Catch this great show starting tonight! An outstanding cast featuring Joey Timmons as Purlie. He is one of the most promising young actors in our area, and I can't wait to see him shine!
Friday, February 12, 2016
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Slow Down and Kick the Cobblestones
Slow down.
You move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Those are the opening lines to The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) from Simon & Garfunkel.
I remember it well from Junior High choir. At that time it was fairly new. It was like, wow, we're singing a pop song! My own feelings about it were less enthusiastic. I didn't care for the word groovy, and I found the part that I had to sing of it lethargic and bland. I was a bit of a snot and a music rebel when I was in Junior High and High School. I normally didn't like anything that became hugely popular with my peers.
My attitude on Simon and Garfunkel changed by college. I had a much better appreciation for their lyrics and rhythms, and I was really impressed with Garfunkel's vocal range. Bridge Over Troubled Waters became one of my favorite songs, along with Bookends.
The lines above are striking a particular chord this morning, as I wish profoundly that I could slow things down, and had more time to think and write and reflect and soak in the world before I charged over to a profession that this time of year is like an unceasing zombie, wanting to eat up all my time, energy and brain power.
This is my long, abstract way of saying that my writing, the thing I enjoy the most, may be somewhat limited over the course of the next couple of months. I am trying to balance this, along with a demanding job, and participating in the musical The Music Man with my son, Benjamin.
I had been pretty consistently adding three to six blog entries a week, but that may slow for awhile. That is unfortunate in that my blog traffic is beginning to slow, and it will probably take a concerted effort to bring it back, That will probably slow to one to three entries for awhile, which will probably only accelerate the decline in visits I'm getting. The decline doesn't have all to do with my writing - something to do with connections to Europe or some such thing. Whatever the reasons, it's been very difficult to get back on an upward trajectory.
I would love to take more time, saunter down the lane kicking cobblestones, write some more thoughtful pieces, watch from the comfort of our screened-in porch the dance of dogs and squirrels and acorns. But I'm not there yet. Not quite.
Someday, lamppost. Someday, I'm going to be able to ask wha cha' knowing, and have a deep, long conversation.
Not this morning, though.
You move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Those are the opening lines to The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) from Simon & Garfunkel.
I remember it well from Junior High choir. At that time it was fairly new. It was like, wow, we're singing a pop song! My own feelings about it were less enthusiastic. I didn't care for the word groovy, and I found the part that I had to sing of it lethargic and bland. I was a bit of a snot and a music rebel when I was in Junior High and High School. I normally didn't like anything that became hugely popular with my peers.
My attitude on Simon and Garfunkel changed by college. I had a much better appreciation for their lyrics and rhythms, and I was really impressed with Garfunkel's vocal range. Bridge Over Troubled Waters became one of my favorite songs, along with Bookends.
The lines above are striking a particular chord this morning, as I wish profoundly that I could slow things down, and had more time to think and write and reflect and soak in the world before I charged over to a profession that this time of year is like an unceasing zombie, wanting to eat up all my time, energy and brain power.
This is my long, abstract way of saying that my writing, the thing I enjoy the most, may be somewhat limited over the course of the next couple of months. I am trying to balance this, along with a demanding job, and participating in the musical The Music Man with my son, Benjamin.
I had been pretty consistently adding three to six blog entries a week, but that may slow for awhile. That is unfortunate in that my blog traffic is beginning to slow, and it will probably take a concerted effort to bring it back, That will probably slow to one to three entries for awhile, which will probably only accelerate the decline in visits I'm getting. The decline doesn't have all to do with my writing - something to do with connections to Europe or some such thing. Whatever the reasons, it's been very difficult to get back on an upward trajectory.
I would love to take more time, saunter down the lane kicking cobblestones, write some more thoughtful pieces, watch from the comfort of our screened-in porch the dance of dogs and squirrels and acorns. But I'm not there yet. Not quite.
Someday, lamppost. Someday, I'm going to be able to ask wha cha' knowing, and have a deep, long conversation.
