this museum. Here's a link to its website: https://www.brandywine.org/museum
And, if you are unfamiliar with Wyeth's work, here's one of his paintings for the Charles Scribner edition of Treasure Island:
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Looking for Things to Do
With Jill on vacation, we've been searching for things to do. We've run some necessary errands the last few days, but nothing really "fun". We went to church last night--with full pandemic controls (masks, no singing, limited seating).
Tomorrow, we're making a visit to one of our favorite local museums, the Brandywine River Museum, which specializes in the works of the Wyeth family and related subjects, especially illustration art, such as that created by family patriarch N.C. Wythe and his contemporaries. Sunday, we'll be headed out in the same direction to the Chaddsford Winery. I don't drink, but there's other things there and Jill will certainly enjoy it.
Tomorrow, we're making a visit to one of our favorite local museums, the Brandywine River Museum, which specializes in the works of the Wyeth family and related subjects, especially illustration art, such as that created by family patriarch N.C. Wythe and his contemporaries. Sunday, we'll be headed out in the same direction to the Chaddsford Winery. I don't drink, but there's other things there and Jill will certainly enjoy it.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
New Computer
I'm coming to you today thanks to a new computer.
My old one has been on its last legs for at least a year and especially became difficult after Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7. Yesterday, a program I use a lot began crashing, and when I tried to re-install it, the system insisted it needed more disk space, even though I had deleted the bad version of that program.
So, that settled it. I did a little investigation and within two hours brought home a brand new HP desktop from Best Buy. A few hours after that, it was up and running with all my old programs...except one that won't even install on Windows 10. Knowing that might be an issue even before yesterday, I had explored my options and my computer whiz son suggested a "virtual machine." I have now contacted him for advice on how to set that up.
My old one has been on its last legs for at least a year and especially became difficult after Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7. Yesterday, a program I use a lot began crashing, and when I tried to re-install it, the system insisted it needed more disk space, even though I had deleted the bad version of that program.
So, that settled it. I did a little investigation and within two hours brought home a brand new HP desktop from Best Buy. A few hours after that, it was up and running with all my old programs...except one that won't even install on Windows 10. Knowing that might be an issue even before yesterday, I had explored my options and my computer whiz son suggested a "virtual machine." I have now contacted him for advice on how to set that up.
Monday, July 13, 2020
Dining Out, Inside
Jill and I had dinner at Iron Hill Brewery in Media, PA last night and it was a pleasant, unstressful experience. Yes, we wore masks, but took them off once we were seated. The restaurant had rearranged things to 50% capacity, but even then were not filled at 6 PM on a Sunday. The bar area seemed busy, but still not filled to its new limits.
The current menu is somewhat limited--only one kind of steak on offer and only one dessert listed. The waiter told us they planned on increasing the selection once they had a better handle on what kind of business to expect (after all, they've only been open for any kind of sit-down service for about two weeks).
We felt comfortable and safe. We saw them cleaning areas that had been used, so they are maintaining standards. I can heartily recommend Iron Hill to my Delaware County neighbors.
The current menu is somewhat limited--only one kind of steak on offer and only one dessert listed. The waiter told us they planned on increasing the selection once they had a better handle on what kind of business to expect (after all, they've only been open for any kind of sit-down service for about two weeks).
We felt comfortable and safe. We saw them cleaning areas that had been used, so they are maintaining standards. I can heartily recommend Iron Hill to my Delaware County neighbors.
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Fan Art: Hazard Pay?
More years ago than I care to remember (1975, I think), a friend named Jim Glenn (now known as Teel James Glenn) and I published two issues of a comics fanzine called Factors Unknown. My major contribution was a character called Chris Sheridan, the Hazardman. (Our major claim to fame as editors and publishers is being one of the first places to put George Perez's work in print.)
Anyway, skip ahead about five years, and as I'm working on stuff for Star Trek and Star Wars fanzines, I was asked by one editor (Anne Zeek, I think) to come up with an original idea, as she was expanding what she wanted to publish. I returned to Hazardman and revamped the concept as "H is for Hazard". The character was much the same--a human raised by aliens and returned to Earth as their agent. He operates in disguise, under the name Hazard, and in pretty much the same outfit I drew him as when he was a comic-book superhero. I added to the regular cast his girlfriend, Caroline, who knew his secret.
I needed models for those characters in illustrating the stories, and I chose Parker Stevenson (The Hardy Boys) for Sheridan/Hazard and Valerie Bertinelli (One Day at a Time) as Caroline (admittedly, she was something of a crush of mine at the time). Again, that art is long disappeared, but here's a recreation of it:
Anyway, skip ahead about five years, and as I'm working on stuff for Star Trek and Star Wars fanzines, I was asked by one editor (Anne Zeek, I think) to come up with an original idea, as she was expanding what she wanted to publish. I returned to Hazardman and revamped the concept as "H is for Hazard". The character was much the same--a human raised by aliens and returned to Earth as their agent. He operates in disguise, under the name Hazard, and in pretty much the same outfit I drew him as when he was a comic-book superhero. I added to the regular cast his girlfriend, Caroline, who knew his secret.
I needed models for those characters in illustrating the stories, and I chose Parker Stevenson (The Hardy Boys) for Sheridan/Hazard and Valerie Bertinelli (One Day at a Time) as Caroline (admittedly, she was something of a crush of mine at the time). Again, that art is long disappeared, but here's a recreation of it:
A side note: Chris Sheridan's name comes from a subway stop on the Number 1 line in New York: Christopher Street/Sheridan Square.
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Virtue Signaling in the Time of Covid
A week or so ago, I talked about the new PA requirement for masks even outdoors "when social distancing is not possible," and when I questioned the need for them in situations such as walking for exercise and passing through a relatively empty parking lot, I got some pretty fierce pushback--not here directly, but on Facebook.
There were folks who said things like "you never know when someone might get out of their car within six feet of you, or turn a corner and be too close." When I said, in my experience, those instances have been few and far between....and well able to be handled in the moment...I was accused of not caring enough. There were even those who said they put a mask on anytime they walked out the door, even for something like walking the length of their own driveway to pick up the mail or bring in the trash cans.
To me, that's virtue signaling: "I'm better than you are because I'm more cautious than you are." To me, that attitude--brought to its logical conclusion--would have us all living in hermetically sealed bubbles. "I put a mask on before I open the door when the bell rings." That way lies madness.
There were folks who said things like "you never know when someone might get out of their car within six feet of you, or turn a corner and be too close." When I said, in my experience, those instances have been few and far between....and well able to be handled in the moment...I was accused of not caring enough. There were even those who said they put a mask on anytime they walked out the door, even for something like walking the length of their own driveway to pick up the mail or bring in the trash cans.
To me, that's virtue signaling: "I'm better than you are because I'm more cautious than you are." To me, that attitude--brought to its logical conclusion--would have us all living in hermetically sealed bubbles. "I put a mask on before I open the door when the bell rings." That way lies madness.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Rain, Rain Go Away
We're expecting rain--heavy, drenching rain--all day today and into tomorrow, as a result of Tropical Storm Fay, the sixth named storm of the season. Reportedly, this is the earliest we've ever had a sixth named storm in the nearly 70 years of that tradition. It's certainly the earliest I can recall such a storm reaching the mid-Atlantic region--usually the waters of our coast are too cold to sustain a tropical system this early in the summer.
