Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

I am really trying to stay away from the endless political fray that is already poisoning the airwaves and will only get worse in the coming weeks. I tire of the tactics and propaganda and long for something with truth and clarity.

Therefore, when something presents itself with a bit of humor into the arena - I jump all over that. Thus the fuel lit by Clint Eastwood at the RNC last night in Fla. If you have not heard - and how could you not - our man Clint charged Obama with his inefficiencies in absentia. Doing so in his theatrical style, he delivered his stoic and stammered remarks to a vacant chair on stage. Onlookers were not sure how to respond.

I am loving even more the official Obama response to it with his daily tweet.

Glee 2012/ 2012

As always, I remain a stalwart fan of the Series and just caught the beginning glimpse of the coming season. I am a bit cautious of the way last season ended and the possible sprawling storylines as the original cast ventures off to every corner of the globe. But open to the ride.

I also have yet to watch the last two episodes of the Glee Project on Hulu. Sadly, copyrights have it on a 30 day delay. I have seen spoilers thanks to several teen connections on Facebook, but still look forward to the unveiling and how the winner will introduce themselves into the season. Any other fans feel free to chime in.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

It is with great excitement, privilege and challenge - that I am starting a brand new job with Youth Performance Co. This is the youth theater were I began some 20 years ago in the basement of TRP. I have taught there, staged shows, and won milk carton boat races with them. Now I am stepping into a role of Education Director and Outreach. I am working with people I respect so much. They value what I bring to the table and we will continue to redefine who and what this company will become. In addition to the financial security it will afford, I look forward to conquering new mountains that are now in front of me. Yeah!

http://youthperformanceco.org/

Back to School

Since everyone is back to school; here is a shout out to all the Fall marching band programs taking the field and the people behind them. Saw this article today featuring local friend and colleague Mike Ferry.

Why the Marching Arts are Important

National Dog Day

 

From postings on Facebook, it is apparently a day to celebrate our canine friends. Who knew? And I have been a "dog guy" since childhood.

Anyway, I did the mandatory posting of Waylon and then had a friend direct me to a site called Dog-shaming.com. Ridiculous photos owners have taken of their pets when they have done stupid things that only dogs are meant to do. Here are 3 that made me laugh. Find the site - there are 100s.

Getting Old Sucks

Gearing up for another birthday next week. 51 this year does not seem as monumental as 50 last year. That mattered, this one doesn't seem to make any more difference. Another day. By luck I stumbled onto these two Facebook posts that grabbed me in different ways.

The 1st is from a photography collection by Tom Hussey entitled Reflections. It shows aging Seniors caught in the mirror looking back at their youth in promise. I find them juxtaposedly sad, haunting and inspiring. An inspired vision. I am including a few that struck me the most and then the link to the posted collection.

             Reflection by Tom Hussey






And then in all silliness, another video clip of Senior men at a retirement home spoofing the synchronized swimming event from the recent Olympics. It goes on a bit longer than needed - and maybe it misses something to being there live. But the effort is infectious from their mock seriousness, the rag tag uniforms and goggles and the attempt at staging. I would hope I retain that sense of humor in another25 years. Enjoy.

Today would have been Gene Kelley's 100th birthday. I was always in awe of him even before I understood his impact on American film or could even identify what charisma is. He just had IT. I read his biography and he was also a very fierce man with strong political opinions and harbored no guards when naming them. He had modest roots like me in Western PA, although I would have had no idea at the time. He was a tireless advocate of the arts and his close circle of friends. Work hard, play hard. The old question where "if you could bring any one person to the dinner table for a conversation........" it would likely have been Gene at the top of my list.