Yeah, I Saw That Coming

Ken AshfordBreaking News, CrimeLeave a Comment

After hours and hours and hours of focusing on John Mark Karr, the news organizations are going to eat a LOT of crow. Why? DNA evidence shows he didn’t do it.  And they’re not filing charges.  He’s just a weirdo wannabe.

Katrina Anniversary

Ken AshfordBush & Co., DisastersLeave a Comment

First, some one-year-after-the-fact facts: – Less than half of the city’s pre-storm population of 460,000 has returned, putting the population at roughly what it was in 1880. – Nearly a third of the trash has yet to be picked up. – Sixty percent of homes still lack electricity. – Seventeen percent of the buses are operational. – Half of the … Read More

The Reviews Are In: “Debbie” Is A Hoot!

Ken AshfordLocal Interest, PersonalLeave a Comment

From the Winston-Salem Journal (the picture at the right does not accompany the article): Theatre Alliance has set itself apart. It has become the area leader in presenting shows with adult themes, be they serious or fun. The latest example in the fun category comes courtesy of Susan Schwartz’s Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical, which opened last night in Dunn … Read More

Liveblogging The WFDD “Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical” Interview

Ken AshfordLocal Interest, Personal, Popular Culture7 Comments

Background here. 9:50 am:  Jamie (Director) talks about the "curiousity factor" of the show.  Compares DDD with "American Pie" and "Something About Mary".  Avoids the word "particularly", which he has a hard time saying.  Um, Arthur Miller? 9:52 am:  Heather ("Debbie") mentions her dry, deadpan sense of humor.  Yup. 9:53 am:  Yeah, Jamie.  Of course you didn’t have reservations about … Read More

2006 Hurricane Names

Ken AshfordDisasters2 Comments

We’re dealing with Beryl off the East Coast now. Which one will be the next Katrina? 2006 Hurricane Names AlbertoBerylChrisDebbyErnestoFlorenceGordonHeleneIsaacJoyceKirkLeslieMichaelNadineOscarPattyRafaelSandyTonyValerieWilliam I can’t help but noticing that "Debby" is on the list.  Since I am going to be in a production of "Debbie Does Dallas" in late August (see sidebar at right), I’m wondering if the two events will coincide.  Not … Read More

Heckuva Constitutional Infringement, FEMA.

Ken AshfordConstitution, DisastersLeave a Comment

I had to read this two or three times to make sure I was getting it right: Residents of trailer parks set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to house hurricane victims in Louisiana aren’t allowed to talk to the press without an official escort, The (Baton Rouge) Advocate reported. In one instance, a security guard ordered an Advocate … Read More

Is Castro Dead?

Ken AshfordBreaking NewsLeave a Comment

2:40 p.m.:  There’s apparently a buzz on Wall Street that Fidel bought the (collective) farm (so says the un-reality based Jonah Goldberg at The Corner), but nothing on the wires as of yet…. It’s only a rumor, but it stil might be a good time to read this article on CNN.com, written a couple of weeks ago, about a post-Castro … Read More