Book Review: WELCOME TO LIFE AFTER EDEN

WELCOME TO LIFE AFTER EDEN is a collection of the one-panel strips “After Eden.” “After Eden” is a one-panel comic strip created by Dan Lietha for Answers in Genesis. The comics are pithy, often humorous, and sometimes serious examination of life and the world from a Biblical and creationist point of view. The comics in the book are from 1999-2003. Before each chapter, there is a short essay/not from the author. WELCOME TO LIFE AFTER EDEN would make a great resource for anyone looking for some illustrated pieces of humor for a church newsletter or bulletin.

Reflection on James Best

This morning the first bit of news I learned saddened me:   James Best had died last night (Monday, April 6, 2015). Like many who grew up during the early 1980s, I had first became acquainted with Best through The Dukes of Hazzard where he played the dimwitted, but lovable sheriff of Hazzard County, Rosco P. Coltrane.  Occasionally I would see Best in an old episode of television (The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Andy Griffith Show, etc.) or see him in a movie (Hooper) and would think, “There’s good old Rosco.”

 I also remember when I was in college and was studying everything I could about the film industry. During that time, I read interviews and biographies by every actor and director I had the slightest interest in. Many of those interviews and Q&A’s with stars would recommend that if a person wanted to work as an actor in Hollywood, they should take an acting class. I remember on more than one occasion that the interviewee recommended that people take the acting course taught by James Best. I didn’t realize it at the time (although I should have), but apparently, Mr. Best taught the best acting for the camera class in L.A. and he influenced an entire generation of stars including Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood, Teri Garr, Lindsay Wagner, and Farrah Fawcett.

Last June I had the opportunity to spend a couple days with Mr. Best (I wasn’t close enough to call him Jimmie) and his lovely wife Dorothy when they came to Greenville, IL for a couple days during Greenville’s  annual summer car show. Over the past years I’ve had the privilege and the opportunity to work with a variety of talent as they have come to town for speaking engagements and appearances. Each experience has been memorable and every person I’ve met has been unique. James Best is probably the biggest celebrity I’ve met, and out of them all, he has (so far) been the most down-to-Earth and fun-loving.

I met Mr. Best and Dorothy on a Friday night during a special one-man show he performed at the Globe Theater. The show ran well over two hours and it was a fascinating evening. Mr. Best talked about his life, his time in the military, how he got into show business, and he told many stories about the famous people he worked with in film and in television. The show concluded with a Q&A. I remember him saying that the reason he was able to work so much (he acted in 83 movies and over 600 episodes of television) was because he was willing to do whatever it took and that he took advantage of every opportunity that presented itself. For instance, he explained how he used death scenes to give himself a few minutes more in front of the camera or how he would add a few additional lines on a tv show or perform some improved scenes in the background of a movie all to get a little more time in front of the camera.

I spent the next morning with Mr. Best and Dorothy at breakfast before his long day of greeting fans and signing autographs at the car show. For me, that breakfast was the highlight of my experience with James Best.  Mr. Best & Dorothy shared with me a lot about their lives.  They told me about L.A.in the 1960s and how it used to be one of the best cities in the country, how it changed in the late 1970s, and how that it’s so different now that it’s like another world that isn’t fit for children to be raised in. They lamented about some of the changes in the industry and the lack of wholesome family entertainment.  They shared with me that, although out of the limelight, neither one of them could get rid of the acting bug (they had just finished a production of On Golden Pond earlier that year) and encouraged my own endeavors with the local theatre organization I was a part.

After breakfast that day, I took Mr. Best and Dorothy to their booth and spent the day serving them: helping them sell their merchandise, keeping the lines of people moving in an orderly fashion, getting them water, etc. It was pretty much like any other typical day at a car show or convention. At the end of the day I took Mr. Best and his wife back to their hotel and that is where I made my farewell.

I only spent two days with James Best. During those two days, I saw how kind he was to people. I learned about his generosity (for instance, when he taught classes in Mississppi, he gave up part of his salary in arrangement for hiring students to work on the films he acted in during that time) and his love for animals and nature. He was just as good-natured and fun-loving in real-life as the famous sheriff he played on tv with a zest for life that inspired those around him. Although many of his performances will live on through the magic of film, they can’t compare to the man who brought those performances to life. Rest in peace, James Best.

Graphic Novel Review: STINKY CECIL IN OPERATION POND RESCUE

STINKY CECIL IN OPERATION POND RESCUE is a graphic novel written especially for kids that follows Stinky Cecil, a toad who lives in a small pond, and his friends as they attempt to stop a new highway from bulldozing their home.  In addition to Cecil there's Jeremy the worm, RayRay the lizard, Reggie a fly who only lives five days and then is born again, and Jeff the hamster. Although Cecil is the title character, Jeff is the coolest as he lives in a tree with an elevator and has his own remote-controlled car that he drives around in. The friends do everything they can to try to stop the bulldozers including appealing to their arch-enemy the hawk. I really enjoyed STINKY CECIL IN OPERATION POND RESCUE. The story was fun and entertaining and included several layers of humor. The art was playful and the overall message of the story was much more subtle than it usually is in children's books. Overall, it's a great children's graphic novel.

