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CANDLELIT CHRONICLES: HISTORIC HAUNTS
From NaNoWriMo historical Supernatural novels in South Alabama and historical horror in Standwood Station, GA-to the Phantom Northern Woods-to singlehandedly refighting the American Civil War-to exploring Social Justice and standing for First Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution-we deal out horror, Supernatural, Historical, fantasy, mystery, and more. We do not fear outspokeness.
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Meanwhile, whether we're writing or just reading, we love to rave about books and authors right here!
| 279. May 21: Oil, Hurricanes, and Free Read_1674 word count | ID #696876 |
Posted: 5-21-2010 @ 8:03 am EDT
Edited: 5-21-2010 @ 8:13 am EDT |
|
I had a scary thought this morning concerning the oil spill. Not only is that broken pipe still pumping out oil despite the containment efforts, not only might the volume of oil pouring into the Gulf of Mexico be up to fourteen times greater than the quantity announced by British Petroleum, owner of the defective and destroyed rig-but hurricane season is fast approaching this exact area. Hurricane Season commences June 1-only 10 days away.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-oil-spill-20100521,0,776162...
One positive point may be that where BP can't fix it, perhaps Kevin Costner, the actor can. He has worked for fifteen years, to the expense of $24 million, to find a containment solution for oil spills.
http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/latimes/news/science/environment/~3/kWAnin1kf2s/la-n...
Obax and The Night-Riders, A Stage Play continued:
ACT TWO, SCENE FOUR
April 26, 1863
Wesleyan Women's College
Macon, Georgia, CSA
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK's Office
Afternoon.
(Lights up.)
Sunshine through wide West windows pools on plush carpeting and highlights floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, STAGE RIGHT. Large desk is set just to North (or to rear) of West windows (nearly floor-to- ceiling) and is almost covered with papers, memos, and books. A quill pen, ink stand, and blotter are also on the REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK's desk, and a name plaque sits at the front left corner of the desktop reading “REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK RUFUS A. FISK.”)
(Behind the desk sits a large heavyset man with chin whiskers, sideburns, all in white, and a thick head of white hair, combed straight back from his forehead. His face is jowly and fleshy, pinkish but not ruddy. Clearly he is of a temperate constitution, as befits a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church.)
(At a knock on the door, STAGE RIGHT FOREGROUND, he sets aside the book he has been perusing, and selects a telegram, which he holds just above the desk and reads carefully, frowning.)
(A female secretary in a starched white shirtwaist and pale blue serge skirt, a graduate of Wesleyan Ladies' College and an alumnae, opens the door (STAGE RIGHT FOREGROUND) and peeks around it, addressing THE REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK.)
SECRETARY: REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK, MADEMOISELLE WILLIS and her student VONDA LACEY are here, at your request.
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK:
(nods without looking, reaches to his left for a second telegram)
Thank you, Miss Barnes. Please give me one more moment and then send them in.
SECRETARY: Yes, REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK, thank you.
(bows out the door, closing it behind her.)
(REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK sets both telegrams, one atop the other, back on the center cleared space on his desk. He then puts his elbows on the desk, clasps his hands, and rests his forehead on them. Clearly he is spending this moment in prayer. When he is finished, he raises his head, places both hands flat atop the telegrams, and calls out.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: Come in, please!
(Door opens STAGE RIGHT FOREGROUND. SECRETARY enters, ushers in INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS, student VONDA LACEY, INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON.)
(INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS wears a gray cotton dress with a white apron. Her dull black hair is pulled into a bun so tight that her complexion appears stretched. Her mouth is downturned and crimped. Obvious frown lines stretch from nostrils to chin.)
INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON, however, is elegant in a pale grey silk gown with ruffles vertically on the front, a pearl grey wide sash, and a white collar. Her high-button shoes are highly polished, as if they had just received the administrations of a bootblack, and her hair is pouffed at the front in the Gibson Girl style that will not become a fashion mode for another three decades, with curls descending over each ear. Her hair is a chestnut brown, lighter than VONDA LACEY'S, with golden-reddish highlights.)
(STUDENT VONDA LACEY wears a chocolate brown, but stylish gown. Her shoes are also polished, but not to the glaring extent of INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON'S. Her hair is combed neatly back and fastened into a French chignon just above her high white collar. Her expression is troubled, almost anxious, as she has been summoned from INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS' Ladies' Deportment class in the morning, and told by REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK'S SECRETARY to report to THE REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK'S office this afternoon at two PM.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: Come in, Ladies, come in. Please have a seat, MISS LACEY.
(All three women note that REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK does not suggest either of the instructors be seated, but only the student.)
(INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS' frown deepens.)
(INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON looks unconcerned and even flighty, as always, and appears supremely unaffected by the dismayed glance given her appearance by REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK.)
(VONDA LACEY moves to the davenport in front of the bookshelves at STAGE RIGHT and sits in the center, on the edge of the cushion, back very straight in the upright pose insisted on by INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS' Ladies' Deportment course, but her hands are clasped in her lap so tightly entwined that their color has turned to pale.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK:
(Looks up, gives VONDA LACEY on the davenport a considering, yet pitying look, straightens, clasps both hands atop the stack of two telegrams, then speaks.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: MISS LACEY-VONDA-I regret very much to inform you that
(sighs deeply)
your father, and your brother
(another deep sigh)
have been lost fighting for the Glorious Cause.
VONDA LACEY:
(emits a low-voiced scream, gasps, bows her head and covers her face with her hands, sobbing quietly into her palms)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: You will need to hear some details, MISS LACEY, and then there is a little matter we must discuss.
INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON: Sir, MISS LACEY lost her mother just a few years ago, before she came to us here at The College. With this loss of her father and brother, she is now alone in the world, with no Guardian and no remaining close family members.
VONDA LACEY:
(voice muffled by hands over face)
MAJOR NELSON
VONNIE ANDERSON: (bends over VONDA LACEY, places a hand on VONDA'S quaking shoulder)
What, dear?
INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS:
(snorts in disapproval of INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON'S familiarity with a student)
VONDA LACEY:
(raises her head, but keeps hands close together just below her chin, now clasped as if in prayer)
My cousin. MAJOR NELSON. SHERROD LACEY NELSON-he's a Major in the Army. He and my Papa
(here bursts into sobs and again buries her face in her hands)
(recovering somewhat)
COUSIN NELSON and Papa are-were-third cousins. He is the only family left that I know of. He lives-his home is at Savannah. He is an Attorney; he came to see me at the time of the dedication for the Cornerstone for the Armory, and earlier, when The College had the Debutante Ball.