Respected scientists tell us that this phenomenon is the result of climate change...that now and in the future tropical storm/hurricane season will begin earlier and end later and that the storms will tend to be stronger and more violent. Deniers will pooh-pooh this, with anecdotal stories along the lines of "Why, I remember the devastating storm of ...." well, whatever year they choose to pick. Of course, there have been strong storms in the past, but usually they come one to a season (and there were seasons without any unusually strong storms) and late in the season, after months of warming air and water.
But now we're seeing storms like this every season, and over the past decade or so, multiple storms like this. No one can deny something's changed...so why deny the explanation the experts give us?
Respected scientists tell us that this phenomenon is the result of climate change...that now and in the future tropical storm/hurricane season will begin earlier and end later and that the storms will tend to be stronger and more violent. Deniers will pooh-pooh this, with anecdotal stories along the lines of "Why, I remember the devastating storm of ...." well, whatever year they choose to pick. Of course, there have been strong storms in the past, but usually they come one to a season (and there were seasons without any unusually strong storms) and late in the season, after months of warming air and water.
But now we're seeing storms like this every season, and over the past decade or so, multiple storms like this. No one can deny something's changed...so why deny the explanation the experts give us?
Thursday, July 09, 2020
Theater Gripes
Everyone who has spent any time doing theater--especially amateur theater--can point to experiences on stage that were frustrating, unsuccessful, or just plain unhappy. Without pointing to specific people or productions, here are some of mine:
1. The director who has "pet" performers. Nothing worse than being part of an ensemble and finding out the director will let certain cast members get away with almost anything on stage, but be an absolute martinet with everyone else.
2. The prima donna. Although the term originally applied to only female performers, there are plenty of male examples of the type...the actor who insists on special treatment or who wants to, essentially, direct him- or herself. These people are a pain to a director, but they're no fun for their fellow cast members, either.
3. Haphazard productions. Most of the time, it's the individual director who is responsible for this, but sometimes it's simply the way the particular theater operates. I've been in shows where the set wasn't completed (and I'm not talking about paint, I mean walls and doors) until opening night--and one in which elements of it changed between the first and second weekends. I've had directors who didn't let actors use props (not even temporary ones) until dress rehearsal.
4. Pre-casting. Yes, as a director, I often choose a show because I have ideas about who I know that might be a good choice for a leading role (there's nothing worse than trying to cast a show and discovering nobody in the available talent pool fits the bill). But, IMO, a director should never claim to be having "open auditions" for all roles, when he knows damned well he has already picked the actors for certain plum parts--and those actors might not even have to make the pretense of showing up to try out. There are exceptions--if the role calls for a specific skill (playing the violin, let's say), then there's nothing wrong with going to your fiddler actor buddy and saying, "Would you play this?" But then you have to say, in the audition notice, "The role of Victor the Violinist has already been cast."
Those are some of my bug-bears; what are yours?
1. The director who has "pet" performers. Nothing worse than being part of an ensemble and finding out the director will let certain cast members get away with almost anything on stage, but be an absolute martinet with everyone else.
2. The prima donna. Although the term originally applied to only female performers, there are plenty of male examples of the type...the actor who insists on special treatment or who wants to, essentially, direct him- or herself. These people are a pain to a director, but they're no fun for their fellow cast members, either.
3. Haphazard productions. Most of the time, it's the individual director who is responsible for this, but sometimes it's simply the way the particular theater operates. I've been in shows where the set wasn't completed (and I'm not talking about paint, I mean walls and doors) until opening night--and one in which elements of it changed between the first and second weekends. I've had directors who didn't let actors use props (not even temporary ones) until dress rehearsal.
4. Pre-casting. Yes, as a director, I often choose a show because I have ideas about who I know that might be a good choice for a leading role (there's nothing worse than trying to cast a show and discovering nobody in the available talent pool fits the bill). But, IMO, a director should never claim to be having "open auditions" for all roles, when he knows damned well he has already picked the actors for certain plum parts--and those actors might not even have to make the pretense of showing up to try out. There are exceptions--if the role calls for a specific skill (playing the violin, let's say), then there's nothing wrong with going to your fiddler actor buddy and saying, "Would you play this?" But then you have to say, in the audition notice, "The role of Victor the Violinist has already been cast."
Those are some of my bug-bears; what are yours?
Wednesday, July 08, 2020
No Place Like Home?
Jill is taking a week of vacation next week...and we're looking for things to do in that time. We had planned a quick trip to Lancaster to see friends but that has fallen through for a number of reasons, Covid among them, but also impending severe weather.
Anybody got ideas for a post-middle-aged couple in the Philly area for a staycation?
Anybody got ideas for a post-middle-aged couple in the Philly area for a staycation?
Tuesday, July 07, 2020
Weather or Not?
My area in southeast Pennsylvania is in a heat wave--highs at 90 or above for four days now and expected to be so for at least another week, and humidity that makes it feel close to 100. Thunderstorms nearly every afternoon and evening--yesterday they started at about 3 PM and went on until about 10.
So, what's it like around you? And if it's like it is here, how are you coping in the midst of the pandemic?
So, what's it like around you? And if it's like it is here, how are you coping in the midst of the pandemic?
Monday, July 06, 2020
Fan Art: Modesty and the Doctor
More years ago than I want to remember (though I think it must have been about 1979-80) I wrote and illustrated a fanfic story about the Third Doctor of Doctor Who meeting and having an adventure with Modesty Blaise, the sexy criminal/adventurer created by Peter O'Donnell in a British comic strip and then in a series of excellent thriller novels. It was one of a series I was thinking of, with various incarnations of the Doctor meeting characters from comic books and comic strips. (The only other one that was ever finished involved the Fourth Doctor and a member of the Green Lantern Corps. I had planned on one with the First Doctor meeting the Fantastic Four early in their career, but never got around to it.)
Anyway, since I wanted the art to be similar for both the Doctor's characters and Modesty's, I had to "cast" actors to play Modesty and her partner Willie Garvin. (Obviously, I used photo reference of Jon Pertwee and Katie Manning for the Doctor and Jo Grant.) The art from that story is lost to time, but I decided to try and re-create it here and now. Modesty is "portrayed" by Barbara Bach (best known from The Spy Who Loved Me and as Ringo Starr's wife); Willie is David Warner (the number of movies and TV shows he's been in is countless, but you might know him as Jack the Ripper in Time After Time).
Anyway, since I wanted the art to be similar for both the Doctor's characters and Modesty's, I had to "cast" actors to play Modesty and her partner Willie Garvin. (Obviously, I used photo reference of Jon Pertwee and Katie Manning for the Doctor and Jo Grant.) The art from that story is lost to time, but I decided to try and re-create it here and now. Modesty is "portrayed" by Barbara Bach (best known from The Spy Who Loved Me and as Ringo Starr's wife); Willie is David Warner (the number of movies and TV shows he's been in is countless, but you might know him as Jack the Ripper in Time After Time).
Sunday, July 05, 2020
Who Tells Your Story
Jill and I watched the streaming version of Hamilton Friday night. As a sometimes director in community theater, I was enthralled by the stagecraft involved. I've never seen a turntable used more effectively, not even in Les Miserables (where it's largely a device to move scenery).
To me, the most moving part of the show is, fittingly, the ending, as Eliza Schuyler Hamilton sings of her devotion to keeping her husband's memory and legacy alive, noting the important thing is "who tells your story".
The next afternoon, we watched the film version of 1776, a more "traditional" musical (though not thought so at the time of its original production), covering much of the same part of history with a more "traditional" focus. But, once more, the real question is "who tells your story". In 1776, the story is told through the eyes of John Adams, a complicated man who, like Hamilton in many ways, was an outsider, difficult to get along with, but adored by his wife.