Book Review: LIVING THE DREAM

LIVING THE DREAM is a treasury of "Mutts" comic strips that features both the daily black and white strips and Sunday colored strips. The strips in the book are mostly from 2013. Not all of the strips from the year are presented and they aren't all presented in sequence. "Mutts" features the Earl the dog and Mooch the cat in a variety of situations. There are both pop culture and literary illusions and, of course, the strong theme of animal welfare. In addition, the little pink sock makes an appearance. Great book for any comic strip reader who likes animals.

Dr. Seuss and Hamlet

"The Argyle Sweater" Saturday, January 31, 2015

Graphic Novel Review: THEA STILTON #3: THE TREASURE OF THE VIKING SHIP

Set in the world of Geronimo Stilton, THEA STILTON #3: THE TREASURE OF THE VIKING SHIP follows the adventures of the Thea sisters, a group of female mice at Mouseford Academy who are mentored by Thea Stilton. Chronologically, this book seems to take place in the late fall and winter and after the events of THEA STILTON #2: REVENGE OF THE LIZARD CLUB. In this book, Professor Van Kraken discovers a long-lost Viking ship in a secret cove that has been preserved from decay. They want to extrapolate the ship and bring it to Whale Island to be put on display in the museum, but it will cost a fortune to do so. In order to raise funds, the citizens agree to donate a portion of the funds from their annual mid-winter fair to the cause.  Along the way, the Thea Sisters discover a recipe for a new perfume. Word about the new perfume leaks out and Vissia de Vissen is determined to get her hands on the formula for it, no matter the cost. Although the series is definitely marketed towards girls, THEA STILTON #3: THE TREASURE OF THE VIKING SHIP is a story that boys will probably enjoy, too. Reading level for the book is for those in 2nd-5th grades. Personally, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading another book in the Thea Stilton series.

Pastis for the Pun

"The Argyle Sweater" Dec. 30, 2014

 "Pearls Before Swine" is my favorite comic strip that's currently being published. "The Argyle Sweater" is my favorite one-panel strip that's currently being published. The author & creator of "Pearls Before Swine" is Stephan Pastis and he has become notorious for all the elaborate puns he makes in his strip. I love this homage/mash-up of that.

These DRINKING HABITS Aren't a Sin

So, in three days this wonderful and hilarious little show I've been directing finally opens. The show's called Drinking Habits and it revolves around the nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing, a small convent in Shady Glenn, Anywhere, USA. The Mother Superior of the convent is a very strict teetotaler who won't even allow anyone to mention a name associated with alcohol. However, unbeknownst to her, the two other sisters in the convent have been keeping the doors of their convent open by bootlegging wine on the side and selling it to the locals.  A possible early frost threatens their harvest.  Meanwhile, someone submitted one of the bottles of wine into a major competition where is won a huge sum on money. The only problem is no one knows for sure who made it. A couple of reporters suspect it's the nuns and they show up to investigate, but get mistaken for a nun and visiting priest. Through in a priest who used to do magic tricks, a simple groundskeeper, and another nun who holds a secret and you've got a show full of hilarity and hijinks. If you happen to be in the Highland, IL area this weekend or next, you should stop by and check it out.

Graphic Novels Challenge 2015

I haven't read any yet, but I am going to attempt to complete the Silver Age Level of the 2015 Graphic Novels Challenge. I was able to complete it for 2014, so I might as well give it a try again this year. Here's to the challenge.

Farewell My Muppets Show

Today the MY MUPPETS SHOW game/app is no longer available for downloading or play. I really enjoyed this game, but they stopped any updates with it about 8 months ago, so it really shouldn't be surprising. It was a fun game, though. Below are some screen shots I took of my game. I had gotten pretty high up and there wasn't much left for me to do, but I was trying to round all my diamond, cash, and food up to a nice even number.

DreamJobbing - The Final Day

So, I'm in this dreamjobbing competition for a chance to be a tv producer for CBS for a week. The competition is fierce, but we're really close to pulling this off. If you haven't voted for me, yet today, please do. It only takes a minute, they won't spam you, and EVERY VOTE COUNTS. Also, today is supposed to be the last day of voting. So, will you help bring this possibility one step closer by getting me to the final round by voting?

DreamJobbing

DreamJobbing - The Long Haul (Please Vote)

So, about a month ago, via Twitter I learned from John Cochran (the SURVIVOR winner who gave hope to all those nerdy guys out there like me) about a contest to win a week dream job as a producer for the tv show THE MILLERS. I made a short video late one night and uploaded it. Since then, THE MILLERS has been cancelled, but I'm in the running to make it to the final round for a chance to work for a week on a CBS tv show!

I'm in this for the long haul, but I have to be in the Top 20 before the voting closes in just 3 days. So, if you would, please take a moment and vote for me. This is a close race and the person in the 19th and 20th position have changed several times the past few days. As I write this, I'm only 85 votes away from being at 20!  Every vote counts. If I ultimately end up winning the contest, this would be an incredibly opportunity and experience for me. However, I really cannot do it without you. So, if you would, please click on the link below, log in (or register) and vote. It only takes a moment. Thank you!

DreamJobbing