Odds and Ends, This and That: Beat the Heat Edition
The dog days of summer seem to be upon us early this year…so I pause in the shade a moment to talk Odds and Ends, This and That (with apologies to Larry King)…
If the Thunder had played with this ball, they might have beaten the Heat!
The Supreme Court is announcing decisions on immigration, healthcare and other issues of the day this week. Mark Twain said ‘No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe, while Congress is in session.’ Lately I’ve felt the same way about the SCOTUS…It’s also an election year…all I will say is I wish our politics were more civil these days…Escaping it all, I saw some movies recently, including the excellent Madagascar 3 and the not-so-great Snow White and the Huntsman. The best part, though, was seeing them under the stars at the exceptional Boulevard Drive-In in Kansas City. The Boulevard boasts digital 4K-resolution projection, the first in the world for a drive-in. That goes with the Boulevard being the first American drive-in to install DTS Digital Sound in 1999. It really is a great picture and the sound is excellent–even with the old time speakers. I must admit I miss the tinny sound of the old speakers a little….In the comfort of an air conditioned theater I saw the Alien prequel Prometheus, also. The film is magnificent on many levels, but I think it falls short of being bound for classic filmdom due to some pretty obvious script problems. I go into that in detail on my book blog–just click here….By the way, sci-fi and horror genre fans, I highly recommend the Cinefantastique podcast. It’s a hoot. Fun talk and reviews…Speaking of reviews, check out this lovely review of Pilate’s Key, the latest offering from Caroline Street Press…
…You’d think all I do is watch movies, but not so. We’re back for another round as the PR agency of record for the second annual July Jazz Jam. The audience will thrill to the sounds of the Kansas City All-Star Keyboard Kings and special guests Millie Edwards and Janet Jameson on July 29…Speaking of return engagements, I’m thrilled to report we’re working again with the Annunciation Greek Food Festival September 7, 8 & 9. Come on out, Kansas City-area friends, for fantastic food and a window into Greek American culture…My wife and I are running in the Jingle in July 5K, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. I like this run because it’s relatively short, and it’s inside–we run underground in 68 degree temperatures. Kudos to my wife for training for this–her first 5K. She’s a trouper. If you’d like to kick in a few bucks to sponsor us, click here. Your donation goes to research to fight arthritis. This is a disease that effects all ages, folks, so it’s well worth your hard-earned dough…
…I’m busy working on several new writing projects, including an exciting project with my pal David Terrill and the next book in my John Pilate Mystery Series. Good fun, and it beats being out in the heat…Speaking of writing, do you need a grammar tip (or two)? I highly recommend you sign up for GrammarBook.com e-newsletter. You’ll get some helpful tips that will improve your writing–even if you’re not a novelist it’s worth it…Get free music from the talented Dan Coyle here…
…In other heat-related news, I’m Sorry to report my hometown NBA team, the OKC Thunder, couldn’t beat the Heat for the championship. But they should hold their heads up high. They’re a young team and have great things ahead of them…I hope I can say the same for the “revamped” KC Chiefs this fall…it would be great to see them get to the playoffs and beyond this year…
…and that wraps up the Beat the Heat Edition of Odds and Ends, This and That…until next time, stay cool, wear sunscreen and go to the drive-in if you can. —Alex Greenwood