Not this morning, though.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Eric Reid & the Time Team: Join the Team Today!
Ebook #3 now available for sale on Amazon, ready for your Kindle or Kindle App. This cover features my son, Benjamin Strait as Eric Reid, and the very talented Emily Beck as Princess Tamaini. Emily is the outstanding local actress who recently played Anne Frank in Purlie Production's The Diary of Anne Frank.
This is an eshort, and is (I think) 28 pages, and can be obtained for your Kindle library for only $1.99.
If you purchase and want to write a review, that would be most welcome! The more positive reviews I can get, the higher Amazon will place it and the more attention it will draw.
All aboard the Time team!
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Beating Expectations Speculatron: Saturday Political Soap Box 123
It's almost here!
The New Hampshire primary is only three days away as I write this.For those who read this before the primary, be amazed at my bold prestidigitation. If you are reading it after the New Hampshire primary, well, I'm too lazy to re-edit to make it look like I knew what I was doing.
Anyways, it's not about exact order. If you want that, here it is - Sanders Clinton for the Democrats; Trump, Rubio, Cruz, Kasich, Bush, Christie, Carson, Fiorina for the Republicans.
But in New Hampshire, it's not always about winning. It's about beating expectations. It's about the difference between what mass media predicts, and what actually happens. It's how Eugene McCarthy propelled his campaign just by finishing 7% behind LBJ. A 42% showing was enough to help propel the President of the United States' decision to withdraw from the race. In 1992, Bill Clinton was able to turn his third place showing into visions of being "The Comeback Kid". And that implausible presumption actually worked.
As we approach New Hampshire, Florida Senator Marco Rubio is trying to convince everyone that his third place finish in Iowa clinches his getting the nomination. And sadly, he may have a point. The two people in front of him are so unsuited to the Presidency, and are so vile and dangerous, that his positioning has to be considered. It may put in the lead to be the Establishment's last great hope.
So here's my rundown of the expectations game:
Bernie Sanders
Poor Bernie. He is poised for a tremendous victory over the greatest political machine of the modern age. This man, who far more than Trump represents a thirst for a new politics in this country, for a break from the domination of wealthy special interests, this 74 year old Jewish Democratic Socialist, is set to deliver the most important message our political establishment has ever heard. And the mainstream media is fully set to dismiss him no matter the outcome. He wins big? So what! It's a neighboring state to Vermont, and the next states are all Hillary country. He wins but by less than current polling? OMG, Hillary is GAINING on him! So what if she was ten points behind? Some polls showed he was up twenty points with a few days to go!
Hillary Clinton
I know this may not make sense to you, but Hillary is in the cat bird's seat. There is nothing that can happen in New Hampshire that will stop the mainstream media's gushing over her. And no, this has nothing to do with media being in the bag for her, or the Clinton News Network. She is the ESTABLISHMENT candidate representing ESTABLISHMENT interests (albeit from a Democratic frame), and they are very slow to recognize the Sanders revolution. They will probably be disbelieving and dismissive all the way up to President Sander's inauguration.
Donald Trump
He'll win, but nobody will pay attention to it. It will probably be by less than current polling. Trump does not wear well. More people will abandon him as people pay closer attention, and the opposition gets a face (or faces) attached to it.
Ted Cruz
And now, I will drift away from my family friendly portion, and say....he is an ass. He is a stand out ass among asses. The most horrifying admission I have to make out of Iowa is to admit that Trump was right - Cruz body-slammed Carson, and tried to clamber over his political carcass in order to squeeze out his victory. Expectations for Cruz in New Hampshire are not too high, but I think he will even fail those. Expect no better than third and possibly a fourth place finish. He will make his stand in South Carolina, and Super Tuesday later in the month will either be his victory or his Waterloo. Personally, I'm pulling for our Canadian Senator to it get his repulsive ass stomped.
Marco! ....... Rubio!
