The following is a short story by KVR CCCC biology professor Leo F. Kohl. The story was a bit long for our printed publication, so the Metamorphoses editorial staff concluded that this piece must be serialized here on the Met blog. Now without further ado I present to the world INDEPENDENCE DAY SUPPER, FIREWORKS AND HIGHWAYMEN part 1 by Leo F. Kohl.
PROLOGUE:
Marty Allhoff and Louisa Weaver were married on the first Saturday of May, 1852 in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dayton, Ohio and Honeymooned in Cincinnati, where Marty was to be apprenticed to Francois Pinaud, a local wine producer who had been a friend of his father’s in Germany. Through the Maitre’d at the Amherst Hotel, the leading Hotel at that time in Cincinnati, Marty and Louisa were able to meet Francois and learn the route to and from Francois’ winery. Louisa visited the local “Apothecarist” in Cincinnati to purchase proper contraceptives and thus escape becoming pregnant. Louisa remembered what her Papa had told her before her Mama had died; that he and Mama were married in 1835 and she was born in 1837. Louisa and Marty agreed they would wait a few years before having children. As a result, each night before she and Marty made love, she carefully followed the Druggist’s directions. From then on, she carefully followed the contraceptive methods that had been prescribed and was able to forestall problems with pregnancy.
In the meantime, while Louisa was at the Apothecarist, Marty decided he wanted to have his revolver registered with the local sheriff’s office, which, upon inquiry, he found out was only a few blocks down the street from the Hotel. He walked down the street to the building that had been described to him and saw it was the local Sheriff’s Office, since the sign over the main entrance to the building stated:
HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CINCINNATI MAIN OFFICE
The moment he entered the office, he was greeted by a clean-shaven man dressed in a khaki uniform, who called out to him, “Well! If it ain’t Marty Allhoff! What brings you to this office?”
The uniformed man looked vaguely familiar to him, so he said to the man, “Apparently you know me, sir, but who’re you?”
“Thought you wouldn’t recognize me!” the man answered. “But maybe you’ll remember my name from back in Coloma when you shot them two horse thieves - one you killed an’ the other one you wounded! Vigilantes strung that one up an hour later! Name’s Tim, Tim O’Leery, who sometimes took your friend, Jack Lord’s place when he was called out on official duty! Was one o’ the Vigilantes who worked with Cap’n Shannon, the Alcalde, or Mayor of Coloma. Do you remember?”
“Well, I’ll be go to the devil!” Marty exclaimed as recognition began to set in. “Never would o’ recognized you without your beard! What brings you to Cincinnati?”
“Might ask you the same question, Allhoff?” O’Leery inquired, “How come you’ve come by the Sheriff’s Office? Most folks avoid us like the plague!”
“On my honeymoon!” Marty replied. “Wife’s out shoppin’, so thought I’d swing by the Sheriff’s office an’ register my revolver, in case I should ever need it!” Then he asked O’Leery, “When did you leave Coloma, an’ how’d you travel to Cincinnati?”
“You came to the right place, Allhoff!” O’Leery answered. “An’ with some o’ the problems that’ve jus’ started comin’up, you jus’ might need that pistol! You got it with you?”
“Right here!” Marty replied, as he opened his coat, removed his pistol from its holster, and handed it butt first to O’Leery. Then he asked him again, “When did you leave Coloma?”
“Bout the midddle o’ September, 1851! Traveled by sailin’ ship down the coast to the Isthmus o’ Panama, crossed it in three days with no hassles, caught a steamer in Colon to New Orleans, up the Mississippi to Davenport, Iowa, then by stagecoach to Toledo, Ohio, by a lake steamer to Cleveland, and finally by train to Cincinnati! All told, it took about six weeks to get here!” O’Leery added, “Oh! An’ congratulations on gettin’ married! When did that happen?"
“Last Saturday!” Marty replied. “You gonna register my pistol? An’ what do you mean I
might need it? What kinda problems would you have here in Ohio? Certainly nothin’ like we had out in California, are they?”
“Close to it!” O’Leery replied. “Remember the Dick Bell Gang out in California? Well, one o’ them was a member o’ that gang, has come here to the Cincinnati area an’ has teamed up with one o’ our local fellas. The two o’ ‘em have been holdin’ up carriages an’ robbin’ folks, jus’ like some members o’ the Bell gang used to do out in California before law an’ order got started. Anyways, they operate on the main roads at night, mostly durin’ the weekends an’ on holidays. As the sheriff o’ this County, I’ve sent deputies all over the County out from Cincinnati to try an’ catch ‘em, but to no avail!”
With awe evident in his voice, Marty asked O’Leery, “You’re the Sheriff?”
“Yep!” O’Leery replied. “No sooner got here than an election was takin’ place for a sheriff. Filed jus’ in time to throw my hat in the ring, an’ based on my experience as a policeman in New York, an’ some o’ the law enforcement work I was involved with in California, I was elected to be the County Sheriff!”
Marty asked O’Leery, “How do this pair o’ road agents work? My brother John an’ me had some experience with road agents on the way home, but we were informed who the gang members were an’ we were ready for ‘em!
“That so?” O’Leery asked, “But as to how these scoundrels work, we only know from the descriptions given us by the victims o’ their robberies. We’ve got the two men’s names, but elusive as they are, we haven’t been able to nab ‘em yet! With the big holiday, July 4th comin’ up, we’re hopin’ they’ll screw up somehow an’ we’ll be able to catch ‘em!”
Marty told O’Leery, “Thanks for the tip, an’ for your description o’ how these bozos operate! We’ll be on the lookout for ‘em if we’re ever out at night! Now, how’s ‘bout registerin’ my revolver so I can legally carry it here in your jurisdiction? Oh! An’ what are the two mens’ names?”
O’Leery took Marty’s proffered revolver, and started to register it, as he said to him, “The big fella, who was out in California has blonde hair, is clean-shaven an’ goes by the name o’ Steve Bearess. The other thin one, who wears a black mustache an’ chin whiskers, goes by the name o’ Ron Rotzinger! If you come across either one, be armed an’ ready to shoot! Knowin’ your past history out in California, an’ from what Jack Lord had told me, I’m quite sure you can handle yourself! If there’s any confrontation an’ you kill the two bastards, bring their bodies to me for verification, all right, Marty?”
Marty asked the Sheriff, “Seems like you think I might be o’ some help in catchin’ these two scoundrels, right Tim?”
O’Leery replied, “Bein’ out there at Pinaud’s Winery, an’ travelin’ ‘round out in the countryside, makes you a more potential victim for these two robbers! Besides, I’ve heard rumors out in California that Bearess has a grudge against you for killin’ some o’ his friends out there, so, knowin’ you from past history, you’ll be better able to carry it out than all my deputies an’ I’re able! Here! Carry this with you at all times while you’re wearin’ your gun an’ holster!”
he told Marty as he handed him the copy of the registration, signed “Timothy O’Leery, Sheriff.”
“Good luck! An’ shoot straight, if you have to!” O’Leery told Marty as he shook his hand. “Glad to see you back in Ohio! We’ll have to get together sometime an’ swap tales, all right with you?”
Marty replied, “I’d like that very much!” He turned and left the Sheriff’s office and
walked back to the Hotel, where he met Louisa in the lobby as she inquired, “Where have you
been?” He answered, “Tell you when we get back in our room!”
Once they were in their room, Marty related the entire story concerning how the local Sheriff was an acquaintance out in California, and had also known Jack Lord, who had taught Marty and his brother, John, how to handle weapons, had told him about the two “Highwaymen” who had been robbing local folks in large carriages and surreys. He told Louisa that O’Leery thought Marty might run into the pair, since he’d be living far out in the countryside, and having known Marty’s reputation out in California, felt that he would be able to handle any situation
that might arise. For once, Louisa had nothing to say in that regard, because she knew deep in her heart, that no more violence could happen to them. Nothing was further from the truth in that concern!
INDEPENDENCE DAY SUPPER, FIREWORKS AND HIGHWAYMEN.
