Sordid Lives - Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You!

That is... if you live in Austin, Round Rock, or surrounding areas. Rehearsals are well under way, and for the most part going very well. The set is nearing completion, the props are making their way into the actors' hands, and the costumes are appearing on the hangers in the greenroom. I am excited to see it all coming together, and it looks like we will have some really good houses. As of this morning, we have 146 reservations. Since the theatre only seats 50, and we have 14 performances, simple math tells us that we are 20% sold with two weeks to go to opening. Simple logic says... get your reservation now at http://www.sambasstheatre.org!

This has pretty much consumed my free time for the last few week, thus the absence of posts. But I have managed to teach myself some string tricks (ie - Jacob's Ladder, teepee, et al), find jeans that can be removed on stage over my boots, and acquire some removable facial hair. If you need a good laugh, and enjoy silly humour, come on out. I look forward to seeing you!

Acting Up & Speaking Out - May 1st & 2nd

The date is drawing close. My friend, CiCi, will be doing her one-woman show at Sam Bass Community Theatre this weekend. Shows are Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd at 8:00 pm. She has worked very hard to put together a great evening of entertainment and education about the ups and downs of her life with Crohn's Disease. After the show, there will be a small reception with CiCi and her friend Alex to answer any questions, or just to mix and mingle with your fellow attendees. Tickets are $15 each, and 100% of that total will go to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. You can make a reservation by emailing my13miles@gmail.com. If you are unable to attend, but would like to contribute to the cause, you can do that too at: http://www.my13miles.com.

Secession Talk & Economics (Political Rant)

Let me start by saying that I am not necessarily a supporter of Texas secession. While Texas could certainly survive, and likely thrive as an idependent nation, there are more pros to remaining in the union at this time. Those that mock our governor for his "secession talk" need to listen to what he actually said. His words were more of an affirmation of the 10th Amendment limitation of Federal Governmental powers. "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." On April 14, Perry expressed his “unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm the states’ rights affirmed by the 10th Amendment.” OUR COUNTRY = The United States, not Texas! He also noted that he and “millions of Texans are tired of Washington, D.C., trying to come down here and tell us how to run Texas.” Are such views “extreme”? Do they not, rather, reflect mainstream and historically accurate sentiments? After all, is not the resolution Perry supported simply a reaffirmation of the very words of and the philosophy underlying the 10th Amendment?

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not a cheerleader for, or even a great supporter of our Governor, but I dislike those that attribute sentiments to anyone in office that have not been expressed by the politician in question. This is the same thing as those that call the President a terrorist sympathizer. In short, people need to take off their partisan glasses and look at what is best for the country and its citizens. Neither party has it right at this point, and the infighting is only going to make things worse.

Obama's "stimulus" packages have been sold as a way out of this crisis, but simple high school economics tells you that you cannot spend your way to recovery. Supporters of this idea think that "taxing the rich" will pay for it, but taxing those that create jobs has been proven time and again to deplete the number of available jobs. Think of it on a household level. If you have someone coming to maintain your lawn for $150 per month, and your income drops (for whatever reason) by $300 per month... You are not only going to cancel the lawn service, but find other ways to cut to maintain your lifestyle. You have just added another person the the unemployment rolls. Does this make you evil? No! You are simply being pragmatic. "The rich" are where they are in life (in general) through hard work and pragmatism.

While many people disagree with the principles of "Reaganomics", the reality is that it has never been tried or given a chance to work. The partial implimentation in the 80s still resulted in historical economic growth. In general, there are four principles that must be applied:

1. reduce the growth of government spending,
2. reduce income and capital gains marginal tax rates,
3. reduce government regulation of the economy,
4. control the money supply to reduce inflation.

In the past, the marginal tax rates have been reduced, and are now climbing back up, resulting in lower revenue collections as we pass the critical point. Government regulation of the economy is at record highs, as are job losses, and this is not a coincidence. I am not saying that complete de-regulation is the answer either, as that would result in atrocious working conditions and run-away inflation... or worse yet... Carter era "stagflation". What is actually needed is simple regulation/oversight, with the freedom to let capitalism actually work. Right now, the noose is so tight that the free markets are unable to function, and the crashes in the economy are the natural result. Control of the money supply to reduce inflation will never happen as long as the Federal Reserve is in charge of the monetary policy. Since this is an extra-governmental agency, it is outside of the control of those that need to be able to control it. That's why the constitution specifically grants CONGRESS the power "To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures". Congress has un-constitutionally ceded this right to the Federal Reserve, which operates under an appointee of the Executive branch, and this needs to be fixed.