(turns to INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON and INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS)
You remember, don't you, MISS ANDERSON? MADEMOISELLE WILLIS? You met my COUSIN MAJOR NELSON.
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK:
(clears throat)
MISS LACEY, your Cousin is part of what I need to tell you now. Please listen.
(delivers a quelling look at INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON and INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS)
Your father, I regret to say, was lost at the Battle of Bayou Pierre, in your home state of Mississippi, back on April 2. I do not know why I was not notified earlier of his decease. I just this morning received a telegram from your Cousin, MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON, informing me of the loss of your father.
Your brother, Ford, died at the Battle of Tuscumbia, in Alabama, our neighboring state, just three days ago, on April 24.
(He holds up the top telegram.)
THAT telegram arrived just this morning, also. It is not clear from your COUSIN MAJOR'S telegram this morning whether he has been apprised of your brother Ford's death; but I will send him a reply telegram this afternoon.
At any event, MISS LACEY, all of us here at Wesleyan Ladies' College deeply regret your loss, and all of the Instructors
(bending a stern eye toward INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS and INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON)
will do all they can to assist you in your time of grief. Your graduation date is approaching-early next month-and you of course will need to make plans as to what you wish to do following graduation. I am certain that a place may be made ready for you if you wish to remain with us at The College as an instructor. I understand your French language and culture abilities are [italicized]non pareil. A position could certainly be found for you as an Instructor, or at minimum a tutor.
(finally pauses for breath. In the intervening silence, only the ticking of the grandfather clock at STAGE LEFT FOREGROUND, and the continued quiet sobbing of VONDA LACEY can be heard.)
(INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON continues to pat VONDA LACEY on the shoulder and to rub her upper back gently.
INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS watches this, frowning.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK:
(clears throat, pauses, speaks)
MISS LACEY, I will notify your Cousin by telegram this afternoon and ask what he intends. In the meantime, perhaps you would benefit by returning to your room and resting. I am sure your roommate-
(looks quizzically at INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS)
INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS: MISS ASHLEY DUMPLING, Sir.
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: Yes, MISS DUMPLING-I am certain she will be pleased to watch over you while you rest. In the meanwhile, once I have had information from your Cousin, the Major, I will advise you as to what steps are to be taken.
(REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK stands, in what is clearly a dismisal, and motions to INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS to take VONDA LACEY out of his office. However, INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON, already at VONDA'S side, is lifting VONDA to her feet and escorting her to the door, one arm around the younger woman's waist.)
(INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS frowns at the two women, then turns toward REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK, still standing behind his desk, holding the two telegrams, and bows her head, unsmiling. She reverses and follows INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON and Student VONDA LACEY through the door, STAGE RIGHT FOREGROUND.)
END OF ACT TWO, SCENE FOUR
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| 278. May 20 Free Read word count 1983 | ID #696760 |
Posted: 5-20-2010 @ 10:20 am EDT
Edited: 5-20-2010 @ 10:22 am EDT |
|
Obax and the Night-Riders, a Stage Play:
ACT TWO, SCENE THREE
(Lights up.)
Early Evening.
Outdoor tables, Fincher's Barbecue Restaurant. Macon, Georgia, CSA.
South side of the city.
January. Evening of the Corner Stone presentation.
(Seated at the picnic table farthest from the restaurant entrance are HARRALD NEALM and MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON, CSA, on one side. CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH, CSA, sits on the opposite side, his body language showing revulsion and anger at the presence of HARRALD NEALM, whom he now obviously considers his rival for the attentions and affections of VONDA NEALM.)
(As a waiter comes out of the restaurant carrying three plates of barbecued ribs with coleslaw and potato salad on the side, HARRALD NEALM remains deep in conversation with MAJOR NELSON. CAPTAIN HEATH continues to eye them disgruntledly, but digs into his meal ravenously, as if his mind is elsewhere and the act of eating has become an involuntary nervous system reaction.)
HARRALD NEALM: Wal, Sir, Ah think we have come to an agreement then!
(pulls out papers, hands them to THE MAJOR, who nods, then signs the final sheet and returns them to HARRALD NEALM. He glances up and intercepts THE CAPTAIN'S frown, winks at THE CAPTAIN.)
THE MAJOR: Ah,too, think we will do jest fahn as soon as thet Ahrmohry is in place and manufacturing. You do know, HARRALD, that the Spiller & Burr manufactury will be moving over here-to the Armory, that is-and the Pistol Department too. SUPERINTENDENT BURTON has big plans! And he has the City Engineer of Macon himself, one Augustus Schwaab, drawing up the blueprints. Very impressive. With a man like BURTON at the helm, we shall surely do well.
HARRALD NEALM: Yes, indeedy, I do agree, MAJOR! Don't you, CAPTAIN?
CAPTAIN HEATH:
(Lost in thought, doesn't realize his rival has addressed him, till the Major nudges his arm and speaks.)
MAJOR NELSON: JUDSON, do you not agree with MR. NEALM and myself? That SUPERINTENDENT BURTON is immensely capable and has formed great plans for our new Armory?
CAPTAIN: Oh! Oh, yes, certainly. Yes. I anticipate the vast production of weapons the SUPERINTENDENT has promised our Army. Definitely so.
(sinks back into contemplation of his own thoughts as he finishes clearing his plate)
(Lights dim gradually on the three men, as CAPTAIN HEATH dines and MAJOR NELSON and HARRALD NEALM continue to converse quietly, heads close together like capable conspirators. CAPTAIN HEATH again appears to be the odd one out, just as ASHLEY DUMPLING was in the earlier scene, when VONDA LACEY and CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH conversed under the shade trees.)
END OF ACT TWO, SCENE THREE
ACT TWO, SCENE FOUR
April 26, 1863
Wesleyan Women's College
Macon, Georgia, CSA
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK's Office
Afternoon.
(Lights up.)
Sunshine through wide West windows pools on plush carpeting and highlights floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, STAGE RIGHT. Large desk is set just to North (or to rear) of West windows (nearly floor-to- ceiling) and is almost covered with papers, memos, and books. A quill pen, ink stand, and blotter are also on the REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK's desk, and a name plaque sits at the front left corner of the desktop reading “REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK RUFUS A. FISK.”)
(Behind the desk sits a large heavyset man with chin whiskers, sideburns, all in white, and a thick head of white hair, combed straight back from his forehead. His face is jowly and fleshy, pinkish but not ruddy. Clearly he is of a temperate constitution, as befits a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church.)
