A week or so back I took a group of young actors , about 60- ranging in age from 6 to 14, to see a production of Hairspray. 60 kids and about 6 adults! Thespis bless them ,they were a wonderful, respectful , and enthusiastic audience.
So enthusiastic, that they were mentioned in the Newsday review of the show. They received a rave. He also gave the show an excellent review.
The next morning, I met with the kids and we talked about the show and the performances. I will say that the kids perception of the show was positive, but they were far more critical in their estimation of the performances than the writer. ( He raved about the girl who played Tracy, the kids were a bit more "reserved"")
Bravo, young uns!
WE talked about performances and costumes and lighting and the set , etc. Lots of great honest reactions. This lead to a discussion of the idea of acceptance that is the heart of the show. Race and gender and size. and the shallowness of conformity. As we spoke , I shared some stories of traveling with my family down in the deep south back in the 60's. It is amazing to think that it my lifetime I witnessed ,plain as day, the remnants of the systematic racism and intolerance that were part of America for so long.
There is a wonderful article by Calvin Trillin in last weeks New Yorker magazine, about his tenure as a writer for Time magazine covering, among other subjects, The Freedom Rides of the early 60's. So much has changed in those 50 years.
As we continued , one of the kids brought up the fact that same sex marriage had been adopted in New York State. All the kids burst into applause and cheered. All of them, Here's something that their grandparents couldn't even have imagined, that a few short years ago had no chance of being adopted and these kids accept it as common sense.
The final song in Hairspray is a wonderful song called , "You Can't Stop The Beat" It's a joyous tribute to early 60's soul music that brings the house down.
And as one of the kids pointed out- It also proves that you can't stand in the way of change, of progress. You Can't stop The Beat.
smart kid (s)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
sand in my shoes...........
I am an evening beach going kinda guy- usually about 6 o'clock or so. The crowds are gone or on the way out. The sun is in a far more civilized position in the sky, much more discrete. I have taken to wearing a big hat, I used to be a baseball hat guy, but they can get too hot, so now I am a big straw hat wearing guy.
There is nothing cool and /or hip about this hat. We're not talking a chic little fedora or a timeless Panama. It's not even a 'So out it's in" Straw Boater ( although I would kill to find one that fits my massive Irish head. My brother Rob gifted me one of those about 25 years ago- a thing of beauty!) No, this is just a big old straw hat, not a Cowboy hat (thank God) and not an Amish Hat (i used to have one of those as well) just a basic utilitarian hat.
A bit goofy looking, but it keeps the sun out of my eyes and since it's straw, it certainly breathes. I mean God knows, I'm not dressing to impress at the beach, but I basically am one step closer to being that guy with the metal detector. Hmmmmm I wonder how much he makes in a week.
I am open minded in my choice of beaches, north shore, south shore, ocean, bay- I'll , mix it up during the week and go to a few different beaches.
Sunken meadow- Lots of walking on the boardwalk, some stroll, others run- I stroll
Smiths Point- always a party- most nights live music and dancing- always a crowd, on some nights that's a good thing, other nights I want no part of it.
Robert Moses- lots of families
I haven't been to my favorite beach of all time this year- Sailors Haven on Fire Island, nice beach, great walk thru the Sunken Forest, smaller crowds. A wee bit o' heaven
I have brought the Kindle to the beach to do some reading and I have to say the little dickens works very nicely outside in the sun, thank you very much. I am starting to come around to the Kindle- I have been reading a ton since I got it, I'm still reading more actual books than e books, but I am developing a fondness for the little guy.
Recently I read two memoirs- the world has gone memoir crazy, everybody is convinced that their life deserves to be immortalized.
Some are wonderful , well written and insightful- You feel that as they share some of the details of their life they are giving you a new way to look at your own Life.
Most are mildly entertaining and if you're lucky you'll get a piece or two of something ' scandalous', which is usually the only reason the book got written in the first place.
The first was, ' Blood , Bones, and Butter' by Gabrielle Hamilton, which i read on the kindle. It's the story of how she became a professional chef/ restaurateur. I had read some short pieces she had written and saw her interviewed by Mike Colameco on his PBS show and found her to be funny and provocative, always a good combination.
The other was, ' Street Player" by Danny Seraphine, the original drummer with the band Chicago, which I read in actual book form. It's basically the story of a tough street kid who finds salvation in music and then at the height of his fame finds himself fired from the band he helped create. Chicago was "my" band when I was a kid. My first concert at Madison square garden, we bought about 30 tickets and rented a bus, but that's another story for another time. The opening act was Bruce Springsteen and he was , booooed! Not Bruuuuced, booed. But that also is another story for another time.
