Coming to Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts "Dashing Through the Snow" performed live December 11 at 8 pm, December 12 at 7 pm and December 13 at 2 pm. For more info click here. Then scroll down.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Monday, November 30, 2015
"Dashing Through The Snow" Coming to Kirtland Community College
Day 22
Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts will be doing a LIVE radio broadcast of "A Christmas Carol" on December 19th at 5 pm. Broadcast on 100.3 FM. Seating is limited and no one will be admitted after 4:55 pm. For more info click here.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
Until tomorrow,
Ken
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Michigan Bigfoot or Dogman Does It Matter Which?
Day 21
 |
| Cut River at Lansing Rd Houghton Lake Area |
Fact: A few years back a group of
Bigfoot hunters came to Houghton Lake to film the stories of local
residents claiming to have seen, heard or smelled the elusive
Michigan Bigfoot. There was an ad in the local paper inviting anyone
with a story to come to the Playhouse on a certain day. I don't
remember the exact day but I do remember thinking I would have
something better to do with my time than listen to a bunch of reality
TV wanna be's. What happened next was about 18 months later. It
doesn't matter if you believe me. I'm just telling a story. A fish
story if you will because that's where this begins.
Lansing Rd is a scenic dirt road that
runs about five miles between Roscommon County Rd. 100 and Michigan
Hwy. 18. The Cut is a small river that runs from Higgins Lake south
to Marl Lake along the east side then wanders through thousands of
acres of mostly undeveloped land. Eventually crossing under Lansing
Rd and then on to meet Backus Creek before spilling into Houghton
Lake. The spot where the river runs under Lansing Rd was a favorite
fishing spot for Bluegill and Rock Bass until the fish moved on. Now
it's mostly tangles of deadfall, and home to a few small Suckers and one very
large snapping turtle. And there's something else.
I enjoy fishing in this spot because no
one goes there anymore. Except for the occasional sight-seer
driving by it's peaceful, almost secluded. It was a moderately warm
sunny day in the fall. I set up my folding camp chair, baited my hook
and took aim to the left of the dead tree reaching halfway across the water. As I sat in quiet reflection of my wasted youth, I
noticed a small black snake called a Water Moccasin slither across my
shoe and down a snake hole I hadn't noticed before. I learned long
ago in nature if leave it alone it will leave you alone. Usually.
I was there about fifteen minutes when
the wind shifted and I caught a whiff of what I thought was skunk
grass. It was at some distance away because my eyes hadn't started to
water. Then I heard it. A loud bellow the likes of which I
had never heard. It sounded like a cross between an elephants
trumpet, a lions roar and a bawling bear. All mixed into one.
At first I thought someone was driving
up the road with their sound system cranked up loud. But no one passed me and the sound wasn't repeated. I resumed my attempt to catch
anything. A few minutes later the bellow came again only louder and
closer. This time I could tell it was coming from the woods to the
left of the river. I considered someone might be camping nearby but
the trees and vegetation on both sides of the river is very dense. Also there are no roads or two track paths coming off the road and going into the woods anywhere
nearby. Still I decided that it was just someone playing a joke on me. I wasn't about to let anyone get the better of me by running off. I kept on fishing.
It came again, louder and longer
than before. Suddenly I realized the strange odor which had
increased, was coming from the same place. The area was inaccessible. No one could get back in there, especially with a sound system strong
enough to produce this volume of sound. This was no teenage prank.
A bear, I thought, perhaps coming for a drink of
water or some fish. I kept looking to the road half
expecting to see a bear standing there. Watching me. Each time
I looked, just empty dirt road. My bravado began to fade. Fifteen minutes passed and I thought the
creature must have moved on. Anxiety built inside me. I reasoned
the fish weren't biting so I reeled in my line and began to pack up
my gear. I glanced at the road. Nothing
Now let me interject right here that I
am a portly man. I weigh over 300 lbs. If you were being chased by a
bear, I'm the one you would want along because you could outrun me.