Both a candidate and a delightful pool game! Don't get me wrong. I think he is a lightweight who doesn't have much depth and has trouble showing up to work. But he can be good at speeches (even if he has to crib Obama), and being intellectually weak has never been a disqualifier in the Republican Party (sorry - just keeping it real - look at their history of nominees and contenders). I think there is an excellent chance he finishes second, much closer to Trump than anyone is currently anticipating. This is likely to start an establishment stampede to Rubio. This may be premature, as I'm not sure Rubio will wear well. We will see.
Republican Establishment Fight Club
The first rule of Republican Establishment Fight Club? That if you don't get your s... together soon, there will be NO Republican Establishment Fight Club! Bush, Kasich and Christie are barely hanging in there. Whomever finishes third or fourth from this group MAY get a pass to continue, particularly if the percentages are close. The other two will be pointed to the exits, whether they want to take them or not. I suspect the ticket out will be grabbed by Kasich, but there is a real scramble here. The lesson is that maybe they should have done more to take on Rubio in Iowa. Oh, wait. Jeb Bush did that, spending over 14 million dollars for a sixth place finish and less than 3% of the vote. But Jeb has a plan! Beg people to clap for him, and run a last minute ad featuring Bush, Jr., so we can get a last minute reminder that he is brother to the worst President of the modern age. Well played, Jeb. Well played.
The Are They Still in the Race Club?
Thanks, Cruz! Ben Carson will probably now stay in the race regardless of the results just to defy Cruz's insanely evil tactics. And Carly Fiorina will soon find herself only talking to fax machines. The candidate you know nothing about, former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore, will chug along with only a handful of votes and no media attention whatsoever.
So there it is. And the special thing is, it won't take long for you to see how full of it I am!
On to New Hampshire...and beyond!
The New Hampshire primary is only three days away as I write this.For those who read this before the primary, be amazed at my bold prestidigitation. If you are reading it after the New Hampshire primary, well, I'm too lazy to re-edit to make it look like I knew what I was doing.
Anyways, it's not about exact order. If you want that, here it is - Sanders Clinton for the Democrats; Trump, Rubio, Cruz, Kasich, Bush, Christie, Carson, Fiorina for the Republicans.
But in New Hampshire, it's not always about winning. It's about beating expectations. It's about the difference between what mass media predicts, and what actually happens. It's how Eugene McCarthy propelled his campaign just by finishing 7% behind LBJ. A 42% showing was enough to help propel the President of the United States' decision to withdraw from the race. In 1992, Bill Clinton was able to turn his third place showing into visions of being "The Comeback Kid". And that implausible presumption actually worked.
As we approach New Hampshire, Florida Senator Marco Rubio is trying to convince everyone that his third place finish in Iowa clinches his getting the nomination. And sadly, he may have a point. The two people in front of him are so unsuited to the Presidency, and are so vile and dangerous, that his positioning has to be considered. It may put in the lead to be the Establishment's last great hope.
So here's my rundown of the expectations game:
Bernie Sanders
Poor Bernie. He is poised for a tremendous victory over the greatest political machine of the modern age. This man, who far more than Trump represents a thirst for a new politics in this country, for a break from the domination of wealthy special interests, this 74 year old Jewish Democratic Socialist, is set to deliver the most important message our political establishment has ever heard. And the mainstream media is fully set to dismiss him no matter the outcome. He wins big? So what! It's a neighboring state to Vermont, and the next states are all Hillary country. He wins but by less than current polling? OMG, Hillary is GAINING on him! So what if she was ten points behind? Some polls showed he was up twenty points with a few days to go!
Hillary Clinton
I know this may not make sense to you, but Hillary is in the cat bird's seat. There is nothing that can happen in New Hampshire that will stop the mainstream media's gushing over her. And no, this has nothing to do with media being in the bag for her, or the Clinton News Network. She is the ESTABLISHMENT candidate representing ESTABLISHMENT interests (albeit from a Democratic frame), and they are very slow to recognize the Sanders revolution. They will probably be disbelieving and dismissive all the way up to President Sander's inauguration.