Both books were good, not great, and I came away from the Hamilton book really disliking her. There is one thing that both books shared as far as I was concerned- there are real moments of conflict in both books- Danny is fired and Gabrielle has a real 'challenging relationship' with her husband.
They tell the stories as they see them and for the first time I can remember I would love to hear the other opinions as to what happened. I want to know why the band threw him out and what her husbands take on their relationship is.
Not that I doubt the facts of what they are writing, it's just that in both books there are other voices I would like to hear from.
Look for me at the beach, I'm the guy with the hat
There is nothing cool and /or hip about this hat. We're not talking a chic little fedora or a timeless Panama. It's not even a 'So out it's in" Straw Boater ( although I would kill to find one that fits my massive Irish head. My brother Rob gifted me one of those about 25 years ago- a thing of beauty!) No, this is just a big old straw hat, not a Cowboy hat (thank God) and not an Amish Hat (i used to have one of those as well) just a basic utilitarian hat.
A bit goofy looking, but it keeps the sun out of my eyes and since it's straw, it certainly breathes. I mean God knows, I'm not dressing to impress at the beach, but I basically am one step closer to being that guy with the metal detector. Hmmmmm I wonder how much he makes in a week.
I am open minded in my choice of beaches, north shore, south shore, ocean, bay- I'll , mix it up during the week and go to a few different beaches.
Sunken meadow- Lots of walking on the boardwalk, some stroll, others run- I stroll
Smiths Point- always a party- most nights live music and dancing- always a crowd, on some nights that's a good thing, other nights I want no part of it.
Robert Moses- lots of families
I haven't been to my favorite beach of all time this year- Sailors Haven on Fire Island, nice beach, great walk thru the Sunken Forest, smaller crowds. A wee bit o' heaven
I have brought the Kindle to the beach to do some reading and I have to say the little dickens works very nicely outside in the sun, thank you very much. I am starting to come around to the Kindle- I have been reading a ton since I got it, I'm still reading more actual books than e books, but I am developing a fondness for the little guy.
Recently I read two memoirs- the world has gone memoir crazy, everybody is convinced that their life deserves to be immortalized.
Some are wonderful , well written and insightful- You feel that as they share some of the details of their life they are giving you a new way to look at your own Life.
Most are mildly entertaining and if you're lucky you'll get a piece or two of something ' scandalous', which is usually the only reason the book got written in the first place.
The first was, ' Blood , Bones, and Butter' by Gabrielle Hamilton, which i read on the kindle. It's the story of how she became a professional chef/ restaurateur. I had read some short pieces she had written and saw her interviewed by Mike Colameco on his PBS show and found her to be funny and provocative, always a good combination.
The other was, ' Street Player" by Danny Seraphine, the original drummer with the band Chicago, which I read in actual book form. It's basically the story of a tough street kid who finds salvation in music and then at the height of his fame finds himself fired from the band he helped create. Chicago was "my" band when I was a kid. My first concert at Madison square garden, we bought about 30 tickets and rented a bus, but that's another story for another time. The opening act was Bruce Springsteen and he was , booooed! Not Bruuuuced, booed. But that also is another story for another time.
Both books were good, not great, and I came away from the Hamilton book really disliking her. There is one thing that both books shared as far as I was concerned- there are real moments of conflict in both books- Danny is fired and Gabrielle has a real 'challenging relationship' with her husband.
They tell the stories as they see them and for the first time I can remember I would love to hear the other opinions as to what happened. I want to know why the band threw him out and what her husbands take on their relationship is.
Not that I doubt the facts of what they are writing, it's just that in both books there are other voices I would like to hear from.
Look for me at the beach, I'm the guy with the hat
Saturday, July 2, 2011
if i could talk to the animals.........
A week or two back I was called for jury duty. I have been called a number of times , but sadly have never sat on a jury! I would love to sit on a jury- I take geat pride in all those civic duty things, voting, jury, 'see something ,say something,' recycling, don't pee in the pool.........
I have been Voir Dired three times but alas no jury. (I tried thinking of a Voir Dire, double entendre quip, but couldn't. If you can think of one please feel free) . You never really know why you are turned down, but you can guess. Judging by the cases and the questions asked, I was turned down once because my Mother worked at the IRS, once because my brother is a police officer, and this last time because our family owned two cockapoos. (dogs, not birds)
The case was a dog bite lawsuit and the canine in question was a cockapoo. Obviously the plaintifs attorney did not believe that I could be objective, given my previous cockapoo experience. I am purposefully using the word cockapoo as many times as possible to give you an idea of what Jury selection was like.
I should also point out that it took three full days to seat the jury. That's right,three days - a civil case. A dog bite. Three days. The people who supervise the jury room were shocked it was taking so long.