But let me tell you, when I heard that last roar, sounding like it
was right next to my ear, I could have outrun Satan himself. It
wasn't until I was in my Ford Explorer, fishtailing down the road
spraying dirt and gravel everywhere, that I chanced a look in my rear
view mirror. All I could see was the fishing gear and chair I had left behind.
I stopped and made a Y turn, driving back toward the river over pass. There was nothing
but dirt road. I loaded up my gear and kept on driving west to M-18. I thought I might
catch sight of some of some jokers having a laugh at my expense. I didn't see anyone until I got to M-18.
It was a few months later that I
remembered the television show on Bigfoot. It was on OnDemand so I
watched it. My experience was not exclusive as others had
described hearing an almost identical sound and describing the same
odor. I was not alone.
Eventually I went back but I haven't heard the sound since then. I have found several extremely large and deep prints, like a
dogs prints only bigger and wider. Was it Bigfoot? Was it Dogman? The
footprints would lean toward the later. I have seen those prints near
the Muskegon River also though no odor or sound.
Well, that's my story. Believe it, don't believe it. It doesn't change anything. But if you find yourself on Lansing Rd by the Cut River, and there's an odor like skunk grass in the air, I
would just keep on going. After all the fishing there isn't very
good. Besides I've found if you leave nature alone it will leave you
alone. Usually.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Star Wars The Force Awakens: Where No Movie has Gone Before
Day 16
Let me clear this up first. I know “To boldly go where no man has gone before” is the opening for Star Trek not Star Wars.
Now
to the point, which is $50 million in pre-release tickets being sold
for the next installment of the Star Wars franchise now produced by
Disney. Already $50 million and still 3 weeks before
the opening. Thus far only Daniel Fleetwood, the fan who had terminal
cancer, has seen it. Disney granted his request for a private showing
because doctors told him he wouldn't live until the December opening.
Disney agreed, quite graciously, and allowed Mr. Fleetwood to see the
unfinished product. He passed away not long after. May the force be
with him.
Back in 1977 when the first installment came out I refused to see it. I thought, seriously, who wants to see a movie with a name like Star Wars. It's right up there with Plan 9 from Outer Space (an Ed Wood piece of B trash). When the movie had been selling out for six months at the largest indoor screen in the Detroit area, the Americana theater, I figured it was worth a look. As I stood in line for 24 hour advance tickets, something unheard of in 1977, I was praying this was not another cult following like Rocky Horror Picture Show (Rocky Horror generally only played at midnight to hardcore fans shouting at the movie screen and occasionally dancing along with actors).
So when the lights went down and the opening story lines reverse rolled up and away from the audience, a nice effect, I thought it might not be so bad. A few minutes later came the sound of massive engines booming over the theater sound system as the most detailed spaceship I had ever seen in a movie cruised down the screen as if flying overhead. George Lucas had created a miracle of special effects. I was blown away and became an instant lifetime Star Wars fan. I have seen all of the movies numerous times and have read many of the over 100 books. A must for any Star Wars fan as the books answer many questions, such as how is a lightsaber made. Hint: very carefully.
My only regret at this time is that with the early success of the most recent addition it could be six months before it even makes it to the Pines our small town movie theater. Until it does I'll wait with anticipation of the new marvels that await.
So I learned long ago that while we should not judge a book by it's cover, it is also true we should not judge a movie by it's title. Until tomorrow.
Ken
Let me clear this up first. I know “To boldly go where no man has gone before” is the opening for Star Trek not Star Wars.
 |
| . |
Back in 1977 when the first installment came out I refused to see it. I thought, seriously, who wants to see a movie with a name like Star Wars. It's right up there with Plan 9 from Outer Space (an Ed Wood piece of B trash). When the movie had been selling out for six months at the largest indoor screen in the Detroit area, the Americana theater, I figured it was worth a look. As I stood in line for 24 hour advance tickets, something unheard of in 1977, I was praying this was not another cult following like Rocky Horror Picture Show (Rocky Horror generally only played at midnight to hardcore fans shouting at the movie screen and occasionally dancing along with actors).
