Musings on a Life in the Theatre, Tablet PC's, Cultural Issues, (oh, and the occasional emu sighting...)

1,444 posts categorized "Culture"

October 15, 2013

So, here's a question for friends of mine and readers of this blog with small children. Over the last weeks we've seen the complete collapse of what the founders envisioned as Representative Democracy. It was a noble experiment. I think we've seen it finally fail. If what we're hearing tonight as I compose this post is true, a right wing think tank, The Heritage Foundation, sent out a missive to Republican House members that buckled their knees so much, we won't see a vote in the House on what looked like was going to be yet another feckless attempt to accomplish something or anything. That could still change, but the bald face bullying as sent the cowards scampering to their corners. Some would argure that democracy is always messy. It is. But I don't think this quailifies as messy or democracy.

Oh, that question? What do you teach your children these days when it comes to things like reciting the Pledge of Allegiance? You remember what that is don't you. Originally composed by a Baptist minister and Christain Socialist, Francis Bellamy, that's the pledge we should all be able to recite by memory from about the first grade on, if not sooner. But haven't the actions of our Congress critters (on both sides) proven that it is just a hollow incantation, even considering the blood that has been shed over the flag we pledge to and the nation and ideals it represents? That last part is key.

I don't ask this question in jest, or with snark. I ask it sincerely. Given that it is difficult to justify the actions, words, and dare I say, intelligence, of the folks we elect and pay as leaders, what do you say to your children about this?

August 01, 2013

It started quite a bit ago. Probably with some of the first arguements between humans. So, there's nothing strange about how humans interact with each other when they disagree. Where there is strangness is that unlike the days when ignornance, hatred, lack of facts, overheated emotions, and bull shit used to be called out for what they were, or dismissed by those who knew better, the currency of debating or arguing points now rises and falls with how well the individuals ignore reason and rely on the things listed above.

Our culture these days seems to reward those who are good at ignoring facts and rationality. Nuance? Forget about that. There's just no room for something that requires any degree of nuance. Yell loud enough and you win. Insult the other side and watch the arguement spin uncontrollably away from the topic at hand.

Again, this has gone on for as long as humans have argued. But it has developed into such a science and such acceptable behavior these days that we don't argue anymore, we just lob words and emotion back and forth and walk away like some gorilla roaring out loud after marking his territory. Would that be evolution or devolution? I don't think it was any part of anyone's Intelligent Design.

Sure, this shows up in our politics (there was never much room for rationality there in the first place), and it shows up in arguing about which gadget is better. It shows up in reviews of all sorts of products online, and when it comes to religion, well, we've been waging wars supposedly about that topic as long as we've been able to wage war. Watching this occur over topics that involve any mention of science has become almost like watching a Road Runner cartoon. Only problem is the coyotes are winning because they make more noise more efficiently.

There used to be a day when the art of the orator or the actor required one to have a big resonating voice in order to be heard. Well, in both instances, now that technology has allowed those with quiet voices to be heard, being loud doesn't count for much anymore in those fields when it comes to getting ahead. The tiniest voices can be amplified and modified, often masking the tiniest brains and the tinest of talents. The difference, these days, isn't about how much sound you can produce, it is about how much noise you can make without saying anything of substance regarding the point at hand.

July 30, 2013

Starting to get back into the swing of things a bit after some life altering news of late. That said, the swing set here has been dormant for quite some time, so it will take a bit to knock the rust off. There's been so much water under so many bridges since I had to semi-retire from writing for this blog and others that if I tried to catch up, well, let's just say that would be as futile as a certain Virginia governor trying to salvage what is left of his career by giving back a Rolex.

So, we'll move on and pick up anew. That said, the headlines of today look pretty much the same. Only the names and circumstances change in the ridiculous rat race that we somehow still like to call human. But maybe that's the point. Human nature is what it is all about and human nature has more of an interest in the dark than the light.