The questioning by the defense lawyer was quick and to the point- very direct. The plaintiffs lawyer was all over the place- essentially he was trying the case then and there. I always had the feeling he was saying too much. We were getting a lot of information about the case haphazardly and people being people most of the prospective jurors were already forming opinions.
As I sat there watching the one fella stumble, I felt like standing up and giving him some tips on preparation and public speaking. It was painful.
I realize it's hard to see what's happening sometime in the heat of battle, but I hope he noticed how prepared the defense guy was. The little things can be so important- the defense guy always addressed the people he was questioning by name , "Mrs. so and so". The best the other attorney could do was address everyone he spoke to as , "you'. A small point, but everybody likes to feel important and respected........three days!!!!!
Now that I think of it, when I was excused they were still looking for an alternate, so for all I know, they're still going.
---topic change ahead
So. I was at the Central Park Zoo this week. The last time I was there was a loooooooooong time ago. There is something thrilling about the idea that right there, smack dab in the middle of Manhattan are sea lions and penguins and a polar bear.
This is an old skool Zoo, so even though the place is well designed and tended, the animals are basically in cages. I am shocked that animal rights people don't protest outside the gates everyday. It would be easy to make the case that wild animals do not belong in cages in the middle of a city..........but- it's penguins! right there! on the other side of the glass! I see him and he sees me! "Hi Mr. Penguin!!!!!!
And did you see the sea lions? The jump up on the rocks and interact with the crowd. 100 yards over there is 5th avenue and right here are sea lions! real ones!
I know, I get it , it's not right, but it is extraordinary to see them so close and to see the reaction of the kids. Of course it is a bit heartbreaking to see the polar bear neurotically swim back and forth in the same pattern all day long, but..............
--topic change (kinda)
Later that same day as we walked around mid town Manhattan we passed Gallaghers steak house, a restaurant that famously has steaks hanging in the window as they dry age. Often there is a crowd of people gathered at the window gazing at the steaks lovingly.
In general, I'm not a big meat eater, I couldn't tell you the last time I had a steak, - but there is something about those steaks hanging in the window that make me want to become whatever is more extreme than Vegan. I want to become an Aquan, I'll just drink water from now on and maybe a few Saltine crackers.
I have been Voir Dired three times but alas no jury. (I tried thinking of a Voir Dire, double entendre quip, but couldn't. If you can think of one please feel free) . You never really know why you are turned down, but you can guess. Judging by the cases and the questions asked, I was turned down once because my Mother worked at the IRS, once because my brother is a police officer, and this last time because our family owned two cockapoos. (dogs, not birds)
The case was a dog bite lawsuit and the canine in question was a cockapoo. Obviously the plaintifs attorney did not believe that I could be objective, given my previous cockapoo experience. I am purposefully using the word cockapoo as many times as possible to give you an idea of what Jury selection was like.
I should also point out that it took three full days to seat the jury. That's right,three days - a civil case. A dog bite. Three days. The people who supervise the jury room were shocked it was taking so long.
The questioning by the defense lawyer was quick and to the point- very direct. The plaintiffs lawyer was all over the place- essentially he was trying the case then and there. I always had the feeling he was saying too much. We were getting a lot of information about the case haphazardly and people being people most of the prospective jurors were already forming opinions.
As I sat there watching the one fella stumble, I felt like standing up and giving him some tips on preparation and public speaking. It was painful.
I realize it's hard to see what's happening sometime in the heat of battle, but I hope he noticed how prepared the defense guy was. The little things can be so important- the defense guy always addressed the people he was questioning by name , "Mrs. so and so". The best the other attorney could do was address everyone he spoke to as , "you'. A small point, but everybody likes to feel important and respected........three days!!!!!
Now that I think of it, when I was excused they were still looking for an alternate, so for all I know, they're still going.
---topic change ahead
So. I was at the Central Park Zoo this week. The last time I was there was a loooooooooong time ago. There is something thrilling about the idea that right there, smack dab in the middle of Manhattan are sea lions and penguins and a polar bear.
This is an old skool Zoo, so even though the place is well designed and tended, the animals are basically in cages. I am shocked that animal rights people don't protest outside the gates everyday. It would be easy to make the case that wild animals do not belong in cages in the middle of a city..........but- it's penguins! right there! on the other side of the glass! I see him and he sees me! "Hi Mr. Penguin!!!!!!
And did you see the sea lions? The jump up on the rocks and interact with the crowd. 100 yards over there is 5th avenue and right here are sea lions! real ones!
I know, I get it , it's not right, but it is extraordinary to see them so close and to see the reaction of the kids. Of course it is a bit heartbreaking to see the polar bear neurotically swim back and forth in the same pattern all day long, but..............