Finally, "the reduction in the growth of government spending"... This has never been tried, and frankly is the key to getting the nation back on track. Earmarks, pork, automatic annual budget increases, and generally out of control spending by both parties must stop. Many people are blaming the current spending spree on President Obama, while others are blaming President Bush. The reality is that they are, or are on track to be two of the most fiscally irresponsible Presidents in US History! It is not a partisan issue, but a financial one. If your expenses at home go up, you cannot go to your boss and write yourself a check for the difference, but this is exactly what is happening in Congress. It has now spread to bailing out large private companies, because everyone involved is paranoid of another Worldcom or Enron. While GM, Chrysler, and AIG may not be the result of corruption, the result of failure would be the same. Another smaller company (or companies) will expand and fill the gap left, and the American people will dust themselves off, and move on. Our ability to do so is what makes this country great, and why our Republic has stood the test of time for over 200 years under the same governing documents.

Returning to secession... Texas could survive secession, and in all likelihood would thrive. The map at the left is interesting in that it places each state in perspective with respect to national GDP of various countries. It does not address population, but I'll cover that in a minute.

Texas' annual GDP is roughly equivalent to that of Canada, which is considered a fairly prosperous "First World" nation in its own right. They are the 13th largest GDP among nations, and sit at around 10% of US GDP. This means that if Texas were to leave the union, we would immediately take that spot (and roughly 10% of the US economy) with us. When you address the per-capita aspect, Texas is at roughly 2/3 of the population of Canada, making per capita GDP about a third higher for Texans, if secession were to happen. Texas also happens to be home to one of the largest military installations in the free world (Fort Hood). Obviously, equipment would transfer to the US, but Texas would quite likely maintain a pretty significant military strength, so the weak argument that we would "lose the protection" of the US military just doesn't hold water. Frankly, we could pretty quickly turn ourselves into a powerful nation both economically and militarily. There would be no issue with maintaining our independence, and becoming a presence on the world stage.

Now... Is this what I want to happen? Is this what is best for Texas and the US? Short answer... Heck No! There are far more intricate issues involved than the simplistic economic picture that I have painted above, and military power can only go so far in carving your place in the world. What needs to happen is a return to sanity and responsibilty from both our Federal and our State representatives... And, I'll say it... Sanity among the voters that keep putting these clowns in office just because they have an R or a D behind their name. Stop voting party, and research the issues! You may still end up voting for a straight party ticket, but it will be an educated opinion. Don't vote based on wanting to stick it to the rich or put something in your own pocket (either through tax cuts or government handouts). History has shown that balanced policies work far better than extreme partaisanship. But the new administration seems hell-bent on deriding the "failed policies of the past"... and the previous administration was just as tenacious in their single-mindedness. If this sort of back and forth extremism continues, we are doomed to failure... and we deserve what we get.

Sordid Lives Rehearsals Begin Tonight

I have been cast in my next play. Sordid Lives by Del Shores, and directed by Frank Benge. We open May 15th at Sam Bass Community Theatre in Round Rock, and I will be playing Odell Owens. I have been trying to get a bit of insight into my character, since being cast, and have managed to find the following quote on an old, archived website:

"Jacob's ladder, witches hat... two tricks in one. Oh, sorry, I was in the middle of one of my string tricks. That's my hobby. String tricks. I'm Odell. Odell Owens. I started doing string tricks after the accident, about twenty years ago. See, I used to be the postman in Winters, Texas. It was a good job, paid good and had good health benefits. But then one day, a pitbull that was tied up by these trashy folks' trailer -- their name was Winkler. They lived out on Route 5 in the Shady Grove Trailer Court. Anyway, this pitbull named Killer got lose, chased me down the road and bit off half my left butt cheek. It left me scarred, inside and out. I'm sorry. Give me a minute. The memory of that pitbill named Killer biting about one quarter of my ass still haunts me. So, I'm on disability. I can't work. It's a psychological thing."