On Friday, Francois Pinaud, the owner of Pinaud’s Winery a few miles out of Cincinnati, arrived at the Hotel in the winery’s carriage and helped Marty and one of the Bellmen and the Doorman load all their trunks and luggage in the carriage’s spacious boot. Marty tipped the Bell-man and Doorman handsomely for their efforts. Mister Cousey, the Hotel Manager, came out and wished them well at Pinaud’s Winery, and asked them to return to the Hotel from time-to-time, where they would be treated royally. The Maitre’d, Pierre Renaud, who had first taken Marty and Louisa to meet Monsieur Pinaud the previous Sunday, and had been a boyhood friend of Louisa’s Papa and had known her when she was but a baby, said his goodbyes to them. But he told them he would see them on his visits to the Winery to purchase wines and cordials to supply the Hotel’s wine cellar. Louisa and Marty bade all their new-found friends farewell, climbed into the carriage, and with Francois a t the reins, they were off to begin an entirely new experience in the wine-making business.
Francois took them out to his winery over the very same roads that Pierre had taken them the Sunday before on their very first visit. Francois had provided them a small cottage in which to stay, which would be their “First New Home” for the duration of their stay at the winery. When they arrived at the winery, Francois helped Marty unload their trunks and other luggage,while it was Louisa’s responsibility to see that all their garments were properly hung in the closets provided, as well as try out the various kitchen implements she would be using during their stay. Once all their trunks were unloaded and they were somewhat settled in, Francois asked them to accompany him around the vineyard so they could see for themselves the different types of grapes he produced, and the various wine vintages produced from those grapes.
Through the remainder of the month of May and through June, Francois, Marty and the crew of Vinegres, French for “Vineyard Workers,” harvested specific blocks of grapes that were crushed then placed in certain casks to allow them to ferment to alcohol to produce special wines for which Pinaud’s winery was noted in the region. On the last day in June, Francois approached Marty and Louisa in their little cottage and told them that the three of them had been invited to a special “Independence Day Supper With Fireworks” at Nicholas Longworth’s vineyard and winery on July 4th.
Francois said to them, “Mon amis, I hope you don’t mind, but I have already accepted the invitation on your behalf, as well as my own! I have always wanted an opportunity to meet the man who began the wine industry in this region, some thirty years ago, so I accepted his invitation and included both of you, tres certainement! Most certainly!”
“Sounds like a great idea to me!” Marty exclaimed. “I’d very much like to meet Mister Longworth, since I’ve heard different members o’ the crew mention his name in passin’ many number o’ times!”
“Me too!” Louisa exclaimed. “Sounds real exciting to me! And to see fireworks as well!”
Francois exclaimed to them, “Then it is all decided! We will go in my carriage, which you, Louisa will have all to yourself, since I want Marty to be in the driver’s seat with me!”
“Why is that, Francois?” Marty asked him. “You must have a specific reason in mind, since usually, you want us both to ride inside the carriage whenever we go somewhere!!”
“Yes, I do!” Francois replied. “Though I often put it off as rumor, several of my friends were robbed at gunpoint by “Road Agents” a few weeks ago! I contacted Sheriff O’Leery, and he confirmed my questions. Imagine my surprise when he told me he had known you quite well out in California, and then he said to me, “Have him ride up front with you, and follow any direct- ions Marty gives you, for your own good! With a weapon, ‘specially a pistol. Marty does not miss! Good luck on the road on Independence Day! Tell Marty, ‘Happy Huntin’!"
“Well, I’ll be danged!” Marty exclaimed loudly. “So, O’Leery told you all about my exploits out in California, eh? Hope he didn’t get too gory with the details!”
“Nothing of the sort, mon amis! Francois replied. “I will feel much better having you both along with me when we go to Nicholas Longworth’s!"
July Fourth, Independence Day was a bright, sunny day, but in the very early morning, it did not look like the day would begin as well as it did. A hazy fog hung over the Ohio River, a short distance away and began to spread further away from the River proper. But once the sun was up, the haze and fog soon disappeared and the day became one in which the Holiday could be enjoyed because of the fine weather. Both Francois and Marty were early risers, and early in the morning, both of them were in the wine vaults taking care of some last minute tests that had to be made with some of the new-made wine recently assigned to their respective casks. Once those tests were completed, and both were satisfied the wine was fermenting in a proper fashion, both men returned to Louisa’s and Marty’s cottage, where breakfast awaited them.
After breakfast, Francois and Marty gathered the harvest crew together. Most of the crew were experienced French Vinigres, but there were quite a few experienced Germans in the crew, as well. There was one German, who had worked for Nicholas Longworth for quite a few years, but when Francois had started his vineyard and winery, began working for him; the man’s name was Herman Lister. Herman was the “Crew Chief under” Marty, and took all his orders from him, unless orders came directly from Francois; which rarely occurred.
When all the crew had gathered around, Francois told the group that all their orders for that day would be given by Herman, since he and Marty would be gone from mid-afternoon on ‘til whenever they returned. They had both been invited to Nicholas Longworth’s vineyard and winery for a July Fourth party and they had accepted. Herman asked Francois to convey his best regards to Mister Longworth, and Francois indicated he would The crew returned to harvesting the grapes and Francois and Marty entered the vaults to check the progress of other vintages in various stages of fermentation. They were engaged in this fashion until lunch time, at which time, both men returned to Marty’s and Louisa’s cottage and sat down to a good lunch she had prepared.
By two o’clock P. M., they were ready to depart in Francois’ carriage, in which they had packed two cases of wine of different vintages for the enjoyment of the other guests. The two vintages were a case of Marechal Foch, and a case of one of Francois’ favorite creations named Clarice, after Francois’ late wife. As had previously been agreed upon, Louisa rode by herself inside the carriage, while Marty sat alongside Francois, who occupied the driver’s seat.
Francois’ vineyards and winery were about an hour’s carriage ride from Longworth’s property, which was situated on the down-side of East Sixth Street outside of Cincinnati proper, on the road to Observatory Hill (1:158). The terraced vineyards swept down a gradual slope to the Ohio River, and it and other vineyards that consisted of thousands of acres, stretched up from the banks of the Ohio River, that were covered with luxuriant and profitable vineyards that rivaled in profusion and beauty the vine-clad hills of Italy and France. The oldest vineyard in Hamilton County were Nicholas Longworth’s plantings, which he subsequently increased to two hundred acres.
The route they traveled took them around the main portion of the City of Cincinnati, and the road upon which they traveled was mainly still in the countryside. Ahead of them, and off to their right, they were able to see “Observatory Hill” in the distance and they knew they were getting close to Longworth’s property. They had covered less than a mile, when they saw a street sign that read “Sixth Street,” and was accompanied by a second sign that read, “Longworth’s Vineyard and Winery;” with an arrow that pointed to the right. Francois turned the carriage and traveled only a short distance, when the road forked, the one to the left obviously traveled up “Observatory Hill,” while the one to the right had another sign that read “Longworth’s Vineyards and Winery,” with a large arrow that pointed to the right. They traveled along the Winery Drive, as on their left, they saw a rather large, rounded hill covered with trees. All of a sudden, Marty shook his head. Had he been seeing things? He thought to himself, that he was sure he had seen two sets of legs running on the other side of the hill and he looked more closely. Yes! There they were again, but the bodies were obscured by the trees! Suddenly, he saw a bright flash of light! What could the that be, he asked himself? He thought back a few minutes, then it came to him. He remembered the trip across the prairies, and whenever Jack Lord wanted to see some- thing distant, he used his spyglass which often flashed a bright light on contact with sunlight.
He mused to himself, “Now who would have a spyglass to observe other people’s doings and travels? Wonder if those’re the road agents O’Leery told me about? Might be! Best to keep this to myself for the time being and tackle the problem, if there is one, when we leave Longworth’s tonight!"
Visit next week as we unvail what happens next!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Review of “Seussical"
"Seussical”: From One Audience Members Perspective
The Cerro Coso theatre department recently ran a three day production of “Seussical, A Dr. Seuss Musical” directed by faculty member Melinda Fogle-Oliver. The musical featured music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The musical was co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle and was based on the works of Dr. Seuss.
