Category Archives: Commentary

Mitt Romney: From Jackass to Thoroughbred

Posted on July 18, 2012 by scharles

Mr. Romney is now talking about God, patriotism, and the American Way. The new message is that America is great because it’s people are great, that we are special, that God loves us. Does that sound familiar? Yep, Ronald Reagan. Continue reading →

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This Year’s Disappointments in Politics

Posted on July 16, 2012 by scharles

The biggest disappointment for me this year wasn’t that Barack Obama is a “socialist” (we knew that, sort of), or that Mr. Obama plays viscous, hard-ball politics (we knew that too) or that he can be devious (also known.) No, the biggest disspointment was how easy it was for the Obama team to make Mitt Romney look like a jackass. Continue reading →

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Belen Fernandez: The Imperial Messager; Thomas Friedman At Work

Posted on March 29, 2012 by scharles

Before I talk about Belen Fernandez’s book, The Imperial Messenger: Thomas Friedman At Work, I want to relate a story from my childhood.  When I was about four years old I was watching a movie on television about the American Civil War. … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Reviews | 5 Comments

60 Minutes Interview with President Obama: Notes and Comments

Posted on March 18, 2012 by scharles

Watching Mr. Obama become president right there in front of Steve Kroft was instructive. Of course he was president before, but I hadn’t really respected that. And of course the wisdom of hindsight, many years, decades or centuries from now will render a verdict that I cannot predict. But in the moment, the here and now, President Obama seemed intelligent, pragmatic, and determined. Not just resolved, but optimistic. The comparison that comes to mind? JFK. As George Will might also say, “of course.” Continue reading →

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Antigone: Produced by KOLT Run Creations; notes and comments

Posted on May 12, 2011 by scharles

My wife and I went to see KOLT Run Creations production of Antigone at the California Stage last Friday.  As I said before, I don’t do theater review really,  I’m more interested of trying to understand what makes a play … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Plays | 2 Comments

Talk Radio: comments and notes

Posted on December 11, 2010 by scharles

My wife and I went to the Wilkerson Theater last night for the premier of “Talk Radio“.  I had been to the Three Penny at the same venue, and Wilkerson is similar; a little bigger but still quite small (maybe … Continue reading →

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Escape From Happines Part II: elements of the play

Posted on November 28, 2010 by scharles

Last week I went to see “Escape From Happiness” at the Ooley Theater  in Midtown.  In part I of my analysis I mentioned that the play worked quite well, but I didn’t really explain why.  So I thought I would … Continue reading →

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Escape From Happiness: comments and notes.

Posted on November 20, 2010 by scharles

This blog is not about theater critique, it’s about process.  But in the discovery of what works and what doesn’t, sooner or later it will become necessary to render an opinion about a play. I had it my head to … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Plays | 3 Comments

Playwright’s Collaborative September 26 Comments: Betty and Lorraine at the Lucky Cafe

Posted on September 27, 2010 by scharles

The Playwright’s Collaborative was back at the BIT for September 26, with Jack Kisor’s play “Betty and Lorraine at the Lucky Cafe” as the event.  Attendance was  a little lighter then usual (possibly due to the Ellys), but as usual … Continue reading →

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Playwright’s Collaborative Comments: August 15th and 29th readings

Posted on September 5, 2010 by scharles

It’s been a few weeks since my last post, lots to catch up on.  We’ve had two Playwright’s Collaborative readings, and my 2nd play (“Justice and Injustice”)  is scheduled for a reading in December (or sooner if we can get … Continue reading →

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