One of my favorite moments in the script is when Adams complains to Ben Franklin that he will not be remembered by history, but Franklin will be. "Franklin struck his staff on the ground and up sprung George Washington, fully grown and on his horse. Franklin then electrified Washington with his miraculous lightning rod and the three of them--Franklin, Washington, and the horse--won the revolution." Franklin's response? "I like it."
So, who do you want to tell your story?
To me, the most moving part of the show is, fittingly, the ending, as Eliza Schuyler Hamilton sings of her devotion to keeping her husband's memory and legacy alive, noting the important thing is "who tells your story".
The next afternoon, we watched the film version of 1776, a more "traditional" musical (though not thought so at the time of its original production), covering much of the same part of history with a more "traditional" focus. But, once more, the real question is "who tells your story". In 1776, the story is told through the eyes of John Adams, a complicated man who, like Hamilton in many ways, was an outsider, difficult to get along with, but adored by his wife.
One of my favorite moments in the script is when Adams complains to Ben Franklin that he will not be remembered by history, but Franklin will be. "Franklin struck his staff on the ground and up sprung George Washington, fully grown and on his horse. Franklin then electrified Washington with his miraculous lightning rod and the three of them--Franklin, Washington, and the horse--won the revolution." Franklin's response? "I like it."
So, who do you want to tell your story?
Saturday, July 04, 2020
Happy Fourth!
Given the political turmoil in our country of late, I wanted to be sure I didn't neglect this day, so here some thoughts:
A few years ago, I got into a somewhat heated discussion with Jill about the story of NBC Sports "editing" the Pledge of Allegiance in a patriotic montage they used in their coverage of the US Open. (They took out the part where the class of kids said "under God".) I argued that we had made a fetish of this piece of much-edited 19th Century doggerel ("under God" was added in the 1950s, "indivisible" sometime before that) and that I would much rather our schoolkids memorized something with real meaning to our nation's values. Asked what that should be, I responded, "How about the Preamble to the Constitution?" I think that is something schoolkids should recite every morning, rather than an oath of allegiance to a piece of cloth.
Well, it's Independence Day, so I went looking for something to celebrate with here. I'd have loved to find the musical version of the Preamble I sang in Junior High School chorus (but all I could find was the Schoolhouse Rock song--it's cute, but doesn't have the drama of the one we sang). Instead, here's a little kitsch...William Shatner as James Kirk, from the Star Trek episode "The Omega Glory". Like anything Shatner does, it's a touch over the top, but....
Happy Fourth to you all!
A few years ago, I got into a somewhat heated discussion with Jill about the story of NBC Sports "editing" the Pledge of Allegiance in a patriotic montage they used in their coverage of the US Open. (They took out the part where the class of kids said "under God".) I argued that we had made a fetish of this piece of much-edited 19th Century doggerel ("under God" was added in the 1950s, "indivisible" sometime before that) and that I would much rather our schoolkids memorized something with real meaning to our nation's values. Asked what that should be, I responded, "How about the Preamble to the Constitution?" I think that is something schoolkids should recite every morning, rather than an oath of allegiance to a piece of cloth.
Well, it's Independence Day, so I went looking for something to celebrate with here. I'd have loved to find the musical version of the Preamble I sang in Junior High School chorus (but all I could find was the Schoolhouse Rock song--it's cute, but doesn't have the drama of the one we sang). Instead, here's a little kitsch...William Shatner as James Kirk, from the Star Trek episode "The Omega Glory". Like anything Shatner does, it's a touch over the top, but....
Happy Fourth to you all!
Friday, July 03, 2020
The Last Time
Some rhetorical questions (or you can answer them if you wish):
When was the last time you--
had an in-person discussion with a friend?
had an in-person discussion with a family member who doesn't live with you?
were in a group of more than three people (family or not)?
attended a religious service in person?
went shopping for something other than groceries?
ate at a restaurant (indoor or outdoor)?
When was the last time you--
had an in-person discussion with a friend?
had an in-person discussion with a family member who doesn't live with you?
were in a group of more than three people (family or not)?
attended a religious service in person?
went shopping for something other than groceries?
ate at a restaurant (indoor or outdoor)?
Thursday, July 02, 2020
More on Masks
Here in PA, the governor announced yesterday that he is expanding the requirement for wearing masks. Previously, under the "green" phase we are currently in, masks were only required when entering buildings. Now, he says they are required even outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
Of course, that's rather vague. Do I need to where a mask in the parking lot of the local shopping center if there's a chance I might pass within six feet of someone else? Or just in outdoor venues that are crowded? Do I need to wear a mask when I walk or run the track at the local middle school if there's someone else doing the same thing?
And, again of course, there's no mention of any kind of enforcement. I seriously doubt if our local police will take a pro-active stance on this, confronting a group of kids in a parking lot about wearing masks. Nor do I think they will take seriously a call from a citizen about such behavior.
Rules without teeth beg to be ignored.
Of course, that's rather vague. Do I need to where a mask in the parking lot of the local shopping center if there's a chance I might pass within six feet of someone else? Or just in outdoor venues that are crowded? Do I need to wear a mask when I walk or run the track at the local middle school if there's someone else doing the same thing?
And, again of course, there's no mention of any kind of enforcement. I seriously doubt if our local police will take a pro-active stance on this, confronting a group of kids in a parking lot about wearing masks. Nor do I think they will take seriously a call from a citizen about such behavior.
Rules without teeth beg to be ignored.
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
Risk Assessment
I've come to the conclusion that Americans, in general, have lost the ability to assess risk in a competent, sane manner.
On one hand, we have those who--now that some businesses have been allowed to re-open--adamantly refuse to enter any such establishment and say "It's still not safe," as though a five-minute transaction in masks and at a six-foot distance to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks is equivalent to two hours sitting cheek-by-jowl in a political rally with a bunch of maskless yahoos.
On the other hand, we have, of course, those maskless yahoos--who have determined there is no risk at all, that they will do as they please, defying all logic, common sense and legal restrictions.
I have determined that, for the foreseeable future, we will have to live with the risk of this virus, but live with it by taking suitable precautions. Yes, if you have an underlying condition, stay home and avoid any contact with others. But, also yes, if you are reasonably healthy, it's time to go about your business while abiding by rules about social distancing, masks, building occupancy, etc.
To do otherwise is to live in mortal fear for the rest of your life.
On one hand, we have those who--now that some businesses have been allowed to re-open--adamantly refuse to enter any such establishment and say "It's still not safe," as though a five-minute transaction in masks and at a six-foot distance to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks is equivalent to two hours sitting cheek-by-jowl in a political rally with a bunch of maskless yahoos.
On the other hand, we have, of course, those maskless yahoos--who have determined there is no risk at all, that they will do as they please, defying all logic, common sense and legal restrictions.
I have determined that, for the foreseeable future, we will have to live with the risk of this virus, but live with it by taking suitable precautions. Yes, if you have an underlying condition, stay home and avoid any contact with others. But, also yes, if you are reasonably healthy, it's time to go about your business while abiding by rules about social distancing, masks, building occupancy, etc.