I enjoyed the musical immensely, but I would definitely say that my 4 year old son found it to be far more magical. By the end of the performance he was literally dancing in his seat along with the performers as the show closed. To me that says something about the power of a performance if it can hold the attention of a child that young and keep them enchanted throughout - and he was captivated the entire 2 hours of the show!
We were transported to the mythical world of Seuss, through the Jungle of Nool, and the microscopic world of Whoville. It was a whimsical, fantastical, hysterical, and magical venture through the imagination of Seuss where elephants talk and kangaroos sing. Led by the Cat in the Hat, we met some of our favorite Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, The Grinch, Lazie Mayzie, Gertrude McFuzz, and all the Whos of Whoville. The classical tales were seamlessly woven together in a tapestry of color and energetic music.
The set design was simple, with a tile floor of cream and teal large squares and two large backdrops painted with Seuss-style art scenes. All of the props used fit with the Seuss style of objects and art. I thought that the costumes were done cleverly since several of the actors/actresses played multiple parts. Their face paint was done in a whimsical manner, stylistically reminiscent of Seuss, but in a way that made them able to go from one costume to another and look good in any outfit. I found it amusing that the stage hands had numbers on them, and I believe that was a reference to the numbers on some of the Dr. Seuss characters from his stories.
I thought the entire cast performed wonderfully but a few of the stand outs in my opinion were; Gertrude (Brittany Candra Throckmorton), Horton the Elephant (Savanah Liska), and JoJo (Becki Cornett). These three ladies have wonderful voices but beyond that they really exude the personalities of their characters and are very emotive in their actions and their facial expressions. You connect with them and therefore connect with their characters and find yourself moved by them. An excellent performance by them all.
The primary themes of the musical were to be aware of “How Lucky You Are” and that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” The first focused on the idea that no matter how difficult things may get it is important to know that they can always get worse. Count your blessings and know that everything will be okay. The production team was successful in doing this because it was very touching at parts of the story and it made me think about how lucky I am. I shouldn't stress out so much about little things and remember to hang on to the friends and family I have. The second focused on the concept that everyone has value, no matter how small they are, what they look like, or what they do. I found this theme very endearing, especially when Horton the Elephant was singing to the little tiny Who’s that they were important, no matter how small they were. I was very impressed with this production.
The production itself, as mentioned earlier, is a musical that is a combination of some of the Dr. Seuss stories. We meet Horton the Elephant who hears a Who and ends up in a tree sitting on Mayzie’s egg, JoJo the Who that gets in trouble for thinking too much but whose thinking saves the day, and Gertrude, the bird with the one feather tail who tries to get Horton’s attention by taking some pills to grow a fancy tail, but then can’t fly because her tail grows so long! We see the Grinch, Yertle the Turtle, a Sour Kangaroo, Cindy Lou Who, and a variety of other characters that made the evening a hoot. I felt the story was a wonderful blend of the original Seuss books, and I enjoyed the songs very much.
I found the production to be whimsical and energetic. I also found it to be moving and the story of Horton and the Who’s in particular very compassionate. The music was lively and made you want to sing along. As evidenced by my 4 year old, it also made you want to get up and dance along with the characters. I was happy to see that in the end Horton found the Who’s and that he wasn’t the only one who heard them anymore; that Gertrude finally got Horton to notice her; that JoJo saved the day and the Who’s realized that thinking wasn’t such a bad thing after all. It was definitely a journey I, and I’m sure my son, will not soon forget!
More Seussical Photos
The Cerro Coso theatre department recently ran a three day production of “Seussical, A Dr. Seuss Musical” directed by faculty member Melinda Fogle-Oliver. The musical featured music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The musical was co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle and was based on the works of Dr. Seuss.I enjoyed the musical immensely, but I would definitely say that my 4 year old son found it to be far more magical. By the end of the performance he was literally dancing in his seat along with the performers as the show closed. To me that says something about the power of a performance if it can hold the attention of a child that young and keep them enchanted throughout - and he was captivated the entire 2 hours of the show!
We were transported to the mythical world of Seuss, through the Jungle of Nool, and the microscopic world of Whoville. It was a whimsical, fantastical, hysterical, and magical venture through the imagination of Seuss where elephants talk and kangaroos sing. Led by the Cat in the Hat, we met some of our favorite Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, The Grinch, Lazie Mayzie, Gertrude McFuzz, and all the Whos of Whoville. The classical tales were seamlessly woven together in a tapestry of color and energetic music.
The set design was simple, with a tile floor of cream and teal large squares and two large backdrops painted with Seuss-style art scenes. All of the props used fit with the Seuss style of objects and art. I thought that the costumes were done cleverly since several of the actors/actresses played multiple parts. Their face paint was done in a whimsical manner, stylistically reminiscent of Seuss, but in a way that made them able to go from one costume to another and look good in any outfit. I found it amusing that the stage hands had numbers on them, and I believe that was a reference to the numbers on some of the Dr. Seuss characters from his stories.
I thought the entire cast performed wonderfully but a few of the stand outs in my opinion were; Gertrude (Brittany Candra Throckmorton), Horton the Elephant (Savanah Liska), and JoJo (Becki Cornett). These three ladies have wonderful voices but beyond that they really exude the personalities of their characters and are very emotive in their actions and their facial expressions. You connect with them and therefore connect with their characters and find yourself moved by them. An excellent performance by them all.
The primary themes of the musical were to be aware of “How Lucky You Are” and that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” The first focused on the idea that no matter how difficult things may get it is important to know that they can always get worse. Count your blessings and know that everything will be okay. The production team was successful in doing this because it was very touching at parts of the story and it made me think about how lucky I am. I shouldn't stress out so much about little things and remember to hang on to the friends and family I have. The second focused on the concept that everyone has value, no matter how small they are, what they look like, or what they do. I found this theme very endearing, especially when Horton the Elephant was singing to the little tiny Who’s that they were important, no matter how small they were. I was very impressed with this production.
The production itself, as mentioned earlier, is a musical that is a combination of some of the Dr. Seuss stories. We meet Horton the Elephant who hears a Who and ends up in a tree sitting on Mayzie’s egg, JoJo the Who that gets in trouble for thinking too much but whose thinking saves the day, and Gertrude, the bird with the one feather tail who tries to get Horton’s attention by taking some pills to grow a fancy tail, but then can’t fly because her tail grows so long! We see the Grinch, Yertle the Turtle, a Sour Kangaroo, Cindy Lou Who, and a variety of other characters that made the evening a hoot. I felt the story was a wonderful blend of the original Seuss books, and I enjoyed the songs very much.
I found the production to be whimsical and energetic. I also found it to be moving and the story of Horton and the Who’s in particular very compassionate. The music was lively and made you want to sing along. As evidenced by my 4 year old, it also made you want to get up and dance along with the characters. I was happy to see that in the end Horton found the Who’s and that he wasn’t the only one who heard them anymore; that Gertrude finally got Horton to notice her; that JoJo saved the day and the Who’s realized that thinking wasn’t such a bad thing after all. It was definitely a journey I, and I’m sure my son, will not soon forget!
More Seussical Photos
Saturday, April 28, 2007
"Met" Minutes
Hello again everybody! I've been slacking on the updates, I know, but there really hasn't been much going on to speak of. Last week's meeting didn't happen, so nothing to discuss last week.
That means twice as much for this week, though. First, we're a little behind schedule, so we're making ourselves focus on getting some of the loose ends tied up. This coming Thursday, we are all going to sit down together in the same room and discuss all of the artwork to get a final consensus, and begin milling through the 211 pages of literature submissions.
Gary managed to find a printer that has given us a great price for the journal. Last year, we recieved 500 copies for $3200. This year, it looks like we're going to be able to print 1000 of essentially the same journal for $1800. Our funding is still not quite there, but we're way closer to $1800 than we are to $3200!! I actually have in my possession about $1200, and I believe Angela has another $500, so we should be able to pull this off.
So, it looks like we're going to be able to sell this and print whatever we want. Good to know that hard work actually does pay off once in a while!
That means twice as much for this week, though. First, we're a little behind schedule, so we're making ourselves focus on getting some of the loose ends tied up. This coming Thursday, we are all going to sit down together in the same room and discuss all of the artwork to get a final consensus, and begin milling through the 211 pages of literature submissions.