Donald Trump
He'll win, but nobody will pay attention to it. It will probably be by less than current polling. Trump does not wear well. More people will abandon him as people pay closer attention, and the opposition gets a face (or faces) attached to it.
Ted Cruz
And now, I will drift away from my family friendly portion, and say....he is an ass. He is a stand out ass among asses. The most horrifying admission I have to make out of Iowa is to admit that Trump was right - Cruz body-slammed Carson, and tried to clamber over his political carcass in order to squeeze out his victory. Expectations for Cruz in New Hampshire are not too high, but I think he will even fail those. Expect no better than third and possibly a fourth place finish. He will make his stand in South Carolina, and Super Tuesday later in the month will either be his victory or his Waterloo. Personally, I'm pulling for our Canadian Senator to it get his repulsive ass stomped.
Marco! ....... Rubio!
Both a candidate and a delightful pool game! Don't get me wrong. I think he is a lightweight who doesn't have much depth and has trouble showing up to work. But he can be good at speeches (even if he has to crib Obama), and being intellectually weak has never been a disqualifier in the Republican Party (sorry - just keeping it real - look at their history of nominees and contenders). I think there is an excellent chance he finishes second, much closer to Trump than anyone is currently anticipating. This is likely to start an establishment stampede to Rubio. This may be premature, as I'm not sure Rubio will wear well. We will see.
Republican Establishment Fight Club
The first rule of Republican Establishment Fight Club? That if you don't get your s... together soon, there will be NO Republican Establishment Fight Club! Bush, Kasich and Christie are barely hanging in there. Whomever finishes third or fourth from this group MAY get a pass to continue, particularly if the percentages are close. The other two will be pointed to the exits, whether they want to take them or not. I suspect the ticket out will be grabbed by Kasich, but there is a real scramble here. The lesson is that maybe they should have done more to take on Rubio in Iowa. Oh, wait. Jeb Bush did that, spending over 14 million dollars for a sixth place finish and less than 3% of the vote. But Jeb has a plan! Beg people to clap for him, and run a last minute ad featuring Bush, Jr., so we can get a last minute reminder that he is brother to the worst President of the modern age. Well played, Jeb. Well played.
The Are They Still in the Race Club?
Thanks, Cruz! Ben Carson will probably now stay in the race regardless of the results just to defy Cruz's insanely evil tactics. And Carly Fiorina will soon find herself only talking to fax machines. The candidate you know nothing about, former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore, will chug along with only a handful of votes and no media attention whatsoever.
So there it is. And the special thing is, it won't take long for you to see how full of it I am!
On to New Hampshire...and beyond!
Monday Morning Rubio Robo Update
I rarely come back and make a major update to my speculatron posts, but Rubio's Saturday debate performance was just so godawful, it was one of those late breaking events that could really change things up. His constant repeating of the same set speech, even after he was called out on it, played into everyone's worst fears that Rubio didn't have the depth, experience and intellect to handle the job. Kudos to Christie for a masterful job in calling him out.
Who will benefit? Probably Trump. Rubio was closing in on him, and now all that has gone with the debate winds. This will leave Trump fairly secure in first place, as the Republican Establishment Fight Club is now a four-way brawl, with little time for one of them to emerge from the pack. For months now, I keep mentioning Kasich, and I am ignored and thought foolish by my fellow political junkies, but I think there is a real possibility that Kasich will finish second and get the Establishment Golden Ticket.
Cruz should finish somewhere between third and fifth. This will not be an impressive performance, but his real battles will come in South Carolina, and in some of the more conservative states on Super Tuesday. Any Establishment Fight Club member that finishes behind Cruz should consider exiting the race, for the sake of the party, and to save themselves further embarrassment. Yes, I'm talking to you, Jeb Bush.
Sanders is more likely to win by five to ten points, rather than the fifteen to twenty I had hoped for. Get ready for Clinton to be called "The Comeback Lady". In Iowa, her .02% margin of victory was considered a win for the ages, Now watch the Clinton people reverse course and claim victory in New Hampshire NO MATTER HOW MUCH BERNIE WINS BY.