To do otherwise is to live in mortal fear for the rest of your life.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Within the Gates
Jill and I were discussing the events in St. Louis over the weekend, in which the two wealthy lawyers "defended their home" from protesters moving through their gated community, by pointing firearms at them. Jill--while acknowledging that the use of firearms was inappropriate--tried to see it from the "defenders" point of view. They had spent a literal fortune to restore their home--a mansion that once belonged to the Busch family of brewery fame--to its former glory; they felt they had much to protect. And then we got into the whole question of gated communities...and especially the idea that the mayor of St. Louis (whose home was the eventual destination of the protest) lives in that same gated community.
I had to think about why gated communities offend me....and I've finally come up with an answer. Those who live in a gated community want all the advantages of living in a municipal environment--police and fire protection, museums and theaters nearby, paved streets, sewer and water utilities, etc.--but none of the disadvantages--people you don't know walking on your street, for example. If you want to live that way, move out to a rural area and build yourself an estate surrounded by acres of open land--but don't expect to be able to wall yourself off from the rest of humanity in the middle of a densely populated urban area.
And the mayor living there? I can see that the mayor may need added protection...but that's why many cities have "executive mansions" (like Gracie Mansion in NYC) for the mayor to occupy while he/she is in office. But to live in a neighborhood that the vast majority of her constituents have no access to? Is she afraid of her fellow citizens?
Your thoughts?
I had to think about why gated communities offend me....and I've finally come up with an answer. Those who live in a gated community want all the advantages of living in a municipal environment--police and fire protection, museums and theaters nearby, paved streets, sewer and water utilities, etc.--but none of the disadvantages--people you don't know walking on your street, for example. If you want to live that way, move out to a rural area and build yourself an estate surrounded by acres of open land--but don't expect to be able to wall yourself off from the rest of humanity in the middle of a densely populated urban area.
And the mayor living there? I can see that the mayor may need added protection...but that's why many cities have "executive mansions" (like Gracie Mansion in NYC) for the mayor to occupy while he/she is in office. But to live in a neighborhood that the vast majority of her constituents have no access to? Is she afraid of her fellow citizens?
Your thoughts?
Monday, June 29, 2020
You Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Angry
What was the first Marvel Comics character adapted to live-action on the screen? I suppose you could argue it was Captain America, in the Republic serial of the 1940s...but Marvel wasn't Marvel then, so I'd say it doesn't count.
The first, then, surprisingly, is The Incredible Hulk, in the TV series of that name that ran on the CBS network and starred Bill Bixby as David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as his big, verdant alter ego. It ran for five seasons and was a surprising hit. Producer Kenneth Johnson used a variation of The Fugitive motif, as Banner moves from town to town, on the run from tabloid reporter Jack McGee (played by Jack Colvin) and always seeking a cure for his "condition."
The series introduced what became a tag line for the character in all his subsequent appearances, even moving to the comics: "Don't make me angry--you wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
Anyway, here's a recent piece of art I did with the two stars, in character:
The first, then, surprisingly, is The Incredible Hulk, in the TV series of that name that ran on the CBS network and starred Bill Bixby as David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as his big, verdant alter ego. It ran for five seasons and was a surprising hit. Producer Kenneth Johnson used a variation of The Fugitive motif, as Banner moves from town to town, on the run from tabloid reporter Jack McGee (played by Jack Colvin) and always seeking a cure for his "condition."
The series introduced what became a tag line for the character in all his subsequent appearances, even moving to the comics: "Don't make me angry--you wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
Anyway, here's a recent piece of art I did with the two stars, in character:
Sunday, June 28, 2020
What Do the Simple Folk Do?
As I was thinking this morning about the past three months, contemplating all the things I have tried to do to keep myself occupied and not bored to tears (including starting this blog), I was reminded of a song from Camelot:
Never mind what the simple folk do....what does anybody do?
What do the simple folk doSo many of the things I would do have simply not been available: try out for a play, go see a play, go see a movie, browse a store (especially a bookstore), eat out.
To help them escape when they're blue?
The shepherd who is ailing, the milkmaid who is glum
The cobbler who is wailing from nailing his thumb
When they're beset and besieged
The folk not noblessly obliged
However do they manage to shed their weary lot?
Oh, what do simple folk do we do not?
Never mind what the simple folk do....what does anybody do?
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Breakfast Out
Pre-pandemic, Jill and I had a Saturday morning routine. We'd get up, Jill would have her first cup of coffee, and then we'd go to the local Panera for a light breakfast. We haven't done that since the last weekend before Pennsylvania went to lockdown.
Today, we returned to Panera. Business was light, but we saw a few of the people we used to see every Saturday, including our favorite staff member. It seemed they were still limiting the available menu (scones were absent, for instance), but there was assurance they would be ramping up as they saw what the demand was going forward.
Basically, every other table was marked as being unusable. They handed you your cups for beverages, with stirrers and caps and straws, but you could self-serve coffee, soda, etc. Masks are required for entry (and all the staff had them on), but obviously you can remove them once you're seated. I didn't see how quickly they moved to disinfect our table when we left. We also didn't hang quite as long as we were used to doing.
All in all, it was a good experience and I think we'll be back every Saturday.
Today, we returned to Panera. Business was light, but we saw a few of the people we used to see every Saturday, including our favorite staff member. It seemed they were still limiting the available menu (scones were absent, for instance), but there was assurance they would be ramping up as they saw what the demand was going forward.
Basically, every other table was marked as being unusable. They handed you your cups for beverages, with stirrers and caps and straws, but you could self-serve coffee, soda, etc. Masks are required for entry (and all the staff had them on), but obviously you can remove them once you're seated. I didn't see how quickly they moved to disinfect our table when we left. We also didn't hang quite as long as we were used to doing.
All in all, it was a good experience and I think we'll be back every Saturday.
Friday, June 26, 2020
Fan Art: Modern Western
I can't say I'm a big fan of Western movies and TV series, but there are a few that I watch whenever they're on: Dodge City and Virginia City with Errol Flynn, Red River with John Wayne and Montgomery Clift, and the one I'm celebrating here: Silverado.
Silverado was written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. It is clearly an homage to the classic Westerns of the past, but with a more modern sensibility about race and gender. The cast has tremendous chemistry--but what else can you expect from a group that includes Scott Glenn, Kevin Kline, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, Jeff Goldblum and Linda Hunt?
I won't go too deep into the plot, except to say it involves four strangers who meet and become not just friends, but a team in cleaning up a corrupt town.
Silverado was written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. It is clearly an homage to the classic Westerns of the past, but with a more modern sensibility about race and gender. The cast has tremendous chemistry--but what else can you expect from a group that includes Scott Glenn, Kevin Kline, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, Jeff Goldblum and Linda Hunt?
I won't go too deep into the plot, except to say it involves four strangers who meet and become not just friends, but a team in cleaning up a corrupt town.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Mandatory Shots?
Earlier this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci said he thought we would likely have a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year. Whenever we have it, here's the question: Should it be mandatory?
I believe it should be. And how would that mandate be enforced? How about this: If you do not have documentation that you have received the C-19 vaccine, you cannot renew your driver's license or other state ID or your passport; you cannot enroll in any school, from pre-school straight through grad school; you cannot board a plane or a train in interstate travel.
Obviously, there would have to be exceptions for medical and religious reasons...but they would have to be real and documented with statements from doctors or religious leaders. None of this, "my private beliefs prevent me from getting a vaccination" nonsense. Christian Scientists can be exempt, maybe Jehovah's Witnesses (I'm not sure where they stand on that issue), people who are truly immuno-compromised are exempt.
And it has to be national. A state-by-state decision is useless, unless states are going to close their borders to travelers from states that don't abide by the mandate (and I'm pretty sure that's unconstitutional).
What do you think?
