Michael's Musings

May 20, 2013

I started reading a new book this past week.  It's called DR. FEELGOOD and it's about Max Jacobson, the doctor who treated JFK, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and other political and entertainment celebrities with his special "vitamin" concoction that, according to the book, was addictive. 

Actually, it's not a very well written book.  It's repetitive and there are several minor factual errors (e.g. Charlton Heston did not get an Oscar nomination for THE TEN COMMANDMENTS).  However, the basic narrative is fascinating.

My interest in this book?

The late Max Jacobson is the grandfather of my sister-in-law.

I am 10 days away from my trip to Fort Wayne, IN, and the prodction of my play, LOMBARD.  I'm looking forward to being there for the festivities, but not the travel.  I really hate traveling these days, particularly by air.

There are two new reviews on the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page.  They are ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH, an animated feature, and TOMORROW YOU'RE GONE, a crime drama.  So, please take a look.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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May 13, 2013

For those of you who have been waiting to hear the result, the Netflix thing seems to be working out.  I guess that the first two discs they sent me that wouldn't play were just a fluke.  Since then. I've played five of their DVDs without problems.

Frankly, I don't think that I will stay with this service every month, because there are not that many movies out or coming out that interest me, but I could use Netflix off-and-on.

I'm still working on the idea of turning my short story, THE OLD COOT, into a movie; trying to get funding via Kickstarter.  I had a meeting with a production manager on Friday and we're going to continue to investigate if this project is viable.  Stay tuned.

I was also working this past week with the people at Colonial Radio Theatre, who will be recording my play, HAIL ON THE CHIEF, as an audio dramatization.   I am now told that we will probably record in July.

Finally, I have posted a review of BARRYMORE with Christopher Plummer on the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the the link in the Introduction section of this page, so take a look.  Plummer is terrific.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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May 6, 2013

Last week, I went over to my local Blockbuster, which is now 7 miles away since the closer one to me has closed.  I was going to rent a couple of DVDs, but when I went to the counter, I was informed that the rental rates had been raised. 

As a senior citizen, I had been paying about $1.65 per title, but now that fee has more than doubled.

I didn't rent the movies.  Instead, I went home and signed up for Netflix, a one month free trial.  My first two discs arrived a day or two later, but guess what!

Neither one would play on my Blu-Ray player.

Netflix is now sending me replacement copies.  If these new discs give me problems, I'm just going to cancel the subscription and forget about renting for awhile.  There are not that many movies coming out these days that I really want to see anyway.

Speaking of movies, I've posted a review of A COMMON MAN with Ben Kingsley on the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page, so take a look.

I still haven't decided what my next writing project is going to be.  Currently, I'm reading a biography of a fascinating historical figure, who might make a good subject for a stage play.  Also, I'm toying with the idea of adapting BIG AL AND DESPERATE DAN (aka: DILLINGER AND CAPONE) into a play.

Additionally, I'm exploring the possibility of turning my short story, THE OLD COOT, into a short film.  If I can find somebody to handle the producing chores on this, I might see if it can be put together.  Certainly it wouldn't cost that much.

And, if that's not enough, at the end of this month, I go to Fort Wayne, IN, for the staging of LOMBARD.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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