Gary managed to find a printer that has given us a great price for the journal. Last year, we recieved 500 copies for $3200. This year, it looks like we're going to be able to print 1000 of essentially the same journal for $1800. Our funding is still not quite there, but we're way closer to $1800 than we are to $3200!! I actually have in my possession about $1200, and I believe Angela has another $500, so we should be able to pull this off.
So, it looks like we're going to be able to sell this and print whatever we want. Good to know that hard work actually does pay off once in a while!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Review of Romeo and Juliet at A Noise Within
The Children of an Idle BrainA Review of Romeo and Juliet at A Noise Within
234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA. 91204
Date: 25 March 2007
The theatre A Noise Within may not seem like a grand structure among the neighboring shopping malls, office buildings, and restaurants. However, this old Masonic temple holds more grandeur within its near century old walls than does its contemporary neighbors. It is in this aging temple/teenage theatre that a nearly full house awaits on pins and needles to partake of the story of star-crossed lovers, blood feuds, and death that is Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Director Michael Murray does an awe-inspiring job conveying the comedy, romance, and tragedy of this Shakespearean classic, with the help of a cast of very talented actors of course. All of the actors in Murray’s production of Romeo and Juliet do a splendid job with their character/characters, but there are two players that—in this reviewer’s opinion—steal the show.
J. Todd Adams’ portrayal of Romeo’s fearless, garrulous friend Mercutio is one of the outstanding performances that stole the show, and audience attention—despite his minute break of character when a bulb blew in one of the overhead spotlights. For instance, Adams’ energy and conviction when delivering Mercutio’s throaty Queen Mab oration is unabashedly mind blowing—proving that we all suffer from “the children of an idle brain” (1.4.97). Also, when Mercutio is slain by Ken Merckx’s fiery Tybalt; Adams’ raging sincerity—“A plague o’ both your houses” (3.1.90)!—brought forth tears to some of the audience members eyes—including mine own. Not to mention, that after Mercutio’s tragic death Adams sprung into action with a fire extinguisher when a couch fire broke out in the alley behind the theatre. A fact none of the audience was privy to until after the show was over.
The other scene thief in Murray’s production is the bawdy Nurse, played brilliantly by accomplished actress Deborah Strang. Strang’s portrayal of Juliet’s robust and bawdy nurse commanded the audience’s attention and at times laughter in every scene that dared to contain her—which is quite often. For instance, the point in act two scene four when Adams’ Mercutio playfully accosts Strang’s Nurse left the whole audience in stitches. Most notably when the Nurse beats Michael Thompson’s Peter with her handbag for letting Mercutio use the Nurse “at his pleasure” (2.4.153)—hilarious!
Murray’s production of Romeo and Juliet—Murray has set scene in 1930’s Italy with Tybalt as a Nazi SS officer—is a robust display of gut wrenching comedy and melancholy tragedy. The fight scenes—choreographed by Ken Merckx—are breathtakingly daring. Most notably the initial fray that begins the play, which finds the small stage filled to the brim with action. The first half is exciting, energetic, and comical; while the tragic second half is rightly slower than the hilarious first half of the play. The continued great performance of Mark Bramhall as Friar Laurence is a definite high point of the play’s second half. Although I wasn’t overly impressed with Steve Coombs’ Romeo—Coombs flubbed a couple lines—or Joy Osmanski’s Juliet, the five hour round trip and fourteen dollar admission fee are well worth the experience of seeing a live production of a Shakespeare classic.
Overall, Murray’s production of Romeo and Juliet is a joy to behold, with the modest stage used to its fullest potential and 1930’s costumes—courtesy of Denitsa Bliznakova—are lavish, especially those worn during the masque. A Noise Within will be featuring Murray’s production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet from March 24 thru May 25. So, grab a friend, loved one, classmate, stranger, or just lone wolf it and go have an awesome theatre experience at A Noise Within, you will not be disappointed.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. The Complete Works of Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s Tragedies, 5th Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New York, NY: Pearson/Longman, 2007. 1009-1050.
Date: 25 March 2007
The theatre A Noise Within may not seem like a grand structure among the neighboring shopping malls, office buildings, and restaurants. However, this old Masonic temple holds more grandeur within its near century old walls than does its contemporary neighbors. It is in this aging temple/teenage theatre that a nearly full house awaits on pins and needles to partake of the story of star-crossed lovers, blood feuds, and death that is Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Director Michael Murray does an awe-inspiring job conveying the comedy, romance, and tragedy of this Shakespearean classic, with the help of a cast of very talented actors of course. All of the actors in Murray’s production of Romeo and Juliet do a splendid job with their character/characters, but there are two players that—in this reviewer’s opinion—steal the show.
J. Todd Adams’ portrayal of Romeo’s fearless, garrulous friend Mercutio is one of the outstanding performances that stole the show, and audience attention—despite his minute break of character when a bulb blew in one of the overhead spotlights. For instance, Adams’ energy and conviction when delivering Mercutio’s throaty Queen Mab oration is unabashedly mind blowing—proving that we all suffer from “the children of an idle brain” (1.4.97). Also, when Mercutio is slain by Ken Merckx’s fiery Tybalt; Adams’ raging sincerity—“A plague o’ both your houses” (3.1.90)!—brought forth tears to some of the audience members eyes—including mine own. Not to mention, that after Mercutio’s tragic death Adams sprung into action with a fire extinguisher when a couch fire broke out in the alley behind the theatre. A fact none of the audience was privy to until after the show was over.
The other scene thief in Murray’s production is the bawdy Nurse, played brilliantly by accomplished actress Deborah Strang. Strang’s portrayal of Juliet’s robust and bawdy nurse commanded the audience’s attention and at times laughter in every scene that dared to contain her—which is quite often. For instance, the point in act two scene four when Adams’ Mercutio playfully accosts Strang’s Nurse left the whole audience in stitches. Most notably when the Nurse beats Michael Thompson’s Peter with her handbag for letting Mercutio use the Nurse “at his pleasure” (2.4.153)—hilarious!
Murray’s production of Romeo and Juliet—Murray has set scene in 1930’s Italy with Tybalt as a Nazi SS officer—is a robust display of gut wrenching comedy and melancholy tragedy. The fight scenes—choreographed by Ken Merckx—are breathtakingly daring. Most notably the initial fray that begins the play, which finds the small stage filled to the brim with action. The first half is exciting, energetic, and comical; while the tragic second half is rightly slower than the hilarious first half of the play. The continued great performance of Mark Bramhall as Friar Laurence is a definite high point of the play’s second half. Although I wasn’t overly impressed with Steve Coombs’ Romeo—Coombs flubbed a couple lines—or Joy Osmanski’s Juliet, the five hour round trip and fourteen dollar admission fee are well worth the experience of seeing a live production of a Shakespeare classic.
Overall, Murray’s production of Romeo and Juliet is a joy to behold, with the modest stage used to its fullest potential and 1930’s costumes—courtesy of Denitsa Bliznakova—are lavish, especially those worn during the masque. A Noise Within will be featuring Murray’s production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet from March 24 thru May 25. So, grab a friend, loved one, classmate, stranger, or just lone wolf it and go have an awesome theatre experience at A Noise Within, you will not be disappointed.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. The Complete Works of Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s Tragedies, 5th Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New York, NY: Pearson/Longman, 2007. 1009-1050.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Romeo and Juliet at A Noise Within
Sunday, March 25, my English 235 Shakespeare class and I took a big white van down south to Glendale to see Romeo and Juliet at A Noise Within. For many of my students, this was a first time experience with live Shakespeare (for some, live drama altogether), and so this was a particularly special event.
A Noise Within is located in an old converted Masonic Temple Building in downtown Glendale and is the only theater company in Southern California working in the repertory tradition. The company produces six plays annually and has won numerous awards including twenty-five (yes, twenty-five!) Los Angeles Drama Critics’ Circle awards. Not surprisingly, their production of Romeo and Juliet, lived up to their pedigree.
Please check back here in the near future for student reviews of the performance.