I believe it should be. And how would that mandate be enforced? How about this: If you do not have documentation that you have received the C-19 vaccine, you cannot renew your driver's license or other state ID or your passport; you cannot enroll in any school, from pre-school straight through grad school; you cannot board a plane or a train in interstate travel.
Obviously, there would have to be exceptions for medical and religious reasons...but they would have to be real and documented with statements from doctors or religious leaders. None of this, "my private beliefs prevent me from getting a vaccination" nonsense. Christian Scientists can be exempt, maybe Jehovah's Witnesses (I'm not sure where they stand on that issue), people who are truly immuno-compromised are exempt.
And it has to be national. A state-by-state decision is useless, unless states are going to close their borders to travelers from states that don't abide by the mandate (and I'm pretty sure that's unconstitutional).
What do you think?
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Stripes
Something a little light-hearted today:
On a set of striped sheets, which way should the stripes be aligned--vertically, from the foot to the head of the bed? Or horizontally, from side-to-side?
This morning I was putting a brand new set of sheets on our bed and, like every other set with stripes I have ever had, I started out putting the fitted sheet on "vertically". And discovered I couldn't make it fit, despite being the right size for the bed. So I called in Jill.
She discovered that the manufacturer had actually attached labels to the sheet, indicating the sides. I have never run across that before, so I didn't even think to look for them...and it turned out the stripes are intended to run "horizontally".
I can only think that they had to label the sides because they were going against the standard alignment.
On a set of striped sheets, which way should the stripes be aligned--vertically, from the foot to the head of the bed? Or horizontally, from side-to-side?
This morning I was putting a brand new set of sheets on our bed and, like every other set with stripes I have ever had, I started out putting the fitted sheet on "vertically". And discovered I couldn't make it fit, despite being the right size for the bed. So I called in Jill.
She discovered that the manufacturer had actually attached labels to the sheet, indicating the sides. I have never run across that before, so I didn't even think to look for them...and it turned out the stripes are intended to run "horizontally".
I can only think that they had to label the sides because they were going against the standard alignment.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Isolation
Granted that, in the modern world, with phones, the internet, Zoom, and a myriad of other ways of connecting, a prolonged period without face-to-face contact with friends and family is nowhere near as difficult as it would have been even 30 years ago, let alone 100 years ago in the time of the Spanish Flu pandemic. Still, there comes a point when screen-time is simply not as gratifying as physical time together.
I'm not suggesting we all start shaking hands, high-fiving, and hugging right now (though, as an inveterate hugger, I miss that), but the ability to hear a human voice without the electronic filter of a speaker, to see human eyes light up without a camera and a screen distorting the image, to feel the warmth of human interaction, even at a six-foot distance, is something I long to experience again.
I know we're all going to awkward when we meet face-to-face again. In some ways, it might feel like a first date: What is this person comfortable doing right now? But I'd prefer that very human awkwardness to the isolation I've been feeling in the past few weeks.
How about you?
I'm not suggesting we all start shaking hands, high-fiving, and hugging right now (though, as an inveterate hugger, I miss that), but the ability to hear a human voice without the electronic filter of a speaker, to see human eyes light up without a camera and a screen distorting the image, to feel the warmth of human interaction, even at a six-foot distance, is something I long to experience again.
I know we're all going to awkward when we meet face-to-face again. In some ways, it might feel like a first date: What is this person comfortable doing right now? But I'd prefer that very human awkwardness to the isolation I've been feeling in the past few weeks.
How about you?
Monday, June 22, 2020
Fan Art: Hi-Yo Silver!
I never saw The Lone Ranger in its original network run on ABC, at least not that I remember. I saw it in the Saturday reruns on CBS in the late 1950s and '60s. In my memory, it ran at noon, followed by Sky King. I also don't remember seeing the episodes from the one season that Clayton Moore didn't play the Ranger (he was replaced by John Hart in a salary dispute); my guess is that those episodes were dropped from the rotation. I finally saw them when the series returned to the air in the 1970s in afternoon syndication.A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty, "Hi Yo Silver!" The Lone Ranger! With his faithful Indian companion Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early west. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. The Lone Ranger rides again!
At any rate, here's my take on the masked man and Tonto, as played by Jay Silverheels.
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Father's Day
I became a father for the first time 35 years ago this coming August. The second time was three years later in October. I can honestly say that helping raise two successful sons is my proudest achievement. There were struggles along the way, of course. Money was tight at times. While my elder son was always a remarkably good student, the younger had problems...mostly due to some minor motor skill issues. (His handwriting is still atrocious.)
But as parents, we learned that every child is different. One boy was a scholar, the other an artist. One made friends easily, the other had difficulty finding his place, until college. Oddly, the one who hated public speaking is now a college professor, lecturing and teaching on a daily basis...and the one who reveled in being on stage now spends his days on a computer, aiding in on-line communication.
I had a difficult relationship with my own father. He didn't understand a boy who preferred books, a drawing board, and a stage to playing sports. He was also, I know now, a functioning alcoholic...though I understood enough even as a teenager to decide that drinking was not something I had any interest in. He died in 1976 (oddly enough, on Mother's Day) after several years battling cancer.
I hope my problems as a son did not affect my actions as a father. I don't think they did, at least not negatively...but I'll probably never know for sure.
But as parents, we learned that every child is different. One boy was a scholar, the other an artist. One made friends easily, the other had difficulty finding his place, until college. Oddly, the one who hated public speaking is now a college professor, lecturing and teaching on a daily basis...and the one who reveled in being on stage now spends his days on a computer, aiding in on-line communication.
I had a difficult relationship with my own father. He didn't understand a boy who preferred books, a drawing board, and a stage to playing sports. He was also, I know now, a functioning alcoholic...though I understood enough even as a teenager to decide that drinking was not something I had any interest in. He died in 1976 (oddly enough, on Mother's Day) after several years battling cancer.
I hope my problems as a son did not affect my actions as a father. I don't think they did, at least not negatively...but I'll probably never know for sure.
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Sacrifice
I've come to the conclusion that Donald Trump not only doesn't believe in sacrifice, he has no idea what it really means. The whole concept of "taking one for the team" eludes him. If he were playing baseball and the manager told him to sacrifice bunt, he'd swing for the fences instead. The only win that counts is his win...so he costs the team the game by not letting the other runner score, what does that matter? He got on base.
That's what makes him a bad Christian; shoot, he's not a Christian at all, no matter what he says. The whole religion is based on a great sacrifice...and if it wouldn't get him in trouble with his base, he'd probably call Jesus a "loser." "Why didn't he fight back?" Trump probably asks in his heart of hearts. "Why did he give in?"
At some point in every hero story, the protagonist has to make a sacrifice. Trump is no hero.
That's what makes him a bad Christian; shoot, he's not a Christian at all, no matter what he says. The whole religion is based on a great sacrifice...and if it wouldn't get him in trouble with his base, he'd probably call Jesus a "loser." "Why didn't he fight back?" Trump probably asks in his heart of hearts. "Why did he give in?"
At some point in every hero story, the protagonist has to make a sacrifice. Trump is no hero.
Friday, June 19, 2020
How Hot Is It?
It's so hot, I finally put in the upstairs air conditioners; one for the bedroom, one for the spare room where my computer is. We're expecting seven to ten days of temps in the 90s, and humidity the same.
How hot is it where you are?
How hot is it where you are?