So when the lights went down and the opening story lines reverse rolled up and away from the audience, a nice effect, I thought it might not be so bad. A few minutes later came the sound of massive engines booming over the theater sound system as the most detailed spaceship I had ever seen in a movie cruised down the screen as if flying overhead. George Lucas had created a miracle of special effects. I was blown away and became an instant lifetime Star Wars fan. I have seen all of the movies numerous times and have read many of the over 100 books. A must for any Star Wars fan as the books answer many questions, such as how is a lightsaber made. Hint: very carefully.
My only regret at this time is that with the early success of the most recent addition it could be six months before it even makes it to the Pines our small town movie theater. Until it does I'll wait with anticipation of the new marvels that await.
So I learned long ago that while we should not judge a book by it's cover, it is also true we should not judge a movie by it's title. Until tomorrow.
Ken
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Santa's Workshop is Coming to Houghton Lake Playhouse This Sunday November 22,2015
Day 11
Santa checking his list
Santa Claus IS coming to town this Sunday, November 22,2015 to the Houghton Lake Playhouse on M-55 in Houghton Lake. Santa and Mrs Claus are coming to spread some Christmas cheer at the annual Santa's Workshop sponsored by the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. The workshop is from 10 am to 3 pm. C'mon out and start the season right. Hope to see you there.
The weather report for Saturday is 3-5 inches of snow. Coincidence? I think NOT! The big guy just wants to get us in the mood. Plus the sleigh works better on snow than asphalt. Until tomorrow thanks for stopping by.
Ken
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Tales from Deer Camp Opening Day Humor
Day 7
When I was growing up in Royal Oak (a suburb of Detroit), for several Thanksgiving weekends, my father would pack my mother, brother and I into the car and drive north to a small town in northern Michigan called Glennie to visit my aunt, uncle and cousins. This would be the tail end of the deer hunting season and both my uncle and my father being avid deer hunters had plenty of stories to tell.
Things heard around a campfire at deer camp.
"A month before opening day I went out to my super secret hunting spot that no one else knows about and built the ultimate deer blind out of pine boughs. On opening day, just before dawn, I went back to my spot and started looking for the blind. After several hours of searching, stomping and cussing, I gave up and came back to camp. Seems I had done such a good job of building the hunting blind that I couldn't see it."
"Hey. Got anymore of those baked beans?"
"Whew! You've had too much already!"
"I had noticed a huge buck with a twelve point rack following this particular deer run a couple of times before and felt certain he would return. It wasn't long and I was rewarded with the biggest buck I had ever seen cautiously moving along the trail. Suddenly he stopped in a small clearing and I could see his ears swivel. He must have heard something. The presentation was perfect. I slowly raised my rifle and sighted in just behind the buck's shoulder. I pulled the hammer back and steadied my breathing. As I let out the last breath I squeezed the trigger. CLICK! I had forgotten to load a round into the chamber. Quickly I jacked a round into the chamber but the deer was gone."
"I had purchased a new gun. It was love at first sight when I saw that black barrel beauty. I was hesitant to buy it, opening day was the next day and I wouldn't have time to sight it in. The salesman behind the counter insured me that the sights came already set at the factory. Spot-on up to one hundred yards. I didn't expect to make a shot any farther away than that where I would be huntin'. I slapped my cash down and left with my new rifle. The next day I saw the largest buck I've ever seen. It had to have at least 14 points. I swung my new rifle up and got off a quick shot. The buck dropped into a crouch, looking for the source of the noise. I sighted in more carefully and tried again. The pine bough above and to the left of the deer broke off showering snow to the ground. The buck jumped, white tail in the air and ran off in the opposite direction. Later I went to the range and discovered the sights were NOT set at the factory."