A Noise Within is located in an old converted Masonic Temple Building in downtown Glendale and is the only theater company in Southern California working in the repertory tradition. The company produces six plays annually and has won numerous awards including twenty-five (yes, twenty-five!) Los Angeles Drama Critics’ Circle awards. Not surprisingly, their production of Romeo and Juliet, lived up to their pedigree.
Please check back here in the near future for student reviews of the performance.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Little Quiet in Here...
Just dropping in to let everyone know what's been going on with Met over spring break.
Angela and I have been contacting local businesses, friends, family, everyone for donations. We have had some luck-- weve raised around $800. Although this is nowhere near our main goal of $3500, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to have the $1500 for the binding and everything.
I was really hoping to be able to raise the full amount; I would absolutely love to see this project become independant, and would also love to be a part of it's becoming independant. It almost seems as though all this work will have been for nothing if we don't get the full amount, if we have to do all of this again next year and still not be able to sell it or publish everyone's work in it. But, we're trying, and that's all we can do.
I have high hopes for the upcoming Art Show. The Art Association has added Cerro Coso to the list of gelleries on the Studio Tour this year, and we're expecting around 300 people to come through. I figure if I can get ten dollars from each person, we're set! But how? I've had fleeting thoughts of raffles and such, and have a few businesses that are willing to donate gift certificates for one, but theres two problems: one; I have to work all weekend and will be unable to be there the whole time, and two; we're too strapped for time to be able to plan and coordinate anything that's more than my own personal project. I have to talk to a few people still and get all the details ironed out, but I think I'm going to try it still. If anyone can help or has any ideas, let me know. (please!) The art show is April 21st and 22nd, and will feature all student work in various mediums. Stop by and see my work! And donate to Met!
Angela and I have been contacting local businesses, friends, family, everyone for donations. We have had some luck-- weve raised around $800. Although this is nowhere near our main goal of $3500, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to have the $1500 for the binding and everything.
I was really hoping to be able to raise the full amount; I would absolutely love to see this project become independant, and would also love to be a part of it's becoming independant. It almost seems as though all this work will have been for nothing if we don't get the full amount, if we have to do all of this again next year and still not be able to sell it or publish everyone's work in it. But, we're trying, and that's all we can do.
I have high hopes for the upcoming Art Show. The Art Association has added Cerro Coso to the list of gelleries on the Studio Tour this year, and we're expecting around 300 people to come through. I figure if I can get ten dollars from each person, we're set! But how? I've had fleeting thoughts of raffles and such, and have a few businesses that are willing to donate gift certificates for one, but theres two problems: one; I have to work all weekend and will be unable to be there the whole time, and two; we're too strapped for time to be able to plan and coordinate anything that's more than my own personal project. I have to talk to a few people still and get all the details ironed out, but I think I'm going to try it still. If anyone can help or has any ideas, let me know. (please!) The art show is April 21st and 22nd, and will feature all student work in various mediums. Stop by and see my work! And donate to Met!
Friday, March 23, 2007
"Met" Minutes
Well, we have now scored all art submssions for the upcoming edition of Metamorphoses and are at the beginnig of the Great Debate-- that is, deciding which pieces will make it into the publication. We have some great work for review. Dani has set up some discussion forums and I think we are all anxious to jump in.
Or main problem still remains: funding. We were given a smaller amount of funding this year than in years past, and from a different source. While we appreciate the funding we have, there are several strict limitations it brings with it.
While we have been accepting submissions from anyone interested, as it stands, we are limited to publishing only those submitted by students and alumni. There are some great student pieces; definitely enough to make a great edition, but we have recieved worldwide attention from some amazing artists and it would be a shame not to be able to publish the stuff we have recieved.
Last year, we were able to publish with a perfect binding and a color cover. With the funding we currently have, however, we will be limited to a staple binding and probably no color. This is such a huge step back from the last edition. The 2006 edition was a beautiful, proffessional, well-recieved publication. We had hopes of making at least one small improvement to each edition, but it looks like we will be taking two steps back instead.
So, the only thing we can think to do at this point is fundraise. We have turned to local businesses, friends, and family, in the hopes that they will see the worthiness of supporting a Kern River Valley Cerro Coso project that has come this far. If we can raise the difference between our current funding and last years, we can at least get the perfect binding and perhaps some color. We have been unable to sell the edition in previous years due to funding stipulations, but if we can raise the entire amount and be a self-supported project, we can not only publish the submissions we have recieved from non-students but also sell the publication, which would feed into next years funding.
So, if you or anyone you know is interested in seeing this project succeed, contact one of the editors at Cerro Coso or email Gary or I at met.editor@yahoo.com
Remember, our goal is $3500, and we may not have time to raise the entire amount, but every dollar helps and if it doesnt go toward the 2007 edition of Metamorphoses, it will go to the 2008 edition.
Thank you all for you support! Hope you have a great week!
Or main problem still remains: funding. We were given a smaller amount of funding this year than in years past, and from a different source. While we appreciate the funding we have, there are several strict limitations it brings with it.
While we have been accepting submissions from anyone interested, as it stands, we are limited to publishing only those submitted by students and alumni. There are some great student pieces; definitely enough to make a great edition, but we have recieved worldwide attention from some amazing artists and it would be a shame not to be able to publish the stuff we have recieved.
Last year, we were able to publish with a perfect binding and a color cover. With the funding we currently have, however, we will be limited to a staple binding and probably no color. This is such a huge step back from the last edition. The 2006 edition was a beautiful, proffessional, well-recieved publication. We had hopes of making at least one small improvement to each edition, but it looks like we will be taking two steps back instead.
So, the only thing we can think to do at this point is fundraise. We have turned to local businesses, friends, and family, in the hopes that they will see the worthiness of supporting a Kern River Valley Cerro Coso project that has come this far. If we can raise the difference between our current funding and last years, we can at least get the perfect binding and perhaps some color. We have been unable to sell the edition in previous years due to funding stipulations, but if we can raise the entire amount and be a self-supported project, we can not only publish the submissions we have recieved from non-students but also sell the publication, which would feed into next years funding.
So, if you or anyone you know is interested in seeing this project succeed, contact one of the editors at Cerro Coso or email Gary or I at met.editor@yahoo.com
Remember, our goal is $3500, and we may not have time to raise the entire amount, but every dollar helps and if it doesnt go toward the 2007 edition of Metamorphoses, it will go to the 2008 edition.
Thank you all for you support! Hope you have a great week!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Eurydice: The Unmourned Mother
One of the most compelling characters in the play, Antigone, is unfortunately the least mentioned. Eurydice, the wife of Creon and mother of Haemon, suffers this fate. Upon learning of her sons’ death, Eurydice, despairing and struck with grief, takes her own life. This is the only mention of her throughout the entire play! As a direct result of her insignificant role in the play, the reader is left with no remorse for a mother who deserves no less. It seems to be a transgression against the soul to allow one’s mother to go unmourned, yet this is the effect that the author has created. The reader is left to ponder and expand upon the life of Eurydice in the story of Antigone. One may even inquire as to what impact her death can have on the reader and how this can transform the story if her character is further defined. Step into the world of Antigone to perceive for yourself the true essence of Eurydice and why it is imperative for her character to be extraneous.
One could argue that Sophocles intentionally down-plays Eurydice’s character as a result of the fact that women possess little to no influence in Greece at this time. However, if chauvinism is the rationale, then the play itself would not be named after Antigone either. Taking a second look, the reader can plainly see that Antigone, a woman, is pivotal to this play, thereby ruling out the approach of sexism as a line of reasoning. The truth may lie closer to the reality that a central character already exists, and that Eurydice is a character with the potential to steal the spotlight away from that main character.
If the reader looks carefully, he or she might see that although Antigone is a chief character, that Creon is a main character of this play as well. When taking this into consideration, one can see that Eurydice’s role should in-fact remain small. If Eurydice’s part is magnified, perhaps Creon and Antigone would no longer be the two main characters. If truth be told, some readers begin to get frustrated with Antigone and Creon because of their blatant stubbornness. This frustration may entice a reader to relate better with Eurydice in her position as the loving mother. Consequently, this switch in central character(s) could completely jeopardize the entire story line of the play.