The character is the type that has a story for everything... although the relation to what's going on may not make sense to anyone but himself. And every story has shaped or scarred him in some way. I'm really somewhat excited about this play for several reasons. 1 - I've heard great things about Frank as a director, and am really looking forward to learning some things from him. 2 - It's an extremely funny story... "A Black Comedy About White Trash". 3 - This character is very different from anyone else that I have played in a long time. I have recently been playing either authoritarian figures or working class Joes, but always someone with all of their mental faculties. The chance to "turn off" my brain a bit seems fun to me. 4 - I've worked with some of the other cast members before, and they are a talented bunch. I'm looking forward to being a part of a great, energetic, and enthusiastic cast.

All in all... this has the makings of one of the funniest shows that you will have a chance to see this spring. I highly encourage you to put it on your calendar. Go to http://www.sambasstheatre.org to make a reservation (and people are already making them) or to read more about the play.

Last Weekend for Human Sketches

"Rebecca Guare is a single mother and a college dropout trying to make ends meet. Leticia Martindale is a successful and acclaimed New York artist who finds herself at a creative standstill. Rebecca desperately needs a purpose. Leticia desperately needs inspiration. Two women from wildly different lifestyles try to find what they need in each other, and ultimately find much more than they originally bargained for. Human Sketches, an original contemporary play by local playwright Trey Deason, is a heartfelt and moving depiction of the unique bond between artist and model. This beautiful story demonstrates how pain can inspire, how art can heal, and how so much humanity can be contained within a simple sketch."

I've seen this play twice now. The first time at the end of the rehearsal process, and the second time this past weekend. It is a truly great play, and an Austin original to boot! The cast really brings these characters to life: from the vulnerability of the struggling mother to the aloof, worldly artist to the confused, but good-hearted boyfriend. Each character has a story to tell, and at times you feel the pain and joy of each of their lives. In the end, you understand that this play is a sketchbook of sorts for the writer, and that the "human sketches" are the people we meet on the street every day.

There are three more chances to see it. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:00 pm at Sam Bass Community Theatre in Round Rock. Make your reservations online at http://www.sambasstheatre.org, and DO NOT miss your chance to see this!

Is Obama Too Bright To Be President?

More Roosevelt… Less Jimmy Carter… that’s what this brand needs!

Folks, there’s been a lot of scrutiny of President Obama in these first 100 days. It goes with the territory. The attention is brutal no matter who’s in the Oval Office and it always will be.

Exposure is something most marketers covet . . .but over-exposure especially of the wrong features can be deadly for a personal brand.

That is why, Barack Obama had better stop behaving like Jimmy Carter and start emulating Roosevelt.

In the last week and a half, he’s said and done things and appeared in ways that could lay the foundation for a negative brand image that no one will be able to reverse.

I can hear the peanut gallery objecting: “But President Obama isn’t oozing Carter-sque doom and gloom.” Fair enough. But he’s oozing something worse: he’s oozing too much intelligence.

Yes, too much intelligence. Intelligence is not a bad thing, but a president should never put too much of it on display.

Jimmy Carter’s mistake wasn’t really the doom and gloom, it was his professorial, uber-competence and his legendary micro-managing. The doom and gloom was an inevitable product of his putting too much intelligence on display.

Basically, it was his publicly-aired honesty and wandering intellect that got him into trouble. These traits obscured the sacred/universal qualities of the presidency and the need for strongly directed leadership. It actually diminished the presidency in the electorates’ eyes.

Instead of seeing assured leadership, the American people saw Hamlet — a bright guy constantly re-evaluating and refining his positions (something that presidents and all other effective leaders should basically do behind closed doors and well out of sight). Bottom line: Lincoln delivered The Gettysburg Address from a podium, he didn’t do his famously complicated brooding there.

Americans like to know their presidents are bright; they just don’t need to be part of the intellectual roller coaster that comes from being bright. And they don’t want details, they want results.

Most of all, American’s want a president who instills confidence. When I heard that President Obama was considering planting a vegetable garden at the White House I became worried — this was classic Carter. Do something wonky that seems to fit with an important issue the president values (i.e., the environment) but actually comes across as a little too makeshift and nitty gritty for the President of the United States. Remember how the press turned Jimmy Carter into a peanut farmer? Enough said. President Obama, forget the vegetable garden.

