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Holiday Hoopla XII
Shadowbox Cabaret

Rick Brown

Cyborg Theory”

David G. Hochman

I like to think I’m no conspiracy nut. Having said that, I’ve read the
usual headlines in the tabloids. Some say, for example, that Osama, Saddam
and Elvis are cohabitating together in some cave in Afghanistan. I don’t
know. It’s hard to imagine. Is Elvis playing Jailhouse Rock while Osama
sways the turban and Saddam shakes his head until his oversized glasses fall
off? Maybe. Still, other reports say all three are one and the same man.
That seems a bit farfetched, as far as I’m concerned.
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Dude, Where's My Country?
By Michael Moore

Reviewed by Rebecca Watts

Michael Moore's "Dude, Where's My Country" proves once again that he is willing to be the voice for the unheard liberal masses. Mr. Moore raises some important questions while at the same time brings to light some disturbing information concerning the present White House Administration. Although peppered with humor and sarcasm, I certainly was not feeling happy, warm OR fuzzy, as I turned the last page. Instead, I finished the book with a sense of alarm as to what the state of this nation will be if George W. Bush remains in office for four more years.

The book begins with a list of questions from the author to George W. Bush, or "George of Arabia" as Mr. Moore refers to him. The questions are, in effect, allegations concerning the Bush family ties to the Saudi's, including the Saudi royal family, and the Bin Ladens. These allegations are well documented and paint a disturbing picture of an alliance between our Commander in Chief and those responsible for the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The book covers everything from the Corporate War on the U.S., which is resulting in the "wholesale destruction of our economic future," to ineffectiveness of the Bush Tax cut. Even Jesus W. Christ writes a chapter, to air his complaints about George W. deeming himself His personal messenger. Who knew Jesus could be this funny?

And this book is funny; there's a chapter on "How to talk to your Conservative Brother-in-Law," which is both humorous and most helpful for the upcoming holiday season! There's a chapter on what the author is going to do with his tax cut. He say's, "George, I'm going to spend it all to get rid of you! That's right, Every last dime from my tax cut is going to trickle down on your pointy little head in the hopes that, come election night, you will join the ranks of the unemployed and be sent packing back to the ranch." He goes on to tell Mr. Bush, "I hope you understand that none of this is personal and that I am still grateful to you for giving me this gift. It will be money well spent."

In today's political and socio-economical climate, it is difficult for the average American to remain politically aware. Many Americans are too busy working two or three jobs just to get by, so those folks don't have time to sit down and do the research that Mr. Moore has so graciously done for us. These are the people who most need to be aware, because these are the people being hurt the most by the "powers-that-be" in Washington. Mr. Moore's message is clear: Regime Change. His final chapter is dedicated to how we can do this. His idea to run Oprah against Bush is hilarious, even though he's not really trying to be funny here. He has a point, who else is a sure shot to beat Bush? We know it won't be Al Sharpton or Dennis Kucinich. And he does make a nice pitch for Gen. Wesley Clark. Most importantly, he wants to get people involved in the process, to have a dialog about issues, and to get people out to vote for someone who can do a better job for the average American, rather than the average Billionaire.

Everyone in America should read this book. Agree or disagree with Michael Moore's methods, (how dare someone talk politics at the Oscars??!!) he enlightens the average citizen, most simply by gathering the information we need to be informed voters. And agree or disagree with his conclusions or opinions, it is the information presented that makes this book essential reading.

A Thing About Lyle

Yvonne Brown

Those who know me or follow my top 5 picks have noticed I have a thing about Lyle. Lyle Lovett that is. Of course when I tell a co-worker, the first comment is often " I didn't know you liked country music!" or "He is that guy with weird hair isn't he?". I just smile and realize they have never seen Lyle.

A friend took us to see Lyle the first time in Oct. of 1991 at the OSU Ohio
Union Ballroom, an intimate space that seats maybe 300. He had just a small group including a cello player named John Hagen. They all had on suits, which has been the standard for the band every time I have seen him. But it was his dry sense of humor and easy- going attitude that I really noticed. I have seen him on most of his trips to Columbus and on occasional late night talk show appearances and always enjoy this about him. I also like that his music cannot be limited to any one category. Lyle's influences include jazz, rock, folk and Texas swing as well as country. Although he reminds you often that he is from Texas, he is not what I would consider simply a country singer.

This time thru Columbus he played at the Ohio Theatre on November 2nd. He has a new CD out and is touring with a rather large band, but not the entire Large Band he often travels with. His band did include his long time band mate, John the cello player. At different times throughout the show, each of the 9 band members got to show off their talent with a solo. I had never seen some of them play with Lyle before, but they all displayed a great deal of talent, especially while improvising. They played quite a few songs from the new CD "My Baby Don't Tolerate", starting with "Cute as a Bug". I realized right away that he has gotten quite a loyal following, with many of the audience singing along with their favorite songs. The music review from the Cleveland Plain Dealer called his followers "Lylephiles" which confirms he has fans all over. He also pleased the crowd with some older favorites, including those I always enjoy, "If I Had a Boat ", "If I Were the Man You Wanted" and "Nobody Knows Me".

It was also good to see that Lyle's leg, which was shattered a few years ago while defending his uncle from a bull on the ranch, was much better. It allowed him to stand for the show, which gave it a much different feel than when he had to sit for the shows on one tour. He seemed more relaxed and inserted more humorous tales between songs. One of my favorites from the new CD is "You Were Always There", written and performed with his bass player Viktor Krauss. His band this time did not include the back up singers he often has for his more gospel inspired tunes. Instead he has been having local gospel choirs back him up for a few songs at the end of the show. He remarked that having been raised a Lutheran, this was much different than his church music experience and I can relate to that. His song "Church" shows he definitely enjoys the gospel genre and it was an uplifting end to another long and enjoyable Lyle show. Oh yes, I still have a thing about Lyle.

Click Image for a
Poem by Michelle Drobik

Holiday Cheer from Aunt Edith

Rick Brown

My late Uncle Wes lived with my Aunt Edith for most of his adult life...although I'm sure it seemed like an eternity to him. He worked for the Bethlehem Steel Company in Baltimore for thirty years until he retired. He worked the night shift getting off around 7 a.m. when he would come home for dinner. In the summer when it was warm...and Baltimore can get very, very humid...he would go to a movie matinee in an air conditioned theater and sleep. If you knew my Aunt Edith you would assume what I did...even as a child...and that was that Uncle Wes worked nights and went to matinees to get away from his wife. He never said much. He was a slight, wiry man of few words. And the few words he almost always uttered were, "For Chrissakes Edith! SHUDD UPP!!"

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