Sigh. Politics. It ain't bean bag.
And, yes, Barack Obama does know what he's doing. THANK GOD!
Friday, February 5, 2016
Fly Into Community Theater!
This weekend!
Peter Pan performances for the public starts Thursday@ 7,Friday@ 7,Saturday@ 2 and Sunday@ 3
At the Flying Dragon Arts Center on Tebeau Street next to the Downtown Sandwich Shoppe. Children's theatre at it's finest!
Coming up next weekend.......
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Through the Closet and Into the Woods On Sale On Amazon!
Check it out!
Just one of the many great ereads from local authors you can find on Amazon!
Who knew that working in an accounting office could be so much dangerous fun? Settle in for the most unusual day a General Ledger Manager of a newspaper has ever had, as Jeffery is taken by the eccentric and attractive Dorothy through the accounting closet and into a whole new world! Enter Pazoria and...beware! Excitement, danger and romance await!
Monday, February 1, 2016
Let's Give Iowa A Try! and Other Monday Musings
Let's Give Iowa a Try!
That's one of the song lyrics from the upcoming musical The Music Man, being put on this March by Waycross Area Community Theatre at the Ritz.
It's about an Iowa town being enticed by a con man into buying stuff the con man is not capable of falling through on, selling band instruments and uniforms to build a youth band he has no real ability to train, or is able to stick around for as he instead slithers off to the next town to hoodwink. Romance and reform ensue, but you get the basic idea.
Having not been in a musical for many years now, and having never done one in the Ritz, it is fascinating for me to see the large support team being deployed to help make this musical a success. We have a great, diverse cast, an amazing director, an efficient and competent crew, craftsmen to build the set, an orchestra full of talented musicians, someone who is there every night to do costuming, a gifted choreographer, a brilliant choir director, and I'm still probably leaving somebody out!
I will post much more about this exciting show as March approaches, but I urge you to give Iowa a try!
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Benjamin had his first driver's training course Saturday. It's hard to believe he is now on a course that will soon leave him being the one to drive himself to school!
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I attended an executive meeting of the OHC Writer's Guild Saturday. We have many exciting things coming up, including participating in the Superhero event at OHC, a book signing, and a writing course this summer. I'm also thrilled at our growing presence on Amazon, with ebooks and regular books available for sale. Please check us out, including April Lee, L Thornhill Crane, David Rollison, Rem Farr, Iryna S. Combs and me, T. M. Strait.
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I have to wrap sooner than I thought. Not enough book sales or lottery wins yet that I can forego going into work.
But, briefly, speaking of Iowa and Con Men, the Iowa Caucus is tonight. In the Republican Party, the biggest con man on Earth leads their pack and is likely to win. He doesn't have the organization of the others, and some of his base will be too lazy to show, so the margin may be closer than anticipated. The real question in Iowa is whether Rubio finishes ahead far enough of the other establishment con men in order to give him a boost in Iowa. Cruz is fading fast but he has an elaborate organization, so he may hold second.
Sanders has enthusiasm and a great organization, but Clinton has the money and the party apparatus behind her. It should give her an edge in a close race. The mystery factor is O'Malley. In the Democratic caucus, at each precinct/gathering, the candidate has to get at least 15% to remain viable. If they don't, the O'Malley supporters have to go to support Clinton or Sanders (or leave). Since O'Malley is highly unlikely to poll greater than 15% virtually anywhere, then where those votes go could determine the caucus. Unless Clinton has promised him a prominent position in her government (most likely Vice President), than I would think he would tell his supporters to go to Sanders, in order to keep the process open. This has happened before, when Kucinich directed his people to support Kerry in 2004.
Regardless of what happens, I am committed to voting for Sanders in the Georgia primary. Sorry, Hillary. Although if you are the nominee in the Fall I will vote for you, I will never forget that you told me to stop dreaming. Never.
Until next time,
T. M. Strait
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