"So I was just sittin' there when my stomach gave a rumble. I paid it no mind when suddenly I let one go that sounded like a lighthouse fog horn. Strangely enough I heard an answering call from the woods to my right. It was a buck snortin' and from the sound of it it must have been a trophy size. I couldn't quite see it so I let go another blast.This one comin' easier than the first, if you know what I mean. Sure enough the ol' fellow answered with a shrill bawl. I felt I could chance one more trumpet blast but this one I gave an extra push, seeking maximum volume. Long I waited, listening.There was no other sound. I noticed a fowl odor that did not go away even though there was a strong wind. I moved to another spot to get away from the stench. No relief. I moved again but I could not get free of the reek. It was after I returned to camp, amidst the others, mostly keeping their distance, I realized the odor was emanating from me. It seems I pushed too hard on the last one. Nothing that a shower and clean underwear couldn't fix."
"I was sittin' on a ridge lookin' down on the biggest buck in the county, possibly the whole state. It was dead in the sights of my favorite antique Remington .30-.06 bolt action huntin' rifle that I had inherited from my granddad. I squeezed the trigger and nothing happened. I worked the bolt and chambered a new round, took a deep breath and tried again. Nothing. I watched the big white flag jumping through the pines and quickly disappear. I was so angry I smashed my gun against the oak tree I was standing behind and broke the stock. Later I realized the safety had been on."
"Well I was all set up and comfortable when I had a sudden need to answer the call of nature. Quickly I crawled out of my blind and searched for a spot downwind to do my business. I stripped down to my long johns, opened the flap and backed up to a tree to hide my white backside from view. Just as I finished up I realized all I had was white toilet paper. Nobody from the camp was hunting in my area so I was feeling pretty safe using white instead of hunters orange. Just as I reached around to clean myself, I heard a gun shot. I dropped down and looked in the direction of the shot. Then there was another shot and some snow fell out of a tree near me. I pulled up my pants and started to run, toilet paper trailing behind. When I returned to camp and heard one of the other hunters telling a story about the one he missed, I thanked God they don't set the sights at the factory."
A few of the stories I have heard over the years. Happy Hunting. Until tomorrow then keep your powder, and other things, dry.
Ken
"These stories are so funny."
When I was growing up in Royal Oak (a suburb of Detroit), for several Thanksgiving weekends, my father would pack my mother, brother and I into the car and drive north to a small town in northern Michigan called Glennie to visit my aunt, uncle and cousins. This would be the tail end of the deer hunting season and both my uncle and my father being avid deer hunters had plenty of stories to tell.
Things heard around a campfire at deer camp.
"A month before opening day I went out to my super secret hunting spot that no one else knows about and built the ultimate deer blind out of pine boughs. On opening day, just before dawn, I went back to my spot and started looking for the blind. After several hours of searching, stomping and cussing, I gave up and came back to camp. Seems I had done such a good job of building the hunting blind that I couldn't see it."
"Hey. Got anymore of those baked beans?"
"Whew! You've had too much already!"
"I had noticed a huge buck with a twelve point rack following this particular deer run a couple of times before and felt certain he would return. It wasn't long and I was rewarded with the biggest buck I had ever seen cautiously moving along the trail. Suddenly he stopped in a small clearing and I could see his ears swivel. He must have heard something. The presentation was perfect. I slowly raised my rifle and sighted in just behind the buck's shoulder. I pulled the hammer back and steadied my breathing. As I let out the last breath I squeezed the trigger. CLICK! I had forgotten to load a round into the chamber. Quickly I jacked a round into the chamber but the deer was gone."