(At a knock on the door, STAGE RIGHT FOREGROUND, he sets aside the book he has been perusing, and selects a telegram, which he holds just above the desk and reads carefully, frowning.)
(A female secretary in a starched white shirtwaist and pale blue serge skirt, a graduate of Wesleyan Ladies' College and an alumnae, opens the door (STAGE RIGHT FOREGROUND) and peeks around it, addressing THE REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK.)
SECRETARY: REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK, MADEMOISELLE WILLIS and her student VONDA LACEY are here, at your request.
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK:
(nods without looking, reaches to his left for a second telegram)
Thank you, Miss Barnes. Please give me one more moment and then send them in.
SECRETARY: Yes, REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK, thank you.
(bows out the door, closing it behind her.)
(REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK sets both telegrams, one atop the other, back on the center cleared space on his desk. He then puts his elbows on the desk, clasps his hands, and rests his forehead on them. Clearly he is spending this moment in prayer. When he is finished, he raises his head, places both hands flat atop the telegrams, and calls out.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: Come in, please!
(Door opens STAGE RIGHT FOREGROUND. SECRETARY enters, ushers in INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS, student VONDA LACEY, INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON.)
(INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS wears a gray cotton dress with a white apron. Her dull black hair is pulled into a bun so tight that her complexion appears stretched. Her mouth is downturned and crimped. Obvious frown lines stretch from nostrils to chin.)
INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON, however, is elegant in a pale grey silk gown with ruffles vertically on the front, a pearl grey wide sash, and a white collar. Her high-button shoes are highly polished, as if they had just received the administrations of a bootblack, and her hair is pouffed at the front in the Gibson Girl style that will not become a fashion mode for another three decades, with curls descending over each ear. Her hair is a chestnut brown, lighter than VONDA LACEY'S, with golden-reddish highlights.)
(STUDENT VONDA LACEY wears a chocolate brown, but stylish gown. Her shoes are also polished, but not to the glaring extent of INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON'S. Her hair is combed neatly back and fastened into a French chignon just above her high white collar. Her expression is troubled, almost anxious, as she has been summoned from INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS' Ladies' Deportment class in the morning, and told by REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK'S SECRETARY to report to THE REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK'S office this afternoon at two PM.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: Come in, Ladies, come in. Please have a seat, MISS LACEY.
(All three women note that REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK does not suggest either of the instructors be seated, but only the student.)
(INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS' frown deepens.)
(INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON looks unconcerned and even flighty, as always, and appears supremely unaffected by the dismayed glance given her appearance by REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK.)
(VONDA LACEY moves to the davenport in front of the bookshelves at STAGE RIGHT and sits in the center, on the edge of the cushion, back very straight in the upright pose insisted on by INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS' Ladies' Deportment course, but her hands are clasped in her lap so tightly entwined that their color has turned to pale.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK:
(Looks up, gives VONDA LACEY on the davenport a considering, yet pitying look, straightens, clasps both hands atop the stack of two telegrams, then speaks.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: MISS LACEY-VONDA-I regret very much to inform you that
(sighs deeply)
your father, and your brother
(another deep sigh)
have been lost fighting for the Glorious Cause.
VONDA LACEY:
(emits a low-voiced scream, gasps, bows her head and covers her face with her hands, sobbing quietly into her palms)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: You will need to hear some details, MISS LACEY, and then there is a little matter we must discuss.
INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON: Sir, MISS LACEY lost her mother just a few years ago, before she came to us here at The College. With this loss of her father and brother, she is now alone in the world, with no Guardian and no remaining close family members.
VONDA LACEY:
(voice muffled by hands over face)
MAJOR NELSON
VONNIE ANDERSON: (bends over VONDA LACEY, places a hand on VONDA'S quaking shoulder)
What, dear?
INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS:
(snorts in disapproval of INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON'S familiarity with a student)
VONDA LACEY:
(raises her head, but keeps hands close together just below her chin, now clasped as if in prayer)
My cousin. MAJOR NELSON. SHERROD LACEY NELSON-he's a Major in the Army. He and my Papa
(here bursts into sobs and again buries her face in her hands)
(recovering somewhat)
COUSIN NELSON and Papa are-were-third cousins. He is the only family left that I know of. He lives-his home is at Savannah. He is an Attorney; he came to see me at the time of the dedication for the Cornerstone for the Armory, and earlier, when The College had the Debutante Ball.
(turns to INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON and INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS)
You remember, don't you, MISS ANDERSON? MADEMOISELLE WILLIS? You met my COUSIN MAJOR NELSON.
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK:
(clears throat)
MISS LACEY, your Cousin is part of what I need to tell you now. Please listen.
(delivers a quelling look at INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON and INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS)
Your father, I regret to say, was lost at the Battle of Bayou Pierre, in your home state of Mississippi, back on April 2. I do not know why I was not notified earlier of his decease. I just this morning received a telegram from your Cousin, MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON, informing me of the loss of your father.
Your brother, Ford, died at the Battle of Tuscumbia, in Alabama, our neighboring state, just three days ago, on April 24.
(He holds up the top telegram.)
THAT telegram arrived just this morning, also. It is not clear from your COUSIN MAJOR'S telegram this morning whether he has been apprised of your brother Ford's death; but I will send him a reply telegram this afternoon.
At any event, MISS LACEY, all of us here at Wesleyan Ladies' College deeply regret your loss, and all of the Instructors
(bending a stern eye toward INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS and INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON)
will do all they can to assist you in your time of grief. Your graduation date is approaching-early next month-and you of course will need to make plans as to what you wish to do following graduation. I am certain that a place may be made ready for you if you wish to remain with us at The College as an instructor. I understand your French language and culture abilities are [italicized]non pareil. A position could certainly be found for you as an Instructor, or at minimum a tutor.
(finally pauses for breath. In the intervening silence, only the ticking of the grandfather clock at STAGE LEFT FOREGROUND, and the continued quiet sobbing of VONDA LACEY can be heard.)
(INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON continues to pat VONDA LACEY on the shoulder and to rub her upper back gently.
INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS watches this, frowning.)
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK:
(clears throat, pauses, speaks)
MISS LACEY, I will notify your Cousin by telegram this afternoon and ask what he intends. In the meantime, perhaps you would benefit by returning to your room and resting. I am sure your roommate-
(looks quizzically at INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS)
INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS: MISS ASHLEY DUMPLING, Sir.
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK: Yes, MISS DUMPLING-I am certain she will be pleased to watch over you while you rest. In the meanwhile, once I have had information from your Cousin, the Major, I will advise you as to what steps are to be taken.
(REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK stands, in what is clearly a dismisal, and motions to INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS to take VONDA LACEY out of his office. However, INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON, already at VONDA'S side, is lifting VONDA to her feet and escorting her to the door, one arm around the younger woman's waist.)
(INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS frowns at the two women, then turns toward REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK, still standing behind his desk, holding the two telegrams, and bows her head, unsmiling. She reverses and follows INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON and Student VONDA LACEY through the door, STAGE RIGHT FOREGROUND.) {/b]
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| 277. May 19 | ID #696672 |
Posted: 5-19-2010 @ 8:47 am EDT
Edited: 5-19-2010 @ 10:53 am EDT |
|
Choosing today from a rich menu of environmental issues:
First is honeybees. Not something we often think about, those of us who are not active beekeepers. But bees have been on my mind quite a bit since recently reading two consecutive novels in Laurie R. King's “Mary Russell” series (in which Mary Russell, a Jewish Oxford scholar from pre-1906 Earthquake San Francisco, is also the young wife-and detecting partner-of one Sherlock Holmes), The Language of Bees and The God of the Hive.
A little research indicates what a valuable part of the U.S. Agricultural economy are honeybees. $14 billion annually is the honeybee contribution, a full third or more of U.S. Crops are dependent on honeybees.
But honeybees for the past several years have been afflicted with a syndrome titled “Honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder.” Worker bees become unaccountably disoriented, failing to find their hives, and often leave the larvae unattended to starve. Such is the case purported in Russell's The Language of Bees, which I read only a few short weeks before discovering this Care2.com article on Honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder-yet another case of Life Imitating Art.
Although the causes aren't definitively identified, the consequences are known. Wild honeybees are now almost nonexistent, and more than one-third of domesticated (hived) honeybees are inexplicably dying. Once again, it seems that stewardship by humanity is failing Nature.
http://www.care2.com/causes/real-food/blog/honeybee/
Kudzu: We in the South have known for six decades that this imported greenery is persistent, invasive, and takes no prisoners. Taking over buildings, utility poles, and trees, kudzu also apparently interferes with air quality as well. A new study claims that the spread of kudzu intensifies ozone, the colorless and odorless gas which is a major ingredient of smog and intensifies respiratory disorders and asthma.
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-kudzu-20100522,0,4766936,full.story
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/05/12/0912279107
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| 276. May 18 Free Read Word Count 863 | ID #696671 |
Posted: 5-19-2010 @ 8:09 am EDT
Edited: 5-19-2010 @ 8:10 am EDT |
|
Obax and the Night-Riders
ACT TWO, SCENE TWO
(Lights up.)
(Daytime. Outdoors.)
Macon, Georgia, CSA.
Location: SouthWest side of city.
January, 1863.(Daytime. Outdoors.)
Macon, Georgia, CSA.
Location: SouthWest side of city.
January, 1863.
Late Afternoon.
(The official festivities have ended. Crowds are still milling about the new site, although many fewer than initially. Stonemasons and slave laborers have moved to the rear of the site, far beyond the official congregants, and are working diligently, using the remainder of the daylight to work on the foundation.
All involved with the Confederate States Armory of Macon, Georgia, CSA are very aware of the urgency. The date is now late January, 1863, the War has been underway for twenty- one months, and no early nor easy end is in sight. So the necessity for the new Armory to go into production quickly is apparent.)
(Among the Wesleyan Ladies' College contingent, REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK Fisk has returned from the viewing stand and busily instructs the teachers to shepherd their charges toward the waiting carriages (out of sight to STAGE RIGHT). When the student heads are counted, one is found not present- Senior student VONDA LACEY.)
(ARABELLA WILLIS, Instructor of French and Ladies' Deportment, steps forward.)
ARABELLA WILLIS: Miss Lacey! VONDA LACEY!
(Looks around, calls to ASHLEY DUMPLING, a student who is VONDA LACEY'S closest friend at the College)
ARABELLA WILLIS: ASHLEY DUMPLING! To me, please, ma'am!
ASHLEY DUMPLING:
(scurries to ARABELLA WILLIS' side)
Yes, MADEMOISELLE WILLIS?
ARABELLA WILLIS:
Ashley, surely you've seen VONDA LACEY? Whereabout is that girl? REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK Fisk is ordering us to leave and return to the school. We must find her at once, I say!
ASHLEY DUMPLING:
Ah, MADEMOISELLE WILLIS, I think I saw her over there with her Cousin, MADEMOISELLE. If I might be permitted to go look?
ARABELLA WILLIS:
Oui, immediament!
(As French instructor, ARABELLA WILLIS much prefers to address her charges in that language.)
ASHLEY DUMPLING:
(curtsies and rushes off, first toward the shade trees where she had earlier spotted VONDA LACEY chatting with THE CAPTAIN and enviously watched, rather than pay attention to the official speeches; then toward the far end of the crowd, near STAGE FOREGROUND CENTER, where she now notices CONFEDERATE ARMY gray uniforms as the remaining crowd shifts, preparatory to leaving, and she then sees a gray felt-brimmed Officer's hat towering above the other individuals.)
(In the group that Ashley approaches are VONDA LACEY, CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH, MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON, and HARRALD NEALM, who has just turned from completing a final conversation for the day with SUPERINTENDENT OF ARMORIES JAMES H. BURTON.)
(SUPERINTENDENT BURTON gives a deep bow to VONDA LACEY, and also shakes hands with HARRALD NEALM, MAJOR NELSON, AND CAPTAIN HEATH. Steps away from the group to return to the City Officials, STAGE CENTER.)
(Lights dim at STAGE REAR, above the Stonemasons and Slave laborers.
Lights dim above the group of City Officials and SUPERINTENDENT OF ARMORIES BURTON.)
(VONDA LACEY, CAPTAIN HEATH, MAJOR NELSON, and HARRALD NEALM shift as a group to STAGE CENTER FOREGROUND, where they are now joined by a breathless ASHLEY DUMPLING.)
ASHLEY DUMPLING: VONDA! VONDA! MADEMOISELLE WILLIS wants you back NOW!
(breathless, gasps)
VONDA LACEY: (finally takes her eyes from THE CAPTAIN, turns, notices ASHLEY DUMPLING running toward her)
ASHLEY, whatevah is the mattah?
ASHLEY DUMPLING: Reverend REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK Fisk says it's time to return to the College. MADEMOISELLE WILLIS says come right now.
VONDA LACEY:
(starts to turn back toward THE CAPTAIN, who has suddenly stepped backwards, then spots her Cousin, MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON, frowning at her and almost imperceptibly shaking his head. She turns back toward ASHLEY DUMPLING, when HARRALD NEALM steps forward toward her, past MAJOR NELSON.)