And beyond vegetable gardens, watch out that you don’t appear to be micro-managing the GM situation. Wagoner’s departure might be necessary, but avoid looking as if you now want to run the auto industry down to its most minute details –a President offering warranties on cars is something I simply never thought I’d hear.

The additional problem with appearing too intelligent is that when policies and initiatives go wrong as they inevitably will in Washington, it begins to look like your high intelligence (read, tendency to waffle) is responsible for your legislative and policy failures. In other words, the whole presidential package gets poisoned.

Last week’s press conference only served to emphasize our professorial president.

President Obama answered a wide-range of questions with minute detail. Bravo. But did he instill confidence in his leadership in his Target Market, the American people?

I doubt it, since after the event even The New York Times called him a lecturer and noted that he has a kind of intellectual distance that might make it hard for people to really embrace.

And while I applaud the Leno appearance as a bold poli-marketing attempt to reach the Target Market in new ways, I don’t think those kinds of appearances are the answer either because they run the risk of exposing more negatives about the president (witness his Special Olympics gaffe).

Let’s face it, a president should probably be rarely heard and seen and then only strategically. There’s a reason why the Wizard of Oz stayed behind his curtain. There is something about the office of the presidency that just doesn’t do well with too much accessibility and too much of a human touch. Ronald Reagan understood this and played the presidency with the right doses of warmth, balance and gravitas.

But it’s not Reagan who President Obama should take a page from. Obama is a crisis president and one crisis president should follow the lead of another: FDR.

So how did Roosevelt strike a balance?

Two words: Fireside chats. Roosevelt’s fireside chats let the people in, but just enough and only to show what he wanted to show. The people knew he was bright, but they didn’t want or need to hear all the backroom deliberations and wavering. Most important, they came away comforted because they knew Roosevelt was in charge.

In contrast, the Leno appearance forced President Obama to share his brand with a famous comedian (another brand) and by extension the many celebrities who have occupied the guest chairs. It risked diluting his brand and exposed him to boot, but it didn’t do anything to make him appear presidential or seem to be confidently leading us. Yes, folks, less really is more.

Apparently, President Obama tried to do some confidence instilling at his Internet-based town hall meeting -again, he earns points for the dynamic poli-marketing, but needs to be cautious because there is too much room for error and over-exposure (again, it’s not-Rooseveltian).

At the end of his press conference last week, President Obama likened America to a huge ship that can’t be turned around on a dime. Things will take time, he conveyed. Now this was Roosevelt, the master of lowering expectations while instilling hope.

President Obama should apply his ship example to his presidency. A presidential brand can go in either a good or bad direction. It does this gradually, mistakes or triumphs gradually mounting up. If the negatives are not kept firmly in check from the beginning, a toxic image can be created that might never be erased.

No president wants this and now’s the time for President Obama to make some course corrections and stick to them.

And remember, it’s always easier to understand politics (and almost everything else in life) when you keep marketing and branding in mind.

Memory Foam Shoes? Cult Wear Part 2!

People are truly idiots, and will buy just about anything. I've already had a nice little rant about the snuggie, and just exactly what I think of that. It's strange how a "freakin' bathrobe" has been such a huge success. And now... the perfect shoes to wear with your snuggie! May I present, Memory Foam Slippers.

"Just imagine how good it would feel if you could have custom slippers. These memory foam slippers let you experience that level of comfort because they conform to the shape of your feet from heel to toe. And since they don't constrict, they offer relief from painful heel spurs, bunions, arthritis, gout, swollen feet or other foot problems. Faux suede uppers, nylon tricot lining and flexible, skid-resistant indoor/outdoor soles."

Just what everyone needs for their feet! Faux suede, faux fur, and skid resistant indoor/OUTDOOR soles! This means that they actually expect people to wear these things out of the house. Certain clothing items have a limited purpose, but society clearly has lost sight of setting real limits. This should be clear by the sheer number of people that leave the house looking like they just rolled out of bed. Slippers, by definition, are house shoes... for the house... not the grocery store! And do we really need memory foam in shoes?

I could go on about other shoes that anger me, like Crocs.... but that would take far to long. Screw it, put on your cult shoes, and start chanting the mantra of the masses... What was it again?