"I had purchased a new gun. It was love at first sight when I saw that black barrel beauty. I was hesitant to buy it, opening day was the next day and I wouldn't have time to sight it in. The salesman behind the counter insured me that the sights came already set at the factory. Spot-on up to one hundred yards. I didn't expect to make a shot any farther away than that where I would be huntin'. I slapped my cash down and left with my new rifle. The next day I saw the largest buck I've ever seen. It had to have at least 14 points. I swung my new rifle up and got off a quick shot. The buck dropped into a crouch, looking for the source of the noise. I sighted in more carefully and tried again. The pine bough above and to the left of the deer broke off showering snow to the ground. The buck jumped, white tail in the air and ran off in the opposite direction. Later I went to the range and discovered the sights were NOT set at the factory."
"So I was just sittin' there when my stomach gave a rumble. I paid it no mind when suddenly I let one go that sounded like a lighthouse fog horn. Strangely enough I heard an answering call from the woods to my right. It was a buck snortin' and from the sound of it it must have been a trophy size. I couldn't quite see it so I let go another blast.This one comin' easier than the first, if you know what I mean. Sure enough the ol' fellow answered with a shrill bawl. I felt I could chance one more trumpet blast but this one I gave an extra push, seeking maximum volume. Long I waited, listening.There was no other sound. I noticed a fowl odor that did not go away even though there was a strong wind. I moved to another spot to get away from the stench. No relief. I moved again but I could not get free of the reek. It was after I returned to camp, amidst the others, mostly keeping their distance, I realized the odor was emanating from me. It seems I pushed too hard on the last one. Nothing that a shower and clean underwear couldn't fix."
"I was sittin' on a ridge lookin' down on the biggest buck in the county, possibly the whole state. It was dead in the sights of my favorite antique Remington .30-.06 bolt action huntin' rifle that I had inherited from my granddad. I squeezed the trigger and nothing happened. I worked the bolt and chambered a new round, took a deep breath and tried again. Nothing. I watched the big white flag jumping through the pines and quickly disappear. I was so angry I smashed my gun against the oak tree I was standing behind and broke the stock. Later I realized the safety had been on."
"Well I was all set up and comfortable when I had a sudden need to answer the call of nature. Quickly I crawled out of my blind and searched for a spot downwind to do my business. I stripped down to my long johns, opened the flap and backed up to a tree to hide my white backside from view. Just as I finished up I realized all I had was white toilet paper. Nobody from the camp was hunting in my area so I was feeling pretty safe using white instead of hunters orange. Just as I reached around to clean myself, I heard a gun shot. I dropped down and looked in the direction of the shot. Then there was another shot and some snow fell out of a tree near me. I pulled up my pants and started to run, toilet paper trailing behind. When I returned to camp and heard one of the other hunters telling a story about the one he missed, I thanked God they don't set the sights at the factory."
A few of the stories I have heard over the years. Happy Hunting. Until tomorrow then keep your powder, and other things, dry.
Ken
Saturday, November 14, 2015
My New Amazon Kindle Fire Review
Day 6
I just received my new Amazon Fire tablet reader. I'm very excited. I have wanted a Kindle reader for a long time now. There are just so many (over a million) free books on Amazon but it gets tedious reading on my laptop and I can't read in bed. So when I saw the latest edition Kindle for just $49.99 I had to do it. The low price comes with startup advertising and the new Fire can be purchased with the ads for I believe $15 more.
First the shipping was very fast. I ordered on Tuesday, November 10th and I received it Friday, November 13th. Out of the box it comes with the tablet and a usb charging cable and usb wall plug. It is a 7" screen with 8gb expandable using up to a 128gb sd memory card. I ordered just the Kindle tablet with no other accessories opting to purchase them later if I want them.
When I turned the unit on it asked for my language and then font size small, medium, large. And is currently plugged into the wall outlet while updating the software. It did come with 74% charge but they recommend plugging it in to prevent running out of power during the upgrade.
So far I've primarily checked out the Kindle app that comes with it. I am currently reading Anna Karenina. I'm just trying a variety of classic novels.
Even though the screen is not Hi Def it still has vibrant colors and the book pages are clear and bright. I may report more later after I have more time to play with it.
Thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow "Tales from a Deer Camp" in honor of opening day for rifle deer season.
Ken
I just received my new Amazon Fire tablet reader. I'm very excited. I have wanted a Kindle reader for a long time now. There are just so many (over a million) free books on Amazon but it gets tedious reading on my laptop and I can't read in bed. So when I saw the latest edition Kindle for just $49.99 I had to do it. The low price comes with startup advertising and the new Fire can be purchased with the ads for I believe $15 more.
Kindle Fire 7"
First the shipping was very fast. I ordered on Tuesday, November 10th and I received it Friday, November 13th. Out of the box it comes with the tablet and a usb charging cable and usb wall plug. It is a 7" screen with 8gb expandable using up to a 128gb sd memory card. I ordered just the Kindle tablet with no other accessories opting to purchase them later if I want them.
When I turned the unit on it asked for my language and then font size small, medium, large. And is currently plugged into the wall outlet while updating the software. It did come with 74% charge but they recommend plugging it in to prevent running out of power during the upgrade.
So far I've primarily checked out the Kindle app that comes with it. I am currently reading Anna Karenina. I'm just trying a variety of classic novels.
Even though the screen is not Hi Def it still has vibrant colors and the book pages are clear and bright. I may report more later after I have more time to play with it.
Thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow "Tales from a Deer Camp" in honor of opening day for rifle deer season.
Ken
Friday, November 13, 2015
Houghton Lake Bye Bye Birdie a Delight
The audience filed into the auditorium waiting breathlessly for the start of the school play. A special treat. Backstage, last minute touches were applied to the stage props and costumes. The actors nervously rehearsed their lines one last time before the curtain went up. Showtime. The play went off flawlessly without a hitch and finished to a standing ovation of the 300+ students and parents. That was 1973 and the only school play I ever acted in. It was glorious.
The Houghton Lake High School production of Bye Bye Birdie went off smoothly if not flawlessly. There were some apparent jitters as some of the lines seemed a bit hurried at times. And one or two momentary pauses as though lines had been temporarily forgotten. Such is opening night.
The opening night gremlins were also present and up to their old tricks. The audio system filled with static several times during the first act, possibly the result of static electricity due to the inclement weather and the costume sweaters. And numerous times the microphones cut out. Through all of this the company maintained professionalism and continued on as if nothing happened.
My hat's off to all the cast members for a fine performance. And to the performers who sang the solo numbers a job well done. I know that it's difficult to be onstage in front of friends and family but that it a hundred times harder to sing (unless you've been drinking in a karaoke bar). Overall the evening was delightful and the cast and crew appeared to have fun. Kudos to the orchestra who also played very well.
If your going to either the Friday or Saturday performance and don't already have your tickets, I suggest getting there a little early as the seats are assigned and it takes a while to get though the line at the box office.
Until tomorrow then. Good night.
Ken
The Houghton Lake High School production of Bye Bye Birdie went off smoothly if not flawlessly. There were some apparent jitters as some of the lines seemed a bit hurried at times. And one or two momentary pauses as though lines had been temporarily forgotten. Such is opening night.
The opening night gremlins were also present and up to their old tricks. The audio system filled with static several times during the first act, possibly the result of static electricity due to the inclement weather and the costume sweaters. And numerous times the microphones cut out. Through all of this the company maintained professionalism and continued on as if nothing happened.
My hat's off to all the cast members for a fine performance. And to the performers who sang the solo numbers a job well done. I know that it's difficult to be onstage in front of friends and family but that it a hundred times harder to sing (unless you've been drinking in a karaoke bar). Overall the evening was delightful and the cast and crew appeared to have fun. Kudos to the orchestra who also played very well.
If your going to either the Friday or Saturday performance and don't already have your tickets, I suggest getting there a little early as the seats are assigned and it takes a while to get though the line at the box office.
Until tomorrow then. Good night.
Ken
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