HARRALD NEALM:
(holds out an arm toward VONDA LACEY)
If I might be permitted, ma'am. I would be most happy to escort you to your instructors.
(smiles wetly)
MAJOR NELSON: Most kind of you, Sir
(clears throat)
but I think perhaps Ah shall walk the young lady-my cousin-and her companion-Miss Dumpling is it?
ASHLEY DUMPLING:
(nods and simpers, curtsies lightly; but her eyes have passed beyond both MAJOR NELSON and HARRALD NEALM-both middle-aged gentleman-and are fixed on CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH.)
MAJOR NELSON:
(wisely discerning the nature of the situation between the two ladies and his CAPTAIN)
Well, come along then, HARRALD, you and I together shall escort these fine young flowers of Southern womanhood back to their chaperonage.
(looks behind him to CAPTAIN HEATH)
JUDSON, check the horses and make sure they're ready for us, please. I'll be right there, as soon as HARRALD and I deliver the ladies. Oh, and JUDSON, get HARRALD'S horse ready too, please. We three will be dining at Fincher's as soon as we leave here. Military business, don't you know.
(and THE MAJOR winks at THE CAPTAIN)
(VONDA LACEY, ASHLEY DUMPLING, HARRALD NEALM, and MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON walk to STAGE REAR LEFT, in the direction of the Wesleyan Ladies' College group.)
(Lights above STAGE REAR LEFT come up, above the Wesleyan Ladies' College group.)
(Lights brighten STAGE CENTER FOREGROUND, bringing focus on CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH, CSA, who stares after HARRALD NEALM with fierce resentment.)
(Lights down, STAGE CENTER FOREGROUND.
All lights down.)
END OF ACT TWO, SCENE TW0
|
| 275. May 17 Free Read Word Count 933 | ID #696670 |
Posted: 5-19-2010 @ 8:07 am EDT
Edited: 5-19-2010 @ 8:08 am EDT |
|
Obax and the Night-Riders, a Stage Play
ACT TWO
ACT TWO, SCENE ONE
(Lights up.)
(Daytime. Outdoors.)
Macon, Georgia, CSA.
Location: SouthWest side of city.
January, 1863.
CHARACTERS:
James H. Burton,
Superintendent of Armories,
Confederate States of America
Augustus Schwaab, City Engineer,
Macon, Georgia, Architect of CSA
Macon City Officials
MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON, CSA
CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH, CSA
HARRALD NEALM
Macon Society
inc. from Wesleyan Ladies' College
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK RUFUS FISK
INSTRUCTOR ARABELLA WILLIS
INSTRUCTOR VONNIE ANDERSON
VONDA NEALM, student
ASHLEY DUMPLING, student and roommate
'
Background CHARACTERS:
Assorted STONEMASONS, CARPENTERS,
BRICKMASONS
150 SLAVE LABORERS,
inc. ALEC,
WALTER,
TRULEE
of TALLAMASSEE PLANTATION,
near Millsboro, East Georgia
Ps. 118:22 he stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
King James
(VOICES of two men are heard over the low-voiced conversations throughout the crowd, the shuffle of footsteps, and the occasional rattle of chains as the bound slave laborers shift in place under the Georgia sun.)
JAMES BURTON,
SUPERINTENDENT OF ARMORIES,
CSA: Oh, we have major plans, MR. NEALM! Major plans, indeed! You see, we are set for manufacturing of arms on a giant scale here; 177,000 square feet JUST for manufacturing! That's not to mention all the other necessities: in addition to the main building, which we will construct to two stories, we will have a smithy, a barrel-rolling department, storehouses, coal sheds, proof house, and of course living quarters for all these laborers. Those men and slaves you see out here at the edge of the crowd, farthest from the location of the Corner Stone? Those will not even make a TENTH, Sir, of the men and slave labor we will have to call in to finish this building! Our Macon Armory will be the biggest, the best, and the most efficient throughout our Confederate States!
HARRALD NEALM: VERY Impressive, Superintendent! I hope you can find a place for a humble businessman and Auctioneer such as myself to become a part of this vital military and industrial endeavour!
SUPERINTENDENT BURTON: Have no doubt, Sir! We need all the loyal businesspersons we can find, and you are at the very top of our list! Let us meet for refreshments after the laying of today's Corner Stone, shall we? And we will surely hammer out an agreement of benefit to us all before we are done.
(Sounds of a sledgehammer on stone, calling the crowd to attention.)
(SUPERINTENDENT JAMES H. BURTON strides to the new CORNER STONE, taking his place beside it and holding up both hands for attention and silence.)
SUPERINTENDENT BURTON:
We are gathered here today, Gentlemen (and Ladies!) to commemmorate the commencement of a most important work, a constrution that will be of immense and enormous benefit to our Beloved Cause. Today we lay the Corner Stone, the very foundation, if you will, of the great and noble CONFEDERATE STATES ARMORY of Macon, Georgia, Confederate States of America!!
Ps. 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
King James Version
(Wild applause, cheers, shouts, foot-stomping.)
SUPERINTENDENT BURTON:
(in a lower volume)
Gentlemen (and ladies) the world will long remember, and we who are gathered here today shall never forget, the extraordinary and monumental work which is to be accomplished here on this site. We shall build
(shouts)
THE BIGGEST, THE BEST, THE MOST EFFICIENT MANUFACTURING ARM OF THE JUST CAUSE, THE ONLY CAUSE, THE CONFEDERACY!
(Deafening applause)
(At the outskirts of the crowd stand the contingent from Wesleyan Ladies' College of instructors and students. The only missing Wesleyan individual is REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK Rufus Fisk, who stands with Superintendent Burton and the City Officials of Macon, at the front, near the Corner Stone which is about to be placed.)
(Those Wesleyan Ladies' College students who have family and relations in or near the City who are attending stand with them, interspersed throughout the crowd. One of these is VONDA LACEY, who has arrived at the site with the College group, but has met up with her third cousin and sort of on-site Guardian, MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON.)
(Standing with VONDA LACEY ` and THE MAJOR is CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH, CSA, who has accompanied THE MAJOR to the presentation as his Aide-de-Camp.)
THE CAPTAIN: Are you too warm, MISS LACEY? Would you care for a sherbet? Ah'll step ovah there, see that vendor raht past the crowd?
VONDA LACEY: Ah wouldn't mahnd that at ahl, Sir, Ah thank you.
THE CAPTAIN: Perhaps you'd care to step over there with me, and sit under the trees ovah theah, out of this sun?