Thursday, June 18, 2020
You've Got to Be Taught
In a recent Facebook posting, I objected to the idea that all white people are inherently racist, because of the privilege they have had in not being immediately subjected to prejudice because of their appearance. To me, that is just as bad as saying that all black people are inherently lazy, all Asians inherently hard-working, or any other claim made about the inherent characteristics of any entire group of people.
We lived in a neighborhood that was primarily white, but bordered on others that were mixed and even primarily black. My elementary school was probably about five percent black; my junior high school and high school more likely 50 percent black, Latino (we called them Hispanic back then), and other non-white ethnic groups. I was beaten up more than once in those 12 years--but it was never by a non-white kid...it was always by kids who looked a lot like me.
So, I was taught to be afraid, but not of people who looked differently, but of people who thought differently.
In 1949, Richard Rodgers wrote the following lyrics for South Pacific:
You've got to be taught to hate and fear
You've got to be taught from year to year
It's got to be drummed in your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught
You've got to be taught to be taught to be afraid
Of people whose eyes are oddly made
Or people whose skin is a different shade
You've got to be carefully taught
You've got to be taught before it's too lateI firmly believe that....and I believe it because I was not so taught; despite relatives who held such beliefs, my parents--especially my mother--impressed upon me that every single person I met was to be judged on his own merits and not by what group he was part of.
Before you are six or seven or eight
To hate all the people your relatives hate
You've got to be carefully taught
You've got to be carefully taught
We lived in a neighborhood that was primarily white, but bordered on others that were mixed and even primarily black. My elementary school was probably about five percent black; my junior high school and high school more likely 50 percent black, Latino (we called them Hispanic back then), and other non-white ethnic groups. I was beaten up more than once in those 12 years--but it was never by a non-white kid...it was always by kids who looked a lot like me.
So, I was taught to be afraid, but not of people who looked differently, but of people who thought differently.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Fan Art: Caped Crusaders
In January 1966, a new TV series debuted on ABC. Aired two nights a week, it was an instant hit...but the bloom was off by the end of its second season. The third season ran only one night a week...and then the series was not renewed.
The program, of course, was Batman.
Immediate reaction among comics fans was split; some loved it for its sense of fun, others reviled it for the same reason. Batman became the premiere character at DC Comics, outshining his sometimes partner, Superman. They found a way to put Batman on every cover they could think of. He became the permanent star of the team-up book The Brave and the Bold.
But when the show ended, even Batman's hold on the print audience faded. A re-modeling was in order from the camp, humorous style of the show, and he became not the Caped Crusader, but the Dark Knight. By the time of the 1989 movie starring Michael Keaton, the change was complete...and the more recent movies have taken it even farther.
But the influence of the TV series remains, even more than 50 years later. The series revived a number of otherwise forgotten Batman foes, most notably the Riddler and Mister Freeze (who, until the TV show, was known as Mister Zero in the comics). Julie Newmar's version of Catwoman is the model for every depiction since. And those, like me, who have grown tired of the unrelenting pessimism and grim style of the current Batman, point back to the TV series as a way to lighten the mood, to have a Batman who at least smiles some of the time.
So, here's my tribute to the show that helped bring comic books into the public consciousness once more.
The program, of course, was Batman.
Immediate reaction among comics fans was split; some loved it for its sense of fun, others reviled it for the same reason. Batman became the premiere character at DC Comics, outshining his sometimes partner, Superman. They found a way to put Batman on every cover they could think of. He became the permanent star of the team-up book The Brave and the Bold.
But when the show ended, even Batman's hold on the print audience faded. A re-modeling was in order from the camp, humorous style of the show, and he became not the Caped Crusader, but the Dark Knight. By the time of the 1989 movie starring Michael Keaton, the change was complete...and the more recent movies have taken it even farther.
But the influence of the TV series remains, even more than 50 years later. The series revived a number of otherwise forgotten Batman foes, most notably the Riddler and Mister Freeze (who, until the TV show, was known as Mister Zero in the comics). Julie Newmar's version of Catwoman is the model for every depiction since. And those, like me, who have grown tired of the unrelenting pessimism and grim style of the current Batman, point back to the TV series as a way to lighten the mood, to have a Batman who at least smiles some of the time.
So, here's my tribute to the show that helped bring comic books into the public consciousness once more.
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Where Do You Feel Safe?
It's a question that keeps coming up in conversation. As various venues re-open, even with restrictions, where do you feel safe going?
Would you be OK with going to a restaurant for outdoor dining? How about indoors? Barber shops and salons aren't open near me yet...but when they are, would you go? (That might depend on how badly you need a haircut, of course.) When theaters open--movie or live performance--will you be ready to buy a ticket?
I'm really interested in your thoughts and opinions.
Would you be OK with going to a restaurant for outdoor dining? How about indoors? Barber shops and salons aren't open near me yet...but when they are, would you go? (That might depend on how badly you need a haircut, of course.) When theaters open--movie or live performance--will you be ready to buy a ticket?
I'm really interested in your thoughts and opinions.
Monday, June 15, 2020
What's Open?
My county went from Pennsylvania's "red" phase to "yellow" ten days ago. It's interesting trying to determine what exactly that means, in terms of businesses re-opening.
Technically, any restaurant can re-open for outside dining; problem is, most of the ones in my area don't have the space for that. Panera does, but it only has three tables outside. Iron Hill Brewery does, but it's taking reservations, and they seem to fill up pretty quickly. The local Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday, Longhorn, etc. were never designed for outdoor seating and have no space to put it together ad hoc, as it were.
Clothing stores, as long as you don't need to enter a mall to get in, have re-opened. I saw pretty brisk business at Mandee this weekend, and last weekend we were in a Kohl's that seemed to be doing well. Other stores are operating with restrictions: You can get into Best Buy, but you have to make an appointment.
The local library is, as of today, doing curbside pickup: Order a book through the website and come get it. Returns can be made through a drop-off box.
What's the status where you are?
Technically, any restaurant can re-open for outside dining; problem is, most of the ones in my area don't have the space for that. Panera does, but it only has three tables outside. Iron Hill Brewery does, but it's taking reservations, and they seem to fill up pretty quickly. The local Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday, Longhorn, etc. were never designed for outdoor seating and have no space to put it together ad hoc, as it were.
Clothing stores, as long as you don't need to enter a mall to get in, have re-opened. I saw pretty brisk business at Mandee this weekend, and last weekend we were in a Kohl's that seemed to be doing well. Other stores are operating with restrictions: You can get into Best Buy, but you have to make an appointment.
The local library is, as of today, doing curbside pickup: Order a book through the website and come get it. Returns can be made through a drop-off box.
What's the status where you are?
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Who Was That Un-Masked Man?
I've recently gotten some gentle pushback from friends when I mentioned I don't wear a mask when simply out walking in my (generally uncrowded) neighborhood or running on the (generally uncrowded) local school track.
I've based my activities on advice culled from articles like these two:
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/4/24/21233226/coronavirus-runners-cyclists-airborne-infectious-dose
https://www.businessinsider.com/risk-of-coronavirus-transmission-lower-outdoors-evidence-2020-5
that seem to indicate the likelihood of either catching or spreading infection in these instances is very small. Put simply, the virus does not survive long or maintain its infectious potential in open air. As the first article puts it, it's a question of relative risk:
I've based my activities on advice culled from articles like these two:
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/4/24/21233226/coronavirus-runners-cyclists-airborne-infectious-dose
https://www.businessinsider.com/risk-of-coronavirus-transmission-lower-outdoors-evidence-2020-5
that seem to indicate the likelihood of either catching or spreading infection in these instances is very small. Put simply, the virus does not survive long or maintain its infectious potential in open air. As the first article puts it, it's a question of relative risk:
Asked if she could offer a way to assess the risk of various activities in terms we can easily wrap our minds around, Kasten said to consider the difference in the risk between taking a stroll through the park on an even path versus climbing up a steep cliff face.
