Merry Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas 2007, originally uploaded by pappy65.

Recent Edinboro Musical Events

On Sunday, November 11, the Concert Band of Northwest Pennsylvania under the direction of John Fleming played a Veteran's Day concert at Hirt Auditorium in the Blasco Library on the Bayfront in Erie, Pa. The concert honored veterans by featuring music from the time of the Revolutionary War to the present. Highlights were a trumpet solo by Bill Fairgraves and a musical homage to the heroes and heroines of flight 9/11 93, Flight of Valor, by James Swearingen Despite a rainy evening, the concert was well attended by an extremely appreciative audience. The Concert Band of Northwest Pennsylvania is made up of excellent area musicians and is a cultural diamond about to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary.

Last night, at Louis C. Cole Auditorium, on the campus of Edinboro University, the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra presented a Mostly Mozart concert. Howard Lyon played a well received Mozart Violin Concerto #3 in G. Patrick Jones, an outstanding saxophonist, performed William Alexander's Saxophone Concerto. Composer Alexander is an Edinboro Faculty Emeritus and former Chair of the Department of Music. The final solo of the evening was by Christopher Rapier who played Mozart's Horn Concerto #4. It was definitely a treat to hear the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Guest Conductor Victor Yampolsky.

New Green Computer

Well, friends, I have purchased a new computer for less than $200.00. It's an everex gPC purchased at WalMart. The computer has no Windows or Vista of any of the usual pc software you expect on a new computer. Also, the computer comes without a monitor.

What is does have is gOS, "an alternative operating system that uses Google toolbar and its applications" including the online document maker I'm writing in now. I'll send this post to the blog from my doc.

Using an old monitor, I've been giving the computer and new OS a test drive and the results are fine. I'm using firefox. I'm still new to the whole package and have yet to learn the system's limitations. I'll report later on what I learn.

But think about it, a new green computer for under $200! I new challenge to the world of microsoft.

Bill of Rights: Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The purpose of Amendment IV is clearly stated as a right of the people to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures. A citizen may not be searched, nor may their houses be searched, nor their papers and belongings be searched without a warrant. A warrant will not be issued without: (1) probable cause. Arresting authorities must have support showing that the person has committed a crime and is hiding evidence of the crime, (2) that witnesses swear under oath to know that the evidence is being held by the person, or hidden in the house, or revealed within the paper or other belongings of the suspected citizen; or that there is credible substantiating evidence of the crime. Furthermore the warrant must describe where the search is to take place and identify the person or objects to be searched.

In summary, a citizen should be free from being searched unless a warrant is issued for a search that contains clear certainty, corroborated by witnesses under oath or substantiating evidence, that the suspected citizen is withholding proof of a crime, where the confirming evidence is contained, and what may be searched.

Among other things Amendment Four protects citizens from random searches conducted without cause or carried out merely because of suspicion, and it protects citizens from having evidence planted upon them, or in their houses, or papers, or personal effects. Furthermore, the fourth amendment protects citizens from being singled out and searched because of prejudice, profiling, and circumstantial evidence.

In recent years, the president and the current administration has been willing, after taking their oath to uphold The Constitution of The United States of America, to break the spirit and the letter of the fourth amendment under the pretext of national security. Ironically, breaking the amendment undermines our Constitution while giving Terrorists both opportunity and conditions for those who want to destroy the greatest possibility for freedom on earth.

People who think giving up our privacy to preserve our country is the thing to do, don’t understand the fundamental purpose of a government designed to uphold freedom, nor the natural rights of men and women. Terrorist win when we give away our freedoms.

Heart Attack: Rehab 3

Last Monday I had my first visit with Dr. Paul Kang after leaving Hamet Hospital in July. The results were very encouraging. Just previous to this visit I completed cardiac rehab, in half the allotted time, and returned to playing tennis. During a vigorous tennis match, my average heart rate was 105, the top of my target zone, and included a twenty minute cool down. My highest heart rate was 230. I asked Dr. Kang if this was OK for me, and he inquired about symptoms, including palpitations. I had none and felt fine. He concluded that I have an excellent tolerance for physical exercise.

In addition, my cholesterol numbers were 150 total cholesterol with excellent “bad” and “good” cholesterol numbers. Dr. Kang said, “I couldn’t have written them down any better.” My wife and I were very happy to know that the dietary changes and exercise we’ve been doing, supported by Crestor, my cholesterol medication, have done the job!
As luck would have it, I was immediately put to the test. Friday I played in a tennis tournament to raise funds for an Edinboro University Sociology scholarship. I played three hard-fought sets in unseasonably high 83 degree October sunshine. Early the next morning I arose to play clarinet for the Zem Zem Band at an Autumn Leaves Festival in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Two full days of activity tested my tolerance. I was tired and somewhat stressed at the end of Saturday, but a good night’s sleep and a forty minute walk around campus have returned my good spirits.

At this point, I can say I feel as good as new, if not better. My biggest problems are mental, with slight cases of psychosomatic symptoms and occasional bouts with stress. The biggest change that has occurred is I feel less like an invalid and more like a normal person. I believe that the more I can put my heart attack to the back of my mind and view the present in clear, appreciative focus, the better off I’ll be.

I have an important Echocardiogram coming up on October 16. Hopefully I’ll learn that the pumping power of my heart has improved.