VONDA LACEY: (glances at THE MAJOR, since she is after all here unchaperoned, except for the Wesleyan College instructors, and her third cousin, THE MAJOR. But he is very intent on watching the speakers, specifically SUPERINTENDENT JAMES H. BURTON, and a second man near the Corner Stone, HARRALD NEALM. So THE MAJOR misses VONDA'S glance toward him.)
(VONDA reaches up and accepts THE CAPTAIN'S arm, and they walk away from the crowd past its outskirts. He leads her to a bench under the shade trees, and then walks back to buy two sherbets from the vendor, which he then carries back to the bench and sits next to VONDA LACEY. The two sit quietly conversing, unheard, heads together, occasionally smiling or laughing, and soon are gazing into each other's eyes, oblivious to the ongoing speeches or to the Wesleyan Ladies College instructors, now eyeing them distrustfully, or to THE MAJOR, who has at last discovered that his COUSIN VONDA is no longer standing beside him.)
(Lights down.)
|
| 274. May 16_Rant And Rave Word Count 526 | ID #696353 |
Posted: 5-16-2010 @ 10:58 am EDT
Edited: 5-16-2010 @ 11:00 am EDT |
|
Today I am ranting about child abuse investigation in L.A. County, a horribly tragic abuse situation in Southern California which has lasted now for at least seven years, and the tragic impact of the exploded oil rig on the ecosystems and marine life of the Gulf of Mexico.
To counterbalance with the positive, I'll rave about an author newly discovered (by me).
I opened www.latimes.com this morning and discovered that Los Angeles County has a terrible backlog of cases, uninvestigated, not fully investigated, possibly even closed because of lack of manpower. L.A. County Child Protective Services employees are sent out into the field without county-provided cell phones or laptop computers, so they have no access to County databases. They go into crime-ridden areas often not knowing what kind of situations they might encounter, armed only with a printout of the alleged address and directions downloaded from the Internet.
My adult daughter postulated that now abusive parents from other districts (not just California) will flock to L.A. County for “safety” from potential retribution. I wonder how many children in peril are being overlooked; and also how many families might be broken apart when falsely investigated because the caseworkers lack so much accurate information?
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-child-abuse-20100516,0,213758.story
A tragic situation of child sexual abuse in California: a 17-year-old girl told her friend that she has been molested since age ten by her guardian, a British citizen and illegal immigrant in the States. This man and her stepsister became her guardians when her grandmother, who had raised her, died when the child was ten. She was “homeschooled” by this abuser.
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-david-goddard-molest,0,2859793.story?...
In addition to the loss of life when the oil rig exploded, the continuing, seemingly unstoppable, spread of the oil slick has endangered, and killed, marine life, and threatens the livelihoods of fishermen and others who make their living from the Gulf. The situation is worsened by the time of year: migrating and nesting birds are prevented from procreating and hatching their young.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/12-animals-threatened-by-the-oil-spill.html
Now on to a positive: last evening I “discovered” an author previously unknown to me-more accurately, known but never read. Author Harry Harrison, an aficionado of “alternate history,” is a rockin' writer whose plot twists and plot pacing will keep readers enthralled. I know I read well over 100 pages in a very short time, and only stopped because I was reading late into the night. I'll be returning to the novel quickly today!
His characterizations are fascinating, the suspense is constantly escalating-yet in a realistic fashion, so there's no question of not being able to suspend disbelief. He knows his background, he understands individuals. The novel I am currently reading is A Rebel in Time, and Mr. Harrison gently but firmly balances white supremacy issues (in the villain) against a protagonist who is a highly-educated black Army Sergeant working in G2 Intelligence, optioned by a clandestine security agency which “watches the watchers and guards the guardians.” As soon as I finish A Rebel in Time today, I'll be starting on Mr. Harrison's alternate-Civil War trilogy:
Stars and Stripes Forever
Stars and Stripes in Peril
Stars and Stripes Triumphant.
http://www.harryharrison.com/
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/harry-harrison/
|
| 273. May 15_Free Read 765 wrods | ID #696219 |
Posted: 5-15-2010 @ 8:58 am EDT
Edited: 5-15-2010 @ 9:10 am EDT |
|
Obax and the Night-Riders
ACT ONE, SCENE FIVE
(Lights up. Dim.)
(Nighttime. Outdoors. Wesleyan College lawns. Outside Ballroom. Verandah at STAGE RIGHT.)
(Two men stand just outside the light from the open Ballroom door, conversing quietly. They are HARRALD NEALM and MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON. THE MAJOR, an attorney in civilian life, is advising HARRALD NEALM, an Auctioneer and businessman on the edge between legal and illegal commerce, on the proprieties of conducting a Slave Auction in this city of Macon, Georgia, at the first of February, now that Union REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK Abraham Lincoln has enacted his EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION just this month, freeing the slaves.)
(A horse's harness jangles against wood, a man's muttered voice curses. Bootsteps on the verandah, entering from STAGE RIGHT, REAR.)
(CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH, CSA, appears on the Verandah from STAGE RIGHT REAR. He is sharply attired in a starched pressed uniform and spit-shined knee- high boots, a broad felt hat on his precisely-combed blond hair. His mouth is crimped in distaste or disgruntlement, until THE MAJOR steps forward into the light and THE CAPTAIN sees him. THE CAPTAIN forces a faux smile and salutes, a gesture which THE MAJOR returns.)
THE MAJOR: CAPTAIN HEATH. I expected you quite some time earlier.
(waves a dismissing hand as THE CAPTAIN attempts to demur.)
Well, no matter. Now that yah're here, would you be so kind as to keep my lovely Cousin company for me, just until Ah finish mah business outside? She is near the refreshment table, Ah believe. Thankee.
(THE CAPTAIN bows low and strides through the Ballroom archway, removing his hat, then turns right, his face glowing as he steps inside and spots VONDA LACEY, whom the audience cannot see at this point.)
(THE MAJOR returns to the side of HARRALD NEALM, who grasps his uniform coat sleeve and pulls him farther into the shadows. Now neither man is visible, but their mumblings can be heard as they continue to discuss both the upcoming Slave Auction at the downtown DAVIS SMITH SLAVE MARKET, and the business contracts HARRALD NEALM is negotiating between THE FINDLEY IRON WORKS of Macon, Georgia, and THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA ARMORY, soon to be constructed in Macon.)
(Lights dim even more. Lights out.)
END OF ACT ONE, SCENE FIVE
ACT ONE, SCENE SIX
(Lights up.)
(BALLROOM, Wesleyan College.
Long ballroom.
Frescoes decorate walls above chair railing, white painted vertical planks below to parquet floor.