--topic change (kinda)
Later that same day as we walked around mid town Manhattan we passed Gallaghers steak house, a restaurant that famously has steaks hanging in the window as they dry age. Often there is a crowd of people gathered at the window gazing at the steaks lovingly.
In general, I'm not a big meat eater, I couldn't tell you the last time I had a steak, - but there is something about those steaks hanging in the window that make me want to become whatever is more extreme than Vegan. I want to become an Aquan, I'll just drink water from now on and maybe a few Saltine crackers.
Friday, July 1, 2011
summer.........in the city
To celebrate my nieces recent high school graduation , we took a trip into the City (Pittsburgh,... no, New York) the other day.
A lovely summer day, Central Park Zoo (yay! Penguins!) The Met Museum (yay! Art!) dinner, (yay! Cuban food!) and the revival of Anything Goes (yay! .... uh ...well...uh... Yay! Sutton Foster! that girl certainly commands the stage)
It was Hot and Humid. And if you have visited the Isle of Manhattan in the heat of summer ,you are familiar with that certain ' funky stank' that permeates the air. Especially in the mid town area.
During the course of the day I saw at least a dozen 'hipsters' walking around wearing those goofy wool caps.Don't fashion slaves respect seasons? I was mopping my brow all day like Pavarotti in a sauna and these nit wits were marching in lock step wearing the hottest hat known to man.
My nephew and I were watching some indie - hipster band on the telly the other night and the singer had a massive case of bed head. Now, I would respect that if he had actually just rolled out of bed to play the gig, but this guy had obviously spent an hour or so with a stylist to get his hair "just right"
Hey, hipster ! I will now bestow on you the most important lesson I have learned:
Cool is the enemy.
(the attitude, not the temperature)
Oh ,one more thing- To all of those folks out there in big bad world who propose that the study of art(s) is silly and frivolous- let's go to the Met, I'll treat.
See how important art was to the Egyptians? The Greeks? The Romans?
Thousands of years before Christ, the world was filled with art(s). Every moment of life , from birth to death, was celebrated by the artist.
sculpture, painting, jewelry, pottery. architecture.
When we come out of the museum, we can sit on the steps and talk about what we just saw. I'll tell you my favorite and you can tell me yours- I'll even treat you to a pretzel.
Then maybe we can go see the movie ' Cave of Forgotten Dreams" a documentary by Werner Herzog, about the earliest cave paintings ever discovered. Extraordinary! There is one particular painting of horses that might just be the single most beautiful art work I have ever seen.
If we go to the movies, we'll have to go dutch, I'm a little low on cash.
Just promise me you won't wear your wool cap
A lovely summer day, Central Park Zoo (yay! Penguins!) The Met Museum (yay! Art!) dinner, (yay! Cuban food!) and the revival of Anything Goes (yay! .... uh ...well...uh... Yay! Sutton Foster! that girl certainly commands the stage)
It was Hot and Humid. And if you have visited the Isle of Manhattan in the heat of summer ,you are familiar with that certain ' funky stank' that permeates the air. Especially in the mid town area.
During the course of the day I saw at least a dozen 'hipsters' walking around wearing those goofy wool caps.Don't fashion slaves respect seasons? I was mopping my brow all day like Pavarotti in a sauna and these nit wits were marching in lock step wearing the hottest hat known to man.
My nephew and I were watching some indie - hipster band on the telly the other night and the singer had a massive case of bed head. Now, I would respect that if he had actually just rolled out of bed to play the gig, but this guy had obviously spent an hour or so with a stylist to get his hair "just right"
Hey, hipster ! I will now bestow on you the most important lesson I have learned:
Cool is the enemy.
(the attitude, not the temperature)
Oh ,one more thing- To all of those folks out there in big bad world who propose that the study of art(s) is silly and frivolous- let's go to the Met, I'll treat.
See how important art was to the Egyptians? The Greeks? The Romans?
Thousands of years before Christ, the world was filled with art(s). Every moment of life , from birth to death, was celebrated by the artist.
sculpture, painting, jewelry, pottery. architecture.
When we come out of the museum, we can sit on the steps and talk about what we just saw. I'll tell you my favorite and you can tell me yours- I'll even treat you to a pretzel.
Then maybe we can go see the movie ' Cave of Forgotten Dreams" a documentary by Werner Herzog, about the earliest cave paintings ever discovered. Extraordinary! There is one particular painting of horses that might just be the single most beautiful art work I have ever seen.
If we go to the movies, we'll have to go dutch, I'm a little low on cash.
Just promise me you won't wear your wool cap
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