So, this blog was always about culture, politics, things I found entertaining and a bit of tech. We'll try to get back to some of that in the days ahead. So, let's kick off by saying you won't find much talk about a certain idiot in New York City, who likes to send pictures of himself around to women, and then seems to think he can still run for mayor of that city. If nothing else, change your damn name. All you are doing is reducing the Internet to a level below its prepubescent preponderance for dick jokes and other puerile predilections. Actually, it isn't just the Internet. We long ago dismissed shame as something we would brandish on those who deserved it, in lieu of profiting on their stupidity for our own sakes. That, though, doesn't give you permission to jerk off in public, even if those looking for links will join in and make it a circle; or that voters in South Carolina and other places have proven that we don't care about the smarts of those we elect, have short memories, or just find the whole thing more entertaining than the latest failed movie blockbuster.

On to a bit of technology. Google has released Chromecast, a dongle that dangles out of an HDMI port and allows you to use mobile devices and computers to throw video to your big screen. Huzzah! Maybe the third time will be the charm for Google and TV because it has failed at least twice. The Chromecast concept at least looks like it has promise and the price ($35) is certainly right. That is until those who control the content start to do a little squeezing. Content providers and pipe purveyors certainly recognize Google's play here and gosh, golly gee, they don't want you to watch their stuff with somebody else's ads on it. They've lost the time shifting and place shifting battles and I don't think they want to loose the dongle dance that should lead to this technology being built into TVs down the road.

I may be wrong, but as exciting as Chromecast looks to be, I bet we see a backlash from the content providers that will affect all streaming services. Short memories easily forget how DRM schemes forced on computer manufacturers crippled computers (and in some cases still do). I mean let's get serious. The next time some dickhead politician pops his head up (or other things) and the ratings war games begin on that news, they want you tuning into their coverage today, not streaming it through your browser tomorrow. But then the term "breaking news" is a broken cliché and has as much currency as the stuff the content providers willingly let you stream on existing services.

July 27, 2013

Plans are slowly beginning to take shape for our next adventure. We are indeed moving back to Chicago. Timeline is the last week of August. We're taking inventory of our stuff, doing some downsizing and will be holding a yard sale of some sort before we go. We've also got some amazing offers from friends to host farewell parties. That's getting worked on currently so more news on that when we have it. We have a lot of folks to touch base with before we leave.

This all got more real yesterday when I gave notice to terminate our lease and last night we picked up a motherlode of moving boxes from a nice lady who had just moved into the area and was giving them away for free. So, for the next month or so, it is all about stuff, moving stuff, storing stuff, getting rid of stuff, and well…. stuff. It's also about breaking up with doctors, pharmacists, and other relationships as well.

As to the work thing, we're putting out feelers on a number of fronts and have some interesting discussions going on. Beyond the already mentioned gig directing Things My Mother Taught Me at Circa 21 in September, there's nothing solid to share yet. Also don't forget that fans of Southern Crossroads will have two opportunities the next two months to see that show at Derby Dinner Playhouse (August 20-September 29) and at Circa 21 (August 14-September 21). The run at Murry's Dinner Playhouse has just concluded and was so successful they've expressed interest in the prequel Steve and I wrote, Southern Crossroads: The New Orleans Adventure. The success that theaters are having with Southern Crossroads is leading to more interest for next season so we remain excited about that potential. Folks like shows that make money and make audiences stand up and cheer.

I keep getting questions wondering if I'm looking to run a theatre again. The answer at the moment is a firm "no." It's not that I've been there and done that, but it is. Quite honestly with things as unsettled as they seem to be around the country with board leadership (or lack thereof), financial pressures, and more things that have less to do with doing theatre than keeping them alive, in my mind I've got enough bruises on my head to think about giving that a go again. At least for the moment. Never say never, right? I also think this is a younger person's game these days, or at least a person younger than me.