Chandelier filled with lit candles depends from center of ceiling.
Wall sconces hold kerosene lanterns.)
(Viewing from STAGE RIGHT.)
Crowd, dancers waltz, laugh, flirt coyly. In the corners STAGE REAR small groups of men congregate to converse, their expressions serious and sometimes gloomy.
To STAGE FOREGROUND, the long refreshment table hosts many congregants, sipping champagne or selecting canapes'.)
(At the far STAGE LEFT FOREGROUND, VONDA LACEY is pressed in upon by CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH, CSA. He hands her a champagne flute and a plate, effectively rendering her hands full.)
THE CAPTAIN: Now what else can I get you, my dear? More canapes', perhaps? Another champagne? Would you care to sit down? Perhaps you would prefer to dance?
(His eyes are gleaming and his behavior is superbly tailored to his newest potential conquest, or so he considers.)
VONDA LACEY: You are very kind, Sir, but Ah believe you have offered me quite all I can handle right here.
(slightly motions with her left hand, holding the platter)
Ah don't think Ah could eat more than this.
(offers THE CAPTAIN a winsome smile)
but Ah do b'lieve Ah would care to sit for a spell, wouldn't you mind.
THE CAPTAIN: (bows deeply, waves his right arm indicating that she should precede him. They walk to STAGE RIGHT, where comfortable armchairs are set along the wall, interspersed with settees. Chaperones and those instructors who consider themselves too elder or too weary to waltz are seated, intermittently spaced.
He is seen to consider suggesting an empty settee, then changes his mind and waves her into an armchair, after first taking her plate and flute so she can settle her hoop skirts comfortably. He keeps the plate, leaning over her so she can select canapes, but returns the flute to her.)
(THE CAPTAIN and VONDA LACEY converse quietly, she occasionally smiling slightly, he smiling widely with glittering teeth. Once or twice she glances up at him briefly, but maintains throughout a circumspect demeanour as befits an unchaperoned unmarried socialite female.)
(Sounds of revelry- music and chatter-mute gradually.)
(Candlelight and lantern- light dim.)
(Lights out.)
END OF ACT ONE, SCENE SIX
END OF ACT ONE
 
|
| 272. May 14 Free Read 1106 wc | ID #696124 |
Posted: 5-14-2010 @ 7:40 am EDT
Edited: 5-14-2010 @ 7:51 am EDT |
|
Obax and the Nght-Riders
ACT ONE, SCENE FOUR
January, 1863.
Wesleyan Ladies' College,
Macon, Georgia, CSA
Central Ballroom
CHARACTERS:
VONDA LACEY, student
MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON, CSA
CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH, CSA
HARRALD NEALM, Brunsmoor, South Georgia
Businessman, Auctioneer, currently on business
trip involving FINDLAY IRON WORKS OF MACON, GEORGIA
ASHLEY DUMPLING, student
REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK RUFUS FISK, Wesleyan Ladies'
College
ARABELLA WILLIS, Instructor of French
and Ladies' Deportment
VONNIE ANDERSON, Instructor of Classics
ASSORTED CONFEDERATE OFFICERS
ASSORTED MACON SOCIETY FOLK
(Lights up.)
(Long ballroom.
Frescoes decorate walls above chair railing, white painted vertical planks below to parquet floor.
Chandelier filled with lit candles depends from center of ceiling.
Wall sconces hold kerosene lanterns.)
(Ballroom is filled with well-dressed ladies, Confederate officers of various ranks, and local Macon socialites and their fathers, husbands, and brothers. However, on close inspection it is obvious that nearly two years of War have taken a toll; some gowns are made- overs, others show evidence of re-stitching. Many of the local men wear suits which are several years out of fashion. The facade of Society is present, yet lacking much of its substance.)
(Brown-haired VONDA LACEY, her hair styled in the fashion of SARAH KNOX TAYLOR DAVIS-short- lived first wife of CONFEDERACY REVEREND PRESIDENT FISK JEFFERSON DAVIS- wearing a plain silk gown made over from a pre-War fashion, waltzes, wearing a fixed smile which conceals her anxiety concerning the current situations of her father Branford and her brother Ford, both of whom are serving with 1st Alabama, their whereabouts unknown.)
MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON:
(taps VONDA'S partner on left shoulder, politely nods. VONDA'S partner relinquishes her as waltz completes. MAJOR holds out his right arm for VONDA to take.)
A glass of champagne, my dear Cousin?
VONDA LACEY: (nods in acquiescence, takes his arm. They turn away from the dancers and walk toward the far end of the ballroom, at STAGE LEFT FOREGROUND, where a long bar has been set up for refreshments and canapes'.)
COUSIN SHERROD, Ah've been jest so wohried about Papa and Ford.
(fans her face with an elaborate paper fan)
Do YOU have any idea, Cousin?
MAJOR:
(collects two champagne flutes and hands one carefully to VONDA)
My dear child, I was in Savannah just the end of last week, at the Dispatch Offices, and I looked through the records. I found no sign of either your father or of your brother Ford.
VONDA:
(shifts as if to speak)
MAJOR: No, no, my dear, that would be good news. That I did not see their names means-they are still alive, still fighting.
VONDA:
(deflates in obvious relief and sighs)
(Before she can speak, a man of middle height, like THE MAJOR, but significantly stockier, in a tight-fitting waistcoat with a pocket watch under a brown jacket and wearing expensive and heavy tan trousers, appears behind THE MAJOR and taps him on the right shoulder.)
(THE MAJOR startles, turns, then beams a smile.)
THE MAJOR: Why, HARRALD! I was not expecting to see YOU in Macon!
HARRALD NEALM:
(eyeing VONDA LACEY with a gleam while addressing THE MAJOR)
No, indeed, my man. Unexpected business has brought me to town, and I would very much like to discuss it with you, Sir, if I may. It involves
(finally turns his gaze away from VONDA, back to THE MAJOR, drops his volume)
the Findley Iron Works. There were contracts needing to be negotiated there. And Sir,
(here he turns to VONDA)
but I am being so discourteous! Please introduce me to your lovely companion!
(the gleam is back in his eye now)
THE MAJOR: Ah, this is my Cousin, HARRALD, Miss VONDA LACEY of Mississippi. Her father and her brother are right now fighting for our Cause, and MISS VONDA is enrolled at the Wesleyan Ladies' College here in Macon. She will be graduating in May and going home to Mississippi to take up a teaching position there in Corinth.
HARRALD NEALM: Oh, my! I am pleased and honored, MISS LACEY.