When Eurydice says, “sorrow and I are hardly strangers,” the reader very nearly begins to pity and bond with the character of Eurydice (l. 1312). For a mother to listen to the story of her own son’s demise must have been horrible! One can only sympathize with poor, unknown Eurydice at this time. However, in the very next moment, she is gone, providing no time for the reader to become too attached. This was a bold stroke of the pen by Sophocles who could have just as easily left Eurydice out of the play entirely. Instead, Sophocles chooses to give the reader just a taste of compassion for a woman we can never know. What little we do know about Eurydice resonates in this reader long after the play is done.
So, why did Sophocles choose not to tell us more about Eurydice and why is that so important? He chooses not to tell us more about her because Eurydice needs a story of her own. Eurydice is a character that is not easily described or summed up in just a few sentences; therefore, it would be impossible to get too involved in her character in this play. Her character is one with honor, love and commitment to her family—what more could a reader ask for in a heroine? However, in Antigone, we already have a main character or “heroine” if you will. Eurydice’s story is best left to her own tragic play.
Again I say—it seems to be a transgression against the soul to allow one’s mother to go unmourned—yet in this instance, one must see that it is essential. Just imagine a play solely about Eurydice; about her struggle with Creon through all of this; about the mother in her, aching to help her son. Then see her “loosing the bolts, [and] opening the doors / to appeal to queen Athena” in prayer (ll. 1306-1307). She hears commotion outside and runs to see what has happened. She asks her people to “[t]ell me the news, again… [for] sorrow and I are hardly strangers” (ll. 1311-1312). Then, just as one falls in love with her character, she takes her life. Would any reader not feel overwhelming compassion for her now? Now, of course, I must ask: would this not steal the main character positions away from Creon and Antigone? Of course it would and that is why it is absolutely necessary for Eurydice’s part to remain insignificant.
Works Cited
Sophocles. Antigone. Trans. Robert Fagles. Schilb and Clifford. 733-771.
Schilb, John and John Clifford, eds. Making Arguments about Literature: A Compact Guide and Anthology. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2005.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
"Met" Minutes
Good evening!!
I haven't had time to post this week, but we have some very important updates.
We have reached that time of year when we will begin reviewing submissions for the 2007 edition of Metamorphoses. As of midnight last night (February 28, 2007) We are no longer accepting submissions for this particular issue, and hopefully this coming Tuesday we will have them edited to a workable format to begin reviewing.
As with all growing and developing projects, we generally hope to make at least one improvement to this publication every issue. Unfortunately, due to some funding conflicts, it looks like not only are we not going to be able to improve, but me may very possibly have to take a step back. We are, as a group, very dissapointed, but are not discouraged. It looks like we are, in fact, funded, so that's one issue down. We hope to have these conflicts settled in time to make some improvements to the next issue. We may have to print in house this year, which means the binding will be of a lesser quality than was last year's, and we are also being limited to student, faculty, and alumn submissions.
However, so far this year, we have had a lot of online activity and support and are considering online publication of the some of the great art and literary work that we have recieved from all over the world. Hopefully we will have some more good news to share once we begin reviewing the work.
I have gotten the Myspace page up and running. I am still making changes to the general page setup and everything but you can go check it out. I posted one of my submissions as the photo, just to have something there, but if anyone has any pictures thay would like to have displayed on the page, email them to me or talk to me.
Thanks for reading and have a great week!
I haven't had time to post this week, but we have some very important updates.
We have reached that time of year when we will begin reviewing submissions for the 2007 edition of Metamorphoses. As of midnight last night (February 28, 2007) We are no longer accepting submissions for this particular issue, and hopefully this coming Tuesday we will have them edited to a workable format to begin reviewing.
As with all growing and developing projects, we generally hope to make at least one improvement to this publication every issue. Unfortunately, due to some funding conflicts, it looks like not only are we not going to be able to improve, but me may very possibly have to take a step back. We are, as a group, very dissapointed, but are not discouraged. It looks like we are, in fact, funded, so that's one issue down. We hope to have these conflicts settled in time to make some improvements to the next issue. We may have to print in house this year, which means the binding will be of a lesser quality than was last year's, and we are also being limited to student, faculty, and alumn submissions.
However, so far this year, we have had a lot of online activity and support and are considering online publication of the some of the great art and literary work that we have recieved from all over the world. Hopefully we will have some more good news to share once we begin reviewing the work.
I have gotten the Myspace page up and running. I am still making changes to the general page setup and everything but you can go check it out. I posted one of my submissions as the photo, just to have something there, but if anyone has any pictures thay would like to have displayed on the page, email them to me or talk to me.
Thanks for reading and have a great week!
Friday, February 23, 2007
More Whiskey Flat Days Fun
Yes, Whiskey Flat Days is a fun-filled weekend. However, there is tons of history behind this annual event. Kernville, California was first established during the Gold Rush days, but was known as the town of Whiskey Flat. Many miners were travelling through this region and a man by the name of Adam Hamilton saw this as a great business prospect. Hamilton set up a tent next to the Kern River and began selling whiskey to the prospecters that came through the valley. Next thing you know, Whiskey Flat was a town.Some years later, a dam was built on the Kern River that created our own Lake Isabella. When this happened, the town of Whiskey Flat had to be relocated to a higher spot on the mountain. This is when the town became Kernville, as we know it today. As the Gold Rush dwindled down, people began to really settle into the town of Kernville. However, they were faced with a challenge: not many people wanted to travel all the way up here in the mountains. So, they decided to devise a plan that would bring tourists, and therefore more money into the town. Without tourism, the people knew that Kernville would not last.
The people agreed to have some kind of a celebration to attract people. According to The Kern Valley Sun, "Lloree Knowles, a local real estate broker, was the first to recommend that the community use a frontier-type celebration to try to bring more people into the Valley during the slack winter period." Then, Ardis Walker, a local historian and author, suggested the name 
"Whiskey Flat Days" because he thought that it would be a great way to showcase the town's historic past. The first Whiskey Flat Days kicked off in 1958 and has been growing ever since.
There you have it! The history of Whiskey Flat Days in Kernville, California.
As Candace said, there is so much to see here...and some GREAT artwork too.
But for me, the best part is that it offers fun for the whole family.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Whiskey Flat Days
ome-made kettle corn to clothes and art. There are also events such as a shoot-out held in the park (following the western heritage of the town) and a carnival for the kids. I got a chance to speak to one of the vendors, Paul Harding, who comes to Kernville each year from San Jose, where he and his wife sell various goods, many hand-made. They have a great website; its definitely worth checking out. All of the pictures I have here are from their booth.
It seems like there are a dwindling number of good artists and good art each year. Maybe it's just me, or maybe I'm going on the wrong days, but I think the new restrictions put on sellable goods by the Chamber of
Commerce has something to do with it. A few years ago, there were two different booths that sold original paintings that were remarkable, and all I saw this year were prints. Maybe I just missed them. I do miss some of the good stuff because I always have to work all weekend. Hopefully some year I'll make it to the carnival, or catch some of the live music at Riverside Park.
Friday, February 16, 2007
"Met" Minutes
Hello, everyone! Just a little update on the progress of our Metamorphoses project. We had another (slightly condensed!) meeting yesterday, and we have some issues we need to work out fairly last minute for this project. Were having a little issue with funding, and Gary is going to have to scramble This weekend to put together the necessary paperwork to show that Met is a vocational project. Hopefully Dani's ideas will help him! We're all thinking of Gary this weekend.
We also are having a problem figuring out what to do with the printing. We are being encouraged to print in-house, which would be a little bit of a step down for the project. One of the goals of Met is to improve a little bit each year; one idea for this issue is to print the art pieces in color if funding allows. So we also have to convince someone that it is necessary to print out of house.
We did have some good news, on top of all the little details that need to be ironed out: The submissions are rolling in and some of our favorite contributors are signing up. Thanks for your involvement, guys!
Whiskey Flats weekend has arrived. I will be heading up there tomorrow and hoping it is a good year for the arts and crafts vendors. I'll take my camera just in case, and if I find anything interesting I'll definitely let you all know.