Quite honestly I enjoyed very much directing my last show at Wayside Theatre, Boeing Boeing. The reason? All I did was direct the show. I wasn't responsible for the myriad of other duties that come with running a theatre. Quite a few folks have commented to me that this showed positively n the work. That's flattering on the one hand and pisses me off on the other.

Again, thanks to all of the true friends and family who have been supportive through the beginning of this transition. When you are skating on thin ice it is nice to know you've got a few folks hanging on to a tether line in case the ice breaks.

Oh, and a good friend challenged me last night about something I've always said during my many adventures at Wayside Theatre. As we faced many challenges along the way, I'd say about some of the crazier ones that they would make an interesting chapter in the book I'll write someday. My friend asked if I was really going to do that. The answer is yes. I mean, think about it. The last few chapters are going to be quite interesting don't you think?

July 15, 2013

Call
it a wake, call it a send off, call it whatever you wish to, but last
night's opening night of Boeing Boeing at Wayside Theatre was, even with
all of the emotions surrounding my departure, one that those who were
there, in body or in spirit, will remember for some time to come.

It was indeed a night filled with emotions. Long time Wayside Theatre stalwart Cephe Place received recognition for
her amazing service to the organization by being honored with a Leo
Award. Saying that honor was well deserved is an understatement to end
all understatements. Before the show the many friends who came to the
see my last opening night at Wayside Theatre brought treasured memories
with them to this special night.

But, most importantly, the
amazing cast of Boeing Boeing, (Leslie Putnam, Don Denton, Dan
Westbrook, Shirley Proctor, Theresa McQuirk, and Karen O'Connell,) took
the stage, whipped the audience into a frenzy of laughter, and brought
the focus right back to where it should be: on the show and the amazing
work within.

If the show biz maxim, "always leave 'em
laughing" is true, that cast certainly took that to a new level last
night. I have to tell you watching them perform this insane farce with
such amazing skill and polish was a great "final opening" for me to
remember. I'll treasure it always.

Quite a few folks remarked
that it was one of the best shows I've directed at Wayside in quite some
time. My response was, well, when all you have to do is focus on the
directing of a show, instead of the many gazillion other things that my
previous job entailed, well... you get the picture. Maybe that should be
a lesson for someone. Hmm?

Thomasin and I were delighted to be
surrounded by so many wonderful friends and great colleagues who have
helped make our life at Wayside Theatre worthwhile these past years.
Seeing each one before or after the show brought back such a rush of
memories it almost became overwhelming. Those who made it last night and
those who couldn't (because many of them are working! Yea!) please know
that you have left an indelible mark on that tiny stage and also with
me. We'll do it again sometime, on some other stage, but, in the
meantime, we all share the specialness that were those years at Wayside
Theatre.

So many words, so many memories came flooding out in the after parties (I think one may still be going on someplace). Vaughn Irving,
who has his own show going up in the DC Fringe fest touched Thomasin
and I tremendously with his words. But, then what would you expect from
someone who is playing Disco Jesus. But Vaughn wasn't and isn't alone.
This Wayside Family that did amazing things in some of the most
challenging circumstances anyone can face is spread all over this biz.
They are all doing what they were born to do, which is, for a few brief
moments, brighten the lives of others with their artistry and talent.

Lord knows, they certainly have brightened mine. For that I will always be grateful for all we have shared.

July 14, 2013

So. Here we are. Tonight marks my last opening night at Wayside Theatre, with what I think is a very, very funny production of Boeing Boeing. The cast is sensational and together we felt the show grow into its own during the two preview performances yesterday. It sure was great to hear some laughs after a week of tech rehearsals where no one laughs at anything anymore.

I'm sure tonight will be full of all sorts of mixed emotions. I know quite a few friends are coming in for this final opening and I'm greatly appreciative of all of the good thoughts and words that have been coming our way since I made the decision to resign from my position as Artistic Director at Wayside Theatre on June 28 and from those who can't make it to the opening. It is times like these when you find out who your friends are.