(bows over her now outstretched right hand)
Won't you allow me to introduce myself? I am HARRALD NEALM, of Brunsmoor, South Georgia. I own several businesses there, and am often in this fair city in pursuit of business; but I must confess, I have never been to the State of Mississippi, a failing I hope to rectify once we have won this War!
Now if you would excuse THE MAJOR and myself for just a moment, ma'am, there is men's business I need to discuss with him-War business, don't you know?
(HARRALD NEALM bends low over the hand of VONDA LACEY, kisses it, then pats it lightly and turns to THE MAJOR)
HARRALD NEALM:
Major, if we could just step out on the verandah for a moment? I really need to discuss with you a little matter about
(turns away so that he has placed himself between THE MAJOR and VONDA LACEY, so that she will not hear his next words)
the Davis Smith Slave Market here in town.
(practically whispering now, as the move away toward the outside archway, leaving VONDA LACEY standing solitary near the bar, looking pensive and thoughtfully after them)
HARRALD NEALM: There is to be an auction held near the end of this month, at the Smith Slave Market downtown, MAJOR. If you can, I would like you to attend; you and a few of your fellow officers.
THE MAJOR:
(looks astonished)
But the Proclamation! How are you to get around that, HARRALD?
HARRALD NEALM: We ahre in The Confederate States of America, MAJOR, not in the Union. What that man Lincoln says in Washington means nothing to us here. Life goes on, and so does slave-buying, slave-selling, and slave-trading.
(lowers his voice again)
In fact, I have just the little bootblack boy I can let you have for a pittance, a handy little creature to have around, to polish your boots and brush out your uniforms. Might could even teach him to drum! Then you'd have your Regiment a little pickaninny drummer boy to march before you!
(seeing THE MAJOR looking none too pleased at this, HARRALD NEALM changes tacks.)
HARRALD NEALM: The major reason I asked you outside to talk (chuckles) is about the Findley Iron Works. A shipment will be prepared ready for the first of February, and we will need an armed guard to escort it to Savannah. It is a VERY important shipment-
(their voices dwindle as the two men step down from the verandah and walk out across the College Lawn, heads together like two conspirators, as they proceed STAGE LEFT and out of sight)
(Lights out.)
END OF ACT ONE, SCENE FOUR
|
| 271. May 13_Free Read_700 words | ID #696014 |
Posted: 5-13-2010 @ 7:50 am EDT
Edited: 5-13-2010 @ 7:51 am EDT |
|
Obax and The Night-Riders, Stage Play,
Act One, Scene Three:
ACT ONE, SCENE THREE
Savannah, Georgia.
May, 1861.
Confederate Army
Recruiting Depot.
Officers Section.
Clerk sits behind a counter, filling out papers. Men of upper classes wait in line, mostly stationary, although one or two mill about, passing in and out of their places in line.
(One of those moving in and out of line is JUDSON HEATH, of South Carolina. He is about to be appointed as a CAPTAIN in the cavalry corps, Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. He is the son of an Overseer at Murfreighborough Plantation near Edison, South Carolina. Due to his social status, he will not be likely to rise beyond the level of Captaincy. He is a very narcissistic individual, a sociopathic personality, with utterly no compassion nor empathy, but the ability to mask his character and to project a facade of empathy and friendliness.
He walks up and down the line until he reaches a man five deep from the counter, SHERROD LACEY NELSON, who will shortly be appointed MAJOR.)
(SHERROD LACEY NELSON is a compact, sturdy man of about 5'6, with piercing blue eyes and jet black thinning hair, combed straight back but worn long over the collar. His clothes are clean but crumpled, in contrast to JUDSON HEATH's spotless, starched, shirt, jacket, and cotton trousers.He has been chatting quietly with the man in front of him and the one directly behind him, when JUDSON HEATH approaches him.
SHERROD LACEY NELSON was born to a Society family in Savannah, Georgia, in 1816. He trained in the Law at the University of Georgia in Athens, and has worked as a law clerk for the State of Georgia Supreme Court in Atlanta. Most recently, he has operated a private law practice here in Savannah.
He is third cousin to Reynolds Lacey, father of VONDA LACEY, who will become the wife of HARRALD NEALM of Brunsmoor, South Georgia, and the married paramour of CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH.)
(Just as JUDSON HEATH approaches SHERROD LACEY NELSON, the CLERK is approached by a file clerk who enters through the rear door of the office, some twenty feet behind the counter.
The two CLERKS whisper together, then the seated CLERK nods a dismissal. As the FILE CLERK leaves again through the rear door, the CLERK calls up the next six men in line, together. As JUDSON HEATH is now standing directly beside SHERROD LACEY NELSON, the CLERK assumes JUDSON HEATH is a companion to SHERROD LACEY NELSON, and so the six go up to the counter together:
four men ahead of SHERROD LACEY NELSON, plus SHERROD LACEY NELSON and JUDSON HEATH, who now need not return to his place in line, just as was his plan.)
CLERK: You six!
(motions, in a wide, horseshoe-shaped wave)
Up here to the counter, now! I need the next six men: you, you, you, you, and you two together there! Here now, get your papers ready and get your pens-time to enlist. We need officers immediately, to ship out. So get up here and get yourselves enrolled, then come through this gate right here
(lifts a section of the counter to his right, STAGE LEFT)
and go back through that door that Jackson just left through. He'll take you to be fitted for your uniforms at the Seamtresses'.
(Quickly all six men show their identity paperwork, each waiting as THE CLERK fills in some forms, then each signs and is given an order showing his new rank and unit assignment and location.)
(The last two men of these six to leave are SHERROD LACEY NELSON, now MAJOR, and JUDSON HEATH, now CAPTAIN. As they pass through the gate in the counter, THE CLERK lowers it behind them and motions to the next several men in line, some of whom are disgruntled because of JUDSON HEATH'S “cutting in line.”)
(MAJOR SHERROD LACEY NELSON precedes CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH through the rear door, and as they exit, CAPTAIN JUDSON HEATH slaps him companionably and too familiarly on the shoulder, speaking to him at a distance too low to be heard, smiling widely.)
(Lights dim. Lights out.)
END OF ACT ONE, SCENE THREE
|
| 270. May 12_#2 87 words | ID #695925 |
Posted: 5-12-2010 @ 9:10 am EDT
Edited: 5-12-2010 @ 9:14 am EDT |
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I just want to add that I am far from unaware of the horrible damage done to the Gulf of Mexico by the explosion and fire on the oil rig, nor am I unaware of the tragic loss of life caused immediately, as well as of the long-term effects to marine life and to those who make their living from the Gulf. It is just that this is one of those events of which I am so furious that it has rendered me speechless-but only for now.
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