Have fun this weekend and drive safe!
We also are having a problem figuring out what to do with the printing. We are being encouraged to print in-house, which would be a little bit of a step down for the project. One of the goals of Met is to improve a little bit each year; one idea for this issue is to print the art pieces in color if funding allows. So we also have to convince someone that it is necessary to print out of house.
We did have some good news, on top of all the little details that need to be ironed out: The submissions are rolling in and some of our favorite contributors are signing up. Thanks for your involvement, guys!
Whiskey Flats weekend has arrived. I will be heading up there tomorrow and hoping it is a good year for the arts and crafts vendors. I'll take my camera just in case, and if I find anything interesting I'll definitely let you all know.
Have fun this weekend and drive safe!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
A few words from Aeron Hicks
The following is a letter that the Metamorphoses editors received from a Cerro Coso alumnus and poetry contributor to the premier 1989 issue. Since the writing of this letter, Aeron has agreed to serve as an alumnus editor of the upcoming 2007 issue of Metamorphoses.February 01, 2007
Good morning!
I was viewing recent editions of Metamorphoses on the Cerro Coso website this morning, and noted my poem, "Metamorphosis" [1989 premier issue], among the assorted poems, stories, photos, and other works of art. What a joy it is for me to see; First, that Metamorphoses has continued; And, second, that my poem still inspires.
I remember the day my friend, Julia, and I approached Carol Hewer, our then English professor, about the idea of a literary magazine. How I hoped that our first effort would serve as a vehicle for students and others to express their voices – then and now.
The "Metamorphosis" poem, coupled with the drawing that served as cover art that year, hangs in my office and in my home as a testament to life and as an inspiration. Writing the poem was a turning point in my life; it was and is the hallmark of two years of deep reflection and growth – much of which took place in the classrooms and halls of Cerro Coso Community College. Challenged and lit afire, I rose from the testing of my wings… ready to fly.
I think of Carol Hewer, Dr. Maddox, Dr. Rosenberg, Leo Girardot, Dr. Leo, Morris Scharff, and many other professors and instructors who helped me build a strong foundation for future academics… and for life. I will always love Cerro Coso and remember that squared-off drive into campus…and the roadrunners and bunny-rabbits who attended me as I arrived every morning, ready for a new day, full of questions and the energy of seeking. I remember Santiago Vaca and the red walls (at least for one semester!) of the art gallery upstairs, the Library and the classroom across the hall where I "taught" my tutoring group in psychology… I even remember the cafeteria and that expansive view out the back bank of doors and windows, and the outdoor area outside the classroom where I first conquered math (bless you, Sally!). My memories enrich and fill me with renewing hope.
I send my best to you and to the students who bring their dreams to their experience at Cerro Coso.
With appreciation,
Aeron Hicks
Crossfield Consulting
crossfieldenterprises.com
Good morning!
I was viewing recent editions of Metamorphoses on the Cerro Coso website this morning, and noted my poem, "Metamorphosis" [1989 premier issue], among the assorted poems, stories, photos, and other works of art. What a joy it is for me to see; First, that Metamorphoses has continued; And, second, that my poem still inspires.
I remember the day my friend, Julia, and I approached Carol Hewer, our then English professor, about the idea of a literary magazine. How I hoped that our first effort would serve as a vehicle for students and others to express their voices – then and now.
The "Metamorphosis" poem, coupled with the drawing that served as cover art that year, hangs in my office and in my home as a testament to life and as an inspiration. Writing the poem was a turning point in my life; it was and is the hallmark of two years of deep reflection and growth – much of which took place in the classrooms and halls of Cerro Coso Community College. Challenged and lit afire, I rose from the testing of my wings… ready to fly.
I think of Carol Hewer, Dr. Maddox, Dr. Rosenberg, Leo Girardot, Dr. Leo, Morris Scharff, and many other professors and instructors who helped me build a strong foundation for future academics… and for life. I will always love Cerro Coso and remember that squared-off drive into campus…and the roadrunners and bunny-rabbits who attended me as I arrived every morning, ready for a new day, full of questions and the energy of seeking. I remember Santiago Vaca and the red walls (at least for one semester!) of the art gallery upstairs, the Library and the classroom across the hall where I "taught" my tutoring group in psychology… I even remember the cafeteria and that expansive view out the back bank of doors and windows, and the outdoor area outside the classroom where I first conquered math (bless you, Sally!). My memories enrich and fill me with renewing hope.
I send my best to you and to the students who bring their dreams to their experience at Cerro Coso.
With appreciation,
Aeron Hicks
Crossfield Consulting
crossfieldenterprises.com
Saturday, February 03, 2007
"Met" Minutes
We have some new additions to our list of Metamorphoses officers. Our official list is comprised of: Aeron Hicks (alum), Angela Looper, Candace Hawkins, Dani Draig, Josh Simpkins, Kevin Howe (alum), Pati Ruotsala, Serenity Flash, and Gary Enns. Welcome to everyone!
If you have anything to contribute to the blog effort, please feel free to contact me. I have already recieved one great letter from one of our alumn officers, Aeron, that will be viewable here shortly.
I would like to see some discussion on here, so if any of you would like to talk about anything literary, please do! I know a few of you are taking Shakespeare this semester, and I would love to hear how you like it so far! I was unable to take the class, but I do love Shakespeare and I hope Gary will continue to offer this course so that I might be able to take it in the future. Of the works Ive had the pleasure to read, I still enjoyed "A Midsummer Nights Dream" the most.
We are reading Frankenstein in my class right now and I am enjoying it! Im trying not to run too far ahead but Gary has only assigned us 20 pages per week so far and Im anxious to just read it!
Gary has informed me that all of the Met editors have been invited to participate in this blog, so theres no excuse not to!
If you have anything to contribute to the blog effort, please feel free to contact me. I have already recieved one great letter from one of our alumn officers, Aeron, that will be viewable here shortly.
I would like to see some discussion on here, so if any of you would like to talk about anything literary, please do! I know a few of you are taking Shakespeare this semester, and I would love to hear how you like it so far! I was unable to take the class, but I do love Shakespeare and I hope Gary will continue to offer this course so that I might be able to take it in the future. Of the works Ive had the pleasure to read, I still enjoyed "A Midsummer Nights Dream" the most.
We are reading Frankenstein in my class right now and I am enjoying it! Im trying not to run too far ahead but Gary has only assigned us 20 pages per week so far and Im anxious to just read it!
Gary has informed me that all of the Met editors have been invited to participate in this blog, so theres no excuse not to!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
"Met" Minutes
Hi, my name is Candace. I am one of the editors of the new Metamorphoses club and will be checking in periodically to post updates on the success of our local literary journal.
We had our first meeting today. Our current members include Gary Enns, of course, myself, Angela, Pati, Serenity, Josh, and Dani. Our goals are beginning to develop for the success of Met 2007, and we hope to encourage the involvement of more of the members in our community, as well as everywhere else. We hope to receive more attention from the art community, as Met has not received many art submissions in the past. We hope to receive submissions from the students at Cerro Coso, as well as any and everyone else interested. We are working on developing ideas for advertising to help us reach out to possible contributors, and welcome feedback if anyone has any ideas or would like to be involved in any way.
Once again, I will be updating periodically, and encourage responses from everyone on the blog. Hopefully our other editors will be signed on soon and can also contribute. Thanks to Gary for involving me in Metamorphoses, and I will see you all again soon!
We had our first meeting today. Our current members include Gary Enns, of course, myself, Angela, Pati, Serenity, Josh, and Dani. Our goals are beginning to develop for the success of Met 2007, and we hope to encourage the involvement of more of the members in our community, as well as everywhere else. We hope to receive more attention from the art community, as Met has not received many art submissions in the past. We hope to receive submissions from the students at Cerro Coso, as well as any and everyone else interested. We are working on developing ideas for advertising to help us reach out to possible contributors, and welcome feedback if anyone has any ideas or would like to be involved in any way.