“Sure, you could slip, fall, strike your head, and die on that path in the park. Likewise, you could free-solo successfully to the top of El Capitan. But most of us would accept the risk of the stroll and not accept [the risk of] dangling from the cliff,” she said. “Breathing in someone’s sneeze cloud, close by, without a mask — that’s the cliff face. Jogging several feet away, or getting the mail — that’s the park.”Let me note, just to be clear, if I'm in a crowd, or go into a store or other enclosed situation, I put on a mask.
Saturday, June 13, 2020
In Memoriam: Denny O'Neil
Despite the similarity of our names, Denny and I were not related and, as far as I can recall, met only once. In fact, Denny was the very first comics professional I ever interviewed, a decade or so before my career in comics journalism (or any journalism) had even started. I was working in the news department of the radio station at my college, City College of New York. We were what is called a "carrier station," that is, we could be heard only on campus, by sending our signal through the electrical system of the buildings. Still, we tried to run a professional operation, including a weekly interview program.
One week in 1971, I decided to try to do something about comics and I was able to convince Denny to make the trip from midtown to our campus in Harlem. We did a very successful one-hour interview that was even later aired on one of the city's FM stations, with which we had an agreement to provide programming. (Quite frankly, I forget which one it was.) It was probably my ability to hold my own on that platform that gave me the courage to start doing print interviews with comics pros in about 1983.
I can't do justice to Denny's career, at least not better than the overview my friend Glenn Hauman did at ComicMix.
Friday, June 12, 2020
Theater Art: Inherit the Wind
Two years ago, I directed one of my favorite plays of all time, a play based on real events. I had the good fortune of having a marvelous cast, made up of actors I had never met before and some I had worked with before--including a man who I first met as my son's drama teacher in high school.
Here's the art I did for the cast of Inherit the Wind.
Just thinking about this makes me eager to get back to working in theater!
Thursday, June 11, 2020
TV Theme Songs
One of the things that has largely disappeared from television in the past two decades is memorable theme songs. Today, most shows don't even have a real theme and credit sequence. The standard (for an hour-long show) is a seven- to ten-minute first act, followed by a title card and some kind of quick musical sting, and then the credits are superimposed over the opening scenes of the second act. For a half-hour show, there's a three- to five-minute prologue, a very fast music and title sequence and, again, the credits roll over the opening of the first act.
The last show I can remember with a memorable theme is The Big Bang Theory...and before that, probably Friends.
I bring this up because last night, just before bed, an old theme song popped into my head...and it was for a show that I rarely watched when it was on (and it was only on for one season)--Gidget. It may have popped up because Turner Classic Movies was running the original movie with Sandra Dee last night. In case you're interested, the theme sequence is linked to below:
What TV themes are still stuck in your head?
The last show I can remember with a memorable theme is The Big Bang Theory...and before that, probably Friends.
I bring this up because last night, just before bed, an old theme song popped into my head...and it was for a show that I rarely watched when it was on (and it was only on for one season)--Gidget. It may have popped up because Turner Classic Movies was running the original movie with Sandra Dee last night. In case you're interested, the theme sequence is linked to below:
What TV themes are still stuck in your head?
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Fan Art...and A Look at a Certain Kind of TV
Over the years, there have been a number of movie and TV series that attempted to play with the format of the very successful "Thin Man" series about the adventures of Nick and Nora Charles, as played by William Powell and Myrna Loy. There was even a TV series of that name in the 1950s, with Peter Lawford and Phyllis Kirk. More recent examples include Hart to Hart with Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers or McMillan & Wife, with Rock Hudson and Susan St. James.
All of those match the pattern of a professional male detective with an amateur female partner, usually his wife. Since the 1980s, there have been a number of similar series with the roles reversed: a pro female detective and an amateur male partner--usually not married. The most important element in these series has been the sexual tension between the partners, as in Remington Steele, Moonlighting, and the example I illustrated here, Castle.
All of those match the pattern of a professional male detective with an amateur female partner, usually his wife. Since the 1980s, there have been a number of similar series with the roles reversed: a pro female detective and an amateur male partner--usually not married. The most important element in these series has been the sexual tension between the partners, as in Remington Steele, Moonlighting, and the example I illustrated here, Castle.
All of these shows eventually decided they had to resolve that tension, either by having the protagonists admit their attraction and fall into bed together or, in some cases, actually get married. The problem? Once that happened, there was little to differentiate this series from any other detective/police procedural on the air. The fun was gone. (Of course, with both Castle and Moonlighting, there was the additional problem of animosity between the two leads and/or the producers.)
It's happened with other sorts of shows as well: I present The Nanny and Who's the Boss? as prime examples. Maybe relying on this sort of relationship simply isn't conducive to a long run?
Tuesday, June 09, 2020
Missing at the Doctor's
I had a quick appointment at the doctor's office this morning for blood work and I noticed something that's not there anymore: magazines. I mentioned it to the receptionist and she answered, "Yeah, you can't disinfect them."
So just a quick note to anyone else who will be visiting the doctor in the next few months: Bring a book!
So just a quick note to anyone else who will be visiting the doctor in the next few months: Bring a book!
Monday, June 08, 2020
Defund the Police?
It's a common suggestion in the past week or so: "Defund the police". Some have even gone so far as to say "Disband/abolish the police." The plan seems to be to apply the money used to operate the police departments to increase the staffing and training of social workers...even to the point of having social workers take over the role of police officers entirely.
While I agree that there needs to be a great deal more done in the area of social work, I sincerely doubt a social worker can replace a police officer in all respects. The argument seems to be the social workers would be able to de-escalate situations that the police only exacerbate. That may be true in some cases--but if I were a wife being beaten by my husband, I would want more than someone who will try to "talk him down" when I dial 911. I would want someone with the power to restrain him physically and to arrest him. That's a police officer.
If my child is missing, I want someone trained to investigate and find the child, not just someone who will console me and promise to assist me in dealing with the trauma. That's a police officer.
And, yes, if I am confronted with a violent situation that threatens my life and/or property, I want someone with the power to protect me physically, not just psychologically. That's a police officer.
Without an organized police force, we would return to the days of the "thief catchers" and "vigilante committees," groups of citizens who choose what crimes and what people to pursue, often based on their own interests and concerns, including monetary rewards.
Is that truly what these demonstrators want?
While I agree that there needs to be a great deal more done in the area of social work, I sincerely doubt a social worker can replace a police officer in all respects. The argument seems to be the social workers would be able to de-escalate situations that the police only exacerbate. That may be true in some cases--but if I were a wife being beaten by my husband, I would want more than someone who will try to "talk him down" when I dial 911. I would want someone with the power to restrain him physically and to arrest him. That's a police officer.
If my child is missing, I want someone trained to investigate and find the child, not just someone who will console me and promise to assist me in dealing with the trauma. That's a police officer.
And, yes, if I am confronted with a violent situation that threatens my life and/or property, I want someone with the power to protect me physically, not just psychologically. That's a police officer.
Without an organized police force, we would return to the days of the "thief catchers" and "vigilante committees," groups of citizens who choose what crimes and what people to pursue, often based on their own interests and concerns, including monetary rewards.
Is that truly what these demonstrators want?