The Bill of Rights: Amendment III

“No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.”

One of the “Intolerable Acts” imposed upon American Colonists by the British Parliament and King George III in response to the Boston Tea Party was the Quartering Act. The Quartering Act gave royal governors the power to quarter (billet) red coats in any town and house they chose without permission of the owner. Imagine having your house and property taken over by soldiers who are ostensibly living in your home to protect you, but in reality are being used by the government to coerce citizens into abject compliance and obedience. True to the American spirit, the Quartering Act and the other Intolerable Acts, of the Boston Port Act and the Massachusetts Government and Administration of Justice Acts, ignited the colonists’ impulse for self-government.

The third amendment of the Bill of Rights recognizes the oppressive nature of quartering soldiers in a home without consent of the owners during times of peace, and only through prescribed laws during the time of war. With our current National Guard, Reserves, and military forts and bases it is difficult to imagine a modern day “quartering act.” However, soldiers did commandeer civilian homes during the civil war and such things can happen without cause. We should retain the protection of the third amendment if for no other reason than as a reminder of our desire for liberty.

The Black Crook: William Wheatley

First in a weekly series of articles describing the people and events that brought forth a little known landmark in theatre history: America's First Musical: The Black Crook.©Forest Feighner 2005

"Beautiful bare-legged girls hanging in flower baskets; others stretched in groups on great sea shells; others clustered around fluted columns; others in all possible attitudes; girls - nothing but a wilderness of girls - stacked up, pile on pile, away aloft to the dome of the theatre, diminishing in size and clothing, . . . The whole tableau resplendent with columns, scrolls, and a vast ornamental work, wrought in gold, silver and brilliant colors - all lit up with gorgeous theatrical fires…" gushed Mark Twain in reporting his New York experience to his San Francisco readers. He described The Black Crook, the first American musical, then in the middle of a long run, having opened September 12, 1866. Since then, shows such as Showboat, Porgy and Bess, Oklahoma!, Westside Story, and A Chorus Line have established the American musical as a true and unique contribution to world culture.

William Wheatley (1816-1876)

William Wheatley, 50 when he achieved his greatest success, The Black Crook, dressed in dark fashionable clothes. A long frock coat covered a vest with watch chain, every bit the gentleman from his high collar and ascot tie with stick pin to his shinny shoes. His fashionably long hair, dark, and curly, gave him an artistic aspect along with his full, slightly unkempt, moustache. True to his actor's good looks, Wheatley spoke with perfect diction and rolled his rrrrs to give his voice dramatic affect. William Winter, who didn't much care for him said, "His bearing was pompous, yet urbane." In his appearance and manners Wheatley was picturesque. The very embodiment of both an artistic innovator and a businessman, Wheatley was a true theatrical entrepreneur.

Born in the proverbial actor's trunk in 1816 into a theatrical family, William Wheatley's mother and father were both actors. He first trod the boards at the age of 10. In October, 1826, Master Wheatley had a rare opportunity. Just one month earlier, in September, William Charles Macready, a star English actor, "sailed for America, and opened at the Park Theatre, New York, Oct.2, as Virginius." He needed a child to play young Albert in his forthcoming production of William Tell. Wheatley opened in the part on October 13. The child's performance impressed the famed actor, who praised his talent and asked "his parents to let him accompany him on his starring tour through the States, for the express purpose of personating the character of Albert." Following his first remarkable success, young William next made a strong impression starring in the popular play Tom Thumb. By the time he was eleven, Wheatley's life as an actor was assured.

However, acting became work rather than play and twice he temporarily retired from the stage. In 1849, the actor became disgusted with his profession, "He had labored in it long and hard, and rather than waste more of his years and energy upon labor so unrenumerative, resolved to leave it."

William Winter, the Tribune's critic, assessed Wheatley's acting,

"The parts in which he was best were showy, romantic, and pictorial. His Captain Absolute was a perfect embodiment. He was admirable in Claude Melnotte and in Doricout. His acting did not inspire affectionate interest, and it may be doubted whether any performance that he gave is remembered by any person with delight. . . . His influence upon the Stage was at times good, but it was neither deep, comprehensive, nor permanent. He was not a great actor, . . . "

Joseph Whitton expressed a different opinion:

"While he lived, the Stage knew but few better actors than William Wheatley, and since his time it has known but few so good. In 'juvenile' parts he was always acceptable, but 'light comedy' was the field better fitted for the show of his
ability. In such characters as 'Rover,' 'Young Rapid,' 'Bob Handy' . . .. and the 'Copper Captain". . . he had no peer--with the possible exception of James E. Murdoch."

Wheatley was a competent and popular actor, but unlike popular actors such as Edwin Forrest, he was unrewarded financially. Unwilling to continue suffering for his art, his interests turned elsewhere. He worked for a year on Wall Street. Then, he and Whitton opened The American Hotel in Virgin Bay, Nicaragua.

After an initial success, the hotel ventured turned unprofitable and Wheatley returned to the states to make his fortune. Naturally, he turned to what he knew best, the theatre. However, he did not return solely to act, but also to theatrical management, stage production, and, eventually, prosperity.

In the Spring of 1862, after an acting engagement at Niblo's Garden, he leased the theatre and started full-time management of all of the theatre's productions. A step that would lead him to the greatest triumph of his life.