I'm imagining tonight's after party will go on a bit longer than most. And I have to admit, I'm looking forward to that. Not so sure I'm looking forward to the mixed emotions though. As Berthe says at the close of Act 1 in Boeing Boeing, "It's going to be a bumpy night."

As for Act 2, Thomasin and I are still in the process of working out our options for the future. Until we make firm decisions on that, though, the next gig is directing the comedy Things My Mother Taught Me in September for Circa 21, which follows Circa's production of Southern Crossroads, which I wrote with Steve Przybylski. By the way, there is a production of Southern Crossroads playing at Murray's Dinner Theatre in Arkansas currently, and one coming up at the Derby Dinner Playhouse in Indiana later this summer. We're taking some time down this week to make those decisions, drink a bit, and wrap our heads around what's next. There will be some writing mixed in there, along with directing and who knows what else. A bunch of folks in the community are talking about some kind of party in the next few weeks, and we'll probably take them up on that. We'll let you know if it happens.

In the meantime, there's a show to open tonight. So, time to plan the final tuneup. But before I turn to that, here's a curious observation. At least I think it is curious. So many folks can't wrap there heads around the distinctions between what an Artistic Director and a director does. Those of us in the biz understand this. But the number of folks who I've talked to these past weeks who don't have a clue as to how the magic arrives on stage is more overwhelming than I ever imagined. Perhaps, that's as it should be. After all it is supposed to look effortless.

December 03, 2012

Here we go. It's Ink Blot Awards time. A time for fun, and time for some introspection, a time for passing time, and a time for looking back. I've been blogging both here and at GottaBeMobile.com for over eight years now. I began this little annual tradition on the first annivesary of this blog as a way of celebrating a community that no longer exists today. That community was a group of geeks devoted to the early Tablet PCs. Things have changed quite a bit since, but here's what I wrote on that first anniversary as some context.

I created The Life On The Wicked Stage Ink Blot Awards
as a celebration. Yes, it's a celebration of the 1 year anniversary of
this blog. But it is more than that. It is a celebration of a community
that I have come to know and admire. The Tableteers that make up the
Tablet PC Community are an amazing collection of individuals who know
and work with the Tablet PC platform. They are fiercely protective of
it, insatiably curious about advancing it, very intelligent, often
wickedly funny, at one time very forgiving and patient, and in the same
breath, scathingly critical when the need arises. They are also
exceedingly willing to evangelize the platform to anyone who will
listen, and in my humble opinion, have helped keep the spotlight on The
Tablet PC in ways that may, in the long run, prove to be responsible
for keeping the platform thriving.

Like I said, many things have changed since then. The Ink Blot Awards continue to evolve, without or without any hint of intelligent design. Those early Tablet PCs might as well be made of stone given how the technology has advanced. The media that covers Tablets (and other things as well) proves over and over again that the exciting technology we have at our current disposal doesn't mean that the stone age thinking of how we cover things goes away with new technology.

What hasn't changed and what's consistent about Tablets and mobile tech is that they offer a very personal experience. Apple gets this. Microsoft and others are trying to, but they insist on making devices while Apple creates experiences.

My attitude about politics, cultural
happenings, and other things are also changing. I've also
changed how I observe and remark about them. The convenience of Twitter, App.net, Google+ and Facebook take something away from this blog. I used to worry about that. I don't any longer.