Sunday, June 07, 2020
Fan Art: A Different Fandom
Mystery fans don't do fanfic and fan art quite the same way or to the same extent that science-fiction fans do, but they do exist. And fandoms have arisen around some mystery and detective TV series.
Spenser for Hire, based on Robert B. Parker's series of novels, only lasted 3 seasons and 66 episodes, but it is well remembered, especially for Avery Brooks' portrayal of Hawk, the title character's friend and occasional partner. There were later TV movies with a different cast, but this is the one I still think is the best. Robert Urich caught the attitude of Parker's character for me, especially in his voice-over narration.
So here's my look at the cast, including Barbara Stock as Spenser's one-and-only, Susan Silverman.
Spenser for Hire, based on Robert B. Parker's series of novels, only lasted 3 seasons and 66 episodes, but it is well remembered, especially for Avery Brooks' portrayal of Hawk, the title character's friend and occasional partner. There were later TV movies with a different cast, but this is the one I still think is the best. Robert Urich caught the attitude of Parker's character for me, especially in his voice-over narration.
So here's my look at the cast, including Barbara Stock as Spenser's one-and-only, Susan Silverman.
Saturday, June 06, 2020
Remembering Mom
We still intend to have the memorial someday...maybe later this summer, maybe in a year on her next birthday. It depends on what the church and the cemetery (we are going to inter her ashes at that time) can arrange. It depends on when her now far-flung family (three children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren in six states from New York to California) can make arrangements to attend.
But it will happen, Mom! I promise!
Friday, June 05, 2020
Uniformed Brutality
Let me preface this by saying I have relatives who are members of the police and the military, and I understand the difficult situations they often face.
But nothing can justify the actions we have seen from police and military in the past week or so. Nothing can justify the use of mounted officers, tear gas, and flash-bang grenades to clear a park and plaza of peaceful citizens, most of whom were there to offer rest, water, and first-aid to equally peaceful protesters. Nothing can justify the scene I just saw from Buffalo, NY, yesterday, of a riot-geared cop knocking a 75-year-old man to the ground, and his fellow officers just walking by as the man lay bleeding.
Yes, we have seen police and military act in exemplary fashion--protecting protesters from those who would attack them, linking arms with them as they march, taking a knee during moments of silence. But we still have to deal with those--both in the streets and in command--who view their jobs as only having to do with the latter half of "law and order"; who see maintaining control as their most important function; who see "protect" as applying only to themselves and not to the civilians they meet.
There's a reason we have always maintained a distance between the military and police in this country....because the military are taught to consider those they confront as the "enemy" and police should be taught to consider them as fellow citizens. It's time to once again insist on that distinction.
But nothing can justify the actions we have seen from police and military in the past week or so. Nothing can justify the use of mounted officers, tear gas, and flash-bang grenades to clear a park and plaza of peaceful citizens, most of whom were there to offer rest, water, and first-aid to equally peaceful protesters. Nothing can justify the scene I just saw from Buffalo, NY, yesterday, of a riot-geared cop knocking a 75-year-old man to the ground, and his fellow officers just walking by as the man lay bleeding.
Yes, we have seen police and military act in exemplary fashion--protecting protesters from those who would attack them, linking arms with them as they march, taking a knee during moments of silence. But we still have to deal with those--both in the streets and in command--who view their jobs as only having to do with the latter half of "law and order"; who see maintaining control as their most important function; who see "protect" as applying only to themselves and not to the civilians they meet.
There's a reason we have always maintained a distance between the military and police in this country....because the military are taught to consider those they confront as the "enemy" and police should be taught to consider them as fellow citizens. It's time to once again insist on that distinction.
Thursday, June 04, 2020
Fan Art: The Captains
A few days ago, I posted the initial work on this piece, two different versions of the Captain Kirk portrait. As you can see, I decided to go with the line-shaded version, as the version using a dot matrix tended to get distorted when the images were resized.
At any rate, here are "The Captains". I thought about including Trisha O'Neill as Captain Rachel Garrett of the Enterprise-C, but I couldn't find a suitable image to work from. And, if someday there's a live-action version of Robert April, perhaps I'll rework this to include him. As yet, the only image of him is from the animated series.
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
WWSD?
A common trope among liberal Christians is the acronym "WWJD?"--"What would Jesus do?" For comics fans, I'm going to suggest a new one: "WWSD"--"What would Superman do?"
I don't know about anyone else, but my Superman would walk at the head of the protesters and, if necessary, use his body as a shield against rubber bullets and his super-breath to inhale tear gas. He would immediately turn anyone throwing rocks, or looting over to the authorities and speak strongly about the need to keep the demonstration peaceful.
My Superman would make public comments about the injustice in this society and work with anyone--public officials and private citizens--to improve things. He would denounce anyone--public official or private citizen--who inflamed the situation with wild rhetoric.
My Superman would be what we expect our political leaders to be--a model, an example of how to be just, compassionate, and strong, without being violent or destructive.
What would Superman do?
My Superman would make public comments about the injustice in this society and work with anyone--public officials and private citizens--to improve things. He would denounce anyone--public official or private citizen--who inflamed the situation with wild rhetoric.
My Superman would be what we expect our political leaders to be--a model, an example of how to be just, compassionate, and strong, without being violent or destructive.
What would Superman do?
Tuesday, June 02, 2020
A Church Is Not a Stage Set
I was raised Catholic, but became an Episcopalian about 35 years ago. And today I have never been prouder to be a member of the Episcopal Church.
Donald Trump used an historic Episcopal church in Washington, DC--St. John's, located on the other side of Lafayette Park from the White House--as little more than a backdrop for a photo op, something that will undoubtedly turn up in a campaign ad in short order. To do so, police and Secret Service stormed a peaceful gathering in the park and on the plaza between the park and the church with tear gas and "flash-bang" grenades. What was happening in that gathering? For the most part, protestors were being given first-aid and water.
Trump didn't ask permission or even inform the rector of St. John's that he was coming; nor did he inform the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Mariann Budde. They and the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, issued statements opposing Trump's actions.
That anyone who calls themselves "Christian" can defend these actions of the President is appalling.
Donald Trump used an historic Episcopal church in Washington, DC--St. John's, located on the other side of Lafayette Park from the White House--as little more than a backdrop for a photo op, something that will undoubtedly turn up in a campaign ad in short order. To do so, police and Secret Service stormed a peaceful gathering in the park and on the plaza between the park and the church with tear gas and "flash-bang" grenades. What was happening in that gathering? For the most part, protestors were being given first-aid and water.
Trump didn't ask permission or even inform the rector of St. John's that he was coming; nor did he inform the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Mariann Budde. They and the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, issued statements opposing Trump's actions.
That anyone who calls themselves "Christian" can defend these actions of the President is appalling.
Monday, June 01, 2020
Theater Art: Brighton Beach Memoirs
On one level, I suppose I should be posting about all the events that occurred all over the nation this weekend, even just a few miles from me, but I think I need time to contemplate what to say.
So, instead, I'll post one of the first things I did for a cast. I assistant directed this show about ten years ago. I think my major contribution, other than this art, was to teach a bunch of suburban Philadelphians how to sound like Jewish Brooklynites...including that "pecan" is pronounced "pee-can".
So, instead, I'll post one of the first things I did for a cast. I assistant directed this show about ten years ago. I think my major contribution, other than this art, was to teach a bunch of suburban Philadelphians how to sound like Jewish Brooklynites...including that "pecan" is pronounced "pee-can".
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