Once again, I will be updating periodically, and encourage responses from everyone on the blog. Hopefully our other editors will be signed on soon and can also contribute. Thanks to Gary for involving me in Metamorphoses, and I will see you all again soon!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Men of Worth
This past Friday I had the pleasure of attending a concert featuring the Celtic duo Men of Worth. I’ve seen this duo many times over the past 9 years that they have been coming to Cerro Coso College. Each Fall Men of Worth has entertained concert goers with their humor, casual and friendly attitude, and of course their wonderful folk music.
This concert is a treasure to all who attend. The back and forth friendly banter always draws a laugh, and James and Donnie know how to draw the audience in. Their ability to adapt on the fly, to bring attention in a light-hearted way to someone coming in late or clapping off beat, always amuses the audience. The concert is very informal and the audience is often regaled with stories of their travels to the location, or rather mishaps along the way. The musicians also share stories about the music, helping the audience to understand the meaning behind the words or the relevant history to help enlighten the listener to the significance of the songs. Songs are performed in both English and Gaelic and include exciting tunes and heartfelt ballads.
Something that really sets these musicians apart is that they welcome the audience to come down during the mid-concert break and talk with them and look at their instruments, which include a mandolin, accordion, bodhrans, guitar, concertina, banjo and mandola. Because of the intimate atmosphere at their concert you really feel like you’re enjoying an evening with a couple of old friends. James and Donnie have often said that their visit to Cerro Coso is one of their favorite stops on their fall concert tour, and for this concert goer, it is one of my favorite Fall events to attend.
Men of Worth was formed in 1986 by James Keigher from Ireland and Donnie Macdonald from Scotland. They currently reside in Southern Oregon and Northern California, the duo travel frequently, bringing the Gaelic culture to audiences throughout the western states. Learn more about Men of Worth by visiting their website, and look forward to their 2007 concert to be held next November.
This concert is a treasure to all who attend. The back and forth friendly banter always draws a laugh, and James and Donnie know how to draw the audience in. Their ability to adapt on the fly, to bring attention in a light-hearted way to someone coming in late or clapping off beat, always amuses the audience. The concert is very informal and the audience is often regaled with stories of their travels to the location, or rather mishaps along the way. The musicians also share stories about the music, helping the audience to understand the meaning behind the words or the relevant history to help enlighten the listener to the significance of the songs. Songs are performed in both English and Gaelic and include exciting tunes and heartfelt ballads.
Something that really sets these musicians apart is that they welcome the audience to come down during the mid-concert break and talk with them and look at their instruments, which include a mandolin, accordion, bodhrans, guitar, concertina, banjo and mandola. Because of the intimate atmosphere at their concert you really feel like you’re enjoying an evening with a couple of old friends. James and Donnie have often said that their visit to Cerro Coso is one of their favorite stops on their fall concert tour, and for this concert goer, it is one of my favorite Fall events to attend.
Men of Worth was formed in 1986 by James Keigher from Ireland and Donnie Macdonald from Scotland. They currently reside in Southern Oregon and Northern California, the duo travel frequently, bringing the Gaelic culture to audiences throughout the western states. Learn more about Men of Worth by visiting their website, and look forward to their 2007 concert to be held next November.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Creative Expressions Art Show Review
This past weekend I attended the Creative Expressions Art Show. What a plethora of talent! There was a variety of paintings, some graphite and colored pencil work, ceramics, gourd art, rock art, candles, decorated artificial trees, pottery, and cut paper Chinese pictures. The Chinese cut paper work was amazing, the delicacy of the paper, and the intricacy of the designs just blew me away; I even had to ask if they were all done by hand. Nna Chapman, the artist, showed me that all of work was done with just an ordinary cutting razor, just like the kind you’d find in any craft section, the ones with breakaway blades. That blew me away even more, I was sure that she must use some special tool to create her art.
I spoke with one of the jewelry artists whose abalone necklaces caught my eye (and whose fake ice crystal decorations enthralled my 3-year old). I asked where she got her materials and she said that she frequents bead stores while on travel and collects a multitude of beads and materials and then later designs the jewelry. She said that sometimes she’ll have a single art bead for years before she finds the coordinating beads that will complete the design. I was very impressed with her work, and especially the variety of her designs. I’ll definitely be back at her table again at Santa’s Art Shop, the next major local arts and crafts festival.
I was also able to meet Lois Hinman, a fabulous local artist whose ceramics work and paintings are very high quality, and Kathi Moe, who both organized the art show. Hinman has been involved with pottery for 30 years, and painting for the past 12. Moe has is a long-time Creative Expressions member, whose tole painting and wearable art has been seen, collected, and worn in Ridgecrest for many years.
The artist I was most interested to check out was Paula Caudill (Dragonfly Pottery), a friend and colleague, whose work I’ve admired for some time. Paula is a painter and ceramic artist who got her start in ceramics at Cerro Coso College where she first took ceramic classes, and received her A.A. in Art. Paula has been a resident of Ridgecrest for many years, leaving for a brief time to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Art at Humboldt State University. Paula’s sculpture and paintings are very expressive and her pottery demonstrates a solid skill in both form and function. Paula is ever one to explore new things, and I was intrigued by her creations using polymer clay over glass – kaleidoscope of color with flowing patterns that look like an explosion of color. Her polymer work included plates, bowls, cups, flower vases, and candle vases, which when illuminated had the most wonderful translucent stone appearance.
We also talked about a new glaze she was using that had a deep teal color that was very appealing. I inquired about some of the different glazes as some appeared to be over porcelain and were very smooth, while others were darker and rough. I was surprised to learn that there were several pieces that used the same glaze, but were used over different clay bodies, one being white stoneware clay, the other being rich dark ‘electric brown’ clay. It was amazing the difference that the clay itself made to the results of the glaze. Having worked with only a few glazes and single type of clay in my own experience, it was a pleasure to learn more about how the clay body affects the glazing process.
Paula invited me, and any other interested persons, to come to an upcoming show the “Potted Barn” on December 9th from 9 to 4 at one of the participating artists studios located at 2168 S. Gateway, Ridgecrest, where more of her work will be displayed and sold. The Potted Barn started as a group of potters but it has expanded to include jewelry, metal work, and a variety of artistic creations. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to check out the Potted Barn and will share my discoveries after the visit. Check back for more information about upcoming art shows and artists in the Indian Wells and Kern River Valley area.
Paula Caudill, Dragonfly Pottery
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Creative Expressions Art Show
This weekend the Creative Expressions art show comes to Ridgecrest. Creative Expressions is a community of local artists that was formed nearly twenty years ago by artists Kathi Moe, Lois Hinman, Donnie Woods, and other locals. The Creative Expressions show, offered twice a year, features the work of member and guest artists from the local community. Participating artists have an opportunity not only to share, but also to sell their work. The range of art is wide, from pottery to paintings to jewelry, crafts, rock art, and more. For anyone interested in art and the crafts of local artisans, this is a wonderful opportunity to partake of the talent in the Indian Wells Valley.
The Creative Expressions is showing from 9am to 5pm Friday and Saturday, November 3rd and 4th at the Kerr McGee Center in Ridgecrest, California. Admission is free.
Look for a follow-up article featuring my visit to the Creative Expressions art show, and my review of the work of local artist Paula Caudill.
The Creative Expressions is showing from 9am to 5pm Friday and Saturday, November 3rd and 4th at the Kerr McGee Center in Ridgecrest, California. Admission is free.
Look for a follow-up article featuring my visit to the Creative Expressions art show, and my review of the work of local artist Paula Caudill.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Blog Seeks Student, Alumni, and Faculty Writers
Welcome to the new Metamorphoses Blog: Thoughts and News about Literature and Art.
Metamorphoses is currently seeking students, alumni, faculty, and staff of Cerro Coso Community College who are interested in becoming contributing writers for this great new online project.
Topics may include, among others, local and national news in the art and publishing worlds, cinema, social commentary, literary criticism.
If this project sounds intriguing to you, email the coordinator for more information.
Metamorphoses is currently seeking students, alumni, faculty, and staff of Cerro Coso Community College who are interested in becoming contributing writers for this great new online project.
Topics may include, among others, local and national news in the art and publishing worlds, cinema, social commentary, literary criticism.
If this project sounds intriguing to you, email the coordinator for more information.
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