I used to find most of what revolves around us as we make our way through this crazy life as entertaining
in a "Human Comedy" sort of way. That has stopped, largely. What used to entertain more frequently just fills me with disdain. I guess that's mostly because those that pull the levers seem to view us all with disdain and they are becoming more transparent about it. I suppose I'm losing my tolerance, but perhaps that's because these days you can't talk about things in a nuanced manner. Whether the subject be politics or the latest gadget, you're either with us or against us, whoever the us is. Why remain tolerant with intolerance? Hating is the in thing these days, though for whatever reason I can't quite figure out. The ins and outs of life begin with the foibles of humans. We can create beauty and magic. We can also screw up just about anything we touch given half a chance. It
used to be we acknowledged that,
celebrated it, and moved on, bettering ourselves in the process. We might still do some of that, but far too often I increasingly feel like we're playing a sucker's game. Granted the game is being rigged by other suckers who just don't realize that's what they are. Rats in a maze can only repeat their paths so often before they pass out and die or get too fat from finding the reward. I often wonder why we get so many chances to make the same mistakes over and over. Maybe we're just too small to see the maze.

All pretense aside, the rules for inclusion on this little list are the same as they have always been. Award winners are subject to my own whims and
fancies. Some are best in class, some are just frivilous, some deserve
the small heaping of scorn these awards might cast their way. Human
nature, no matter the field of endeavor, is ripe with that which needs
celebrating, and that which needs derision cast its way. Good friend and Tableteer, Mark “Sumocat” Sumimoto,
christened these awards with the nickname of ‘The Blotties’ in year
one, and that sorta stuck. So we'll let it keep sticking. And finally,
if you don't like the list, go make your own.

November 11, 2012

It was tempting to title this post A Small Victory for Truth over Lying, but that would have been a lie. Neither political party, nor neither of the two candidates who ran for the presidency of the USA has a anything approaching a respect for the truth. If you disagree with that statement you are lying to yourself, stop reading this post and move on into your own world of fantasy. If two oppoents could claim a monopoly on lying then both could in this case. Nonetheless, there was a small victory on Tuesdaty for those in the non-lying class, or perhaps that should be those who prefer to be treated as if they aren't schoolchildren when it comes to confronting the issues we have before us.

If lying wasn't such a fundamental piece of keeping those who practice it in power and rolling in the dough, we'd be seeing the beginnings of tear down of many of the things that we all accept as a part of the game called politics. We're seeing some fraying around the edges, yes, but let's get real. Wholesale change isn't going to occur simply because one side lost in a game where the winners don't matter. The whinners might matter more.

We can talk about the candidates, the lack of candidates, skewed polling, Nate Silver, the non-messaging messages, the technological failures, the failure of this or that, the shift in demographics, media bias, storms, etc... but that's a game that only losers play. There is something to the shift in demographics, but only the blind (or those with blinders on) couldn't see that coming over the last 20 years. What's really at the core of why so many feel so unfulfiilled after this recent election is that the outcome proved that the industry surrounding politics in this country failed and failed miserably.

It failed because at its very essence it took those it was selling to for granted. It failed because it exists to feed itself, not offer a better shot at the future. It failed because lying is its best weapon and the targets of those weapons have, I hope, simply dodged the bullets flying at them from both sides. Set aside the issues for a moment (if you can), and recognize that both sides believed that they could advertise, market, and sell to a public in the way that would have never allowed Willy Loman to ever collect a commission. It has been a contempuous underestimation of the intelligence of those it wishes to sell to for far too long. The movers and shakers who play this game watched as the game pieces refused to move and were, (gasp) surprised at the outcome in a way that Captain Renault would dismiss as ignorant.

For the last decade those who hold power have not been paying attention to how they have eroded trust in government, religious institutions, social institutions, and anything other institution you can think of. Instead they have congratulated themselves for finding new ways to remove truth, data, facts, and reality from the discussion. Anyone who dared speak a bit of truth, or lay out a fact, quickly found out that they were subject to the quickest game of "kill the messenger" that has ever existed. At least Greek dramatists gave the messenger a monologue. And we were left with no facts, no sense of a baseline for the truth, and no way to figure out who was right or wrong. Or so they thought.

The results of this election will only truly matter if there is some serious reconsideration of the game. That won't happen sadly, because too many fortunes depend on keeping the bubble from popping.

Back to the demographics, and a key point in my view. George W. Bush tried to hand the Republican party its future when he pushed for immigration reform during his tenure. The right refused to go along. Then Obama got elected, give early lip service to the issue until it mattered, and caught the Right by surprise during the campaign season. If you're a Republican you should sue for political malpractice because that was as predictable as day following night. But, at that point, the Right's modus operandi of opposing anything Obama mentioned had caught up to them in ways they hadn't realized and couldn't reverse, and the Democrats now own the Hispanic vote until a Rubio or a Bush comes along to challenge them. But they will have to fight through and over the idiociy that this contest's candidates and party foisted on them in their desperately misquided attempts to oust Obama. Self-deportation? Did that really get said in a debate? Yes, it did.

And that shows just how simply ridiciculous this game has become, and how simple-minded its players have morphed into. We reached a point where very few listened to ideas because we weren't given any, instead listening to those who fed into our own fears on both sides. Calling it an echo chamber or a mirror effect does disservice to both of those clichés. it was a giant circle jerk that turned into a circular firing squad.

Will anyone learn from this? Only those who I hope won't be blinded or blind-sided again. The solution to the issues at hand aren't easy, and have been made more challenging by those we elect to solve them. They've demonized opponents and ideas, and even made the essence of governing- "compromise", a dirty word. In turn, they've turned their own swords on themselves in some sort of weird hari-kari or seppukoo dance, that won't even have the honorable ending that those traditions cloak themselves in.

While that might sound just too damn depressing, the real hope here is that enough of us pawns in the game may have finally seen that those who want to lead us are as naked as emporer in a fable.

October 13, 2012

In case you haven't noticed it is poltiical polling season. If you live in a battleground state, you probably get several calls a week, in addition to the robocalls. There's also a debate swinging around the Internets about ad tracking. You know that promised land were companies collect information on you so they can serve you the ads you want to see. It's becoming a thing as we approach more of this on our smartphones and other smart devices.

Some companies let you turn this off supposedly. (Well, they do, but they don't.) Some scream bloody murder. I think one guy actually said this was like a core democratic principal or some such thing last week, although I can't find the link at the moment.

Yesterday I got a poll call. It was from the state Republican Committee. For some reason they have in their records that I am a registered Republican. I'm not a registered anything. I do vote more on the Democratic side than the Republican, but I'm not a registered party member either way. I found myself answering questions in the way that for Chicago newspaperman Mike Royko used to advise those confronted with exit pollsters. He told them to lie about how they voted. So, I made up a few things as I answered the questions.

I do the same thing with all of these social sites and shopping sites. When I have the time, I'll frequently search for things that I have zero interest in, just to watch how that affects the ads and recommendations I get. To be honest, before I started doing this, I never really saw ads that seemed to focus on my interest or the things I legitmately searched for. While I'm sure there's some science and some art involved. Mostly I think it is pure guesswork. At least before the age of this kind of data tracking, everyone knew it was guesswork. But the reality is that the databases and the algorithyms used to gain that data aren't as smart as most wish they would be.

Why? Humans don't categorize that easily. Perhaps their interests at certain points do, but in the long run, they are much more complex in their interests than the marketers would like us to believe.

So, if you've got some time, or you get a pollster calling, take Mr. Royko's advice and tell a fib or two. I mean we have to keep these folks employed in order to save the economy, right?

October 05, 2012

I've always been a cynic and this quick post isn't about anything new. But I do find it curiously wonderful, in a cynical sort of way, that now Mitt Romney has said his 47% remarks were wrong, how those who so defended him and the remarks during that desperate time in his campaign have now been hung out to dry.

If there were poetic justice (or common sense) in politics, none of these folks would ever be heard from again.

But we all know that won't happen.

The only question that remains on this topic is how much criticism the back trackers and flip floppers will get. I'm guessing the over under on that is somewhere between slim and none.