Playwriting and Drama: High School Theater Takes on Big Themes

There was a conversation today, about a high-school play that is to be undertaken by a 9th-grade theater group. The decision to feature the play "Hello Herman" (topic: school shooting) has stirred some controversy due to themes that, arguably, could be beyond the age group being asked to perform it and many are concerned about having it presented in their school by Freshman students. Themes of the play include bullying, anarchy, bastardization, vengeance, parental responsibility, cliques, blame . . . among others.

The discussion [argument] seemed to center around the idea of exposure of young minds to themes like sex and bad language. While these are certainly valid concerns, note is taken that the BIG reasons writers write are more likely to be the elephants in a room when there is controversy over a book, play, movie or other media in school. To be clear, it's not just about the sex.

Refer to essay "On Playwriting", by Marsha Norman. In writing, there is something to be said, an idea to be considered, a point to be proven. The purpose of an author's work is, by nature of craft, multi-faceted. Points of view presented are rarely objective. The position of objectivity is up to each audience member, who may or may not be equipped for content or themes of a work.

How could a play like Hello Herman, for instance, be used inappropriately at the 9th-grade level?  Or, could it?

REF:

"Educators' Guide." The Hello Herman Project, 2012. Web. 3 May. 2016. http://www.thehellohermanproject.com/wp-content/uploads/Hello-Herman-Educators-Guide-Before-Reading.pdf

Norman, Martha. "On Playwriting." Stage & Candor, 25, Apr. 2016. Web. 3 May. 2016. http://stageandcandor.com/2016/04/25/on-playwriting-marsha-norman/#.Vyjlco-cHIU 

How To Remove Unwanted Formatting in Blogger

How to make new formatting render on blog post 

Simple reformat might not be enough to change the appearance of your Blogger blog post. Here, we'll share how to completely remove unwanted formatting so that your new formatting will apply.

1.  Enter compose mode via "edit". 
2. Place cursor inside compose area (post editor)
3. Press Ctrl + A on keyboard (select all)
4. Find and click the T with red x on edit menu at top of page (remove formatting)
5. Now format text as you wish 
6. "Update" post.

REF:

Blogger Forum Contributor Peter McC. Google Product Forums. Blogger Help Forum. 23 July 2013. <https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/blogger/d9H91ElH42Y> 02 February 2016

Like people, language evolves

"Black language matters."

Civil Rights Memorial - Montgomery, Alabama 

Yes, it does. Kudos to the creatives at Grammarly for conceptualizing and posting the following acknowledgement of the original Civil Rights Era in American history: The Influence of the Civil Rights Movement on English

It was a time that introduced us to greatness in leadership we'd otherwise not have known, and left us with indelible phrases of the language of humans struggling to survive. Discrimination, segregation and plain violence mar any visage of a glowing American experience for all.

The bloodstained and tearful realities of the American experience for African slaves were a far cry from some of the most positive aspects of American history as it's been experienced by those who had easier passage. While basic themes weren't very different from similar aspects of world history, the grimy reality is that it's our most immediate history. It's recent. It's ours, as Americans. We're all close to it. It's painful.

As usual, we'll evolve. Our challenge is to evolve with all the freedoms possible. The breadth of knowledge we have along with supports of freedom that our very constitution encourages will guide us along the way. We have all the tools we need in language and communication. We must continue to use them wisely.

Part purpose of American history is to remember that we have a relatively new opportunity to freely express our experiences in many ways. It's to be accepted that the road we're on is the only road we could have taken. This is where we are. Our history- world history- has brought us to today's circumstances. Regional American history is a great part of the identities of so many people now. The need for America's promise never changes.

An accurate historical account is the most important gift of language we can offer each other. Good, bad and ugly- don't we owe it to ourselves to leave this life knowing that we've played our parts as true as could be done? Let's continue to utilize our experiences through language that can touch others.


REF:

Wikipedia contributors. "Civil Rights Memorial." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 17 Feb. 2016. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Windows 10 Preview with Joe Belfiore

Windows 10 downloads on July 29 for those who've opted in to the free offer.


According to the Microsoft Windows 10 Q & A page, yes, it’s free:

"This is a full version of Windows, not a trial or introductory version. It is available for a limited time: you have one year from the time Windows 10 is available to take advantage of this offer."

Check out the entire FAQ for yourselves!

Three Rules For Social Media Success

Be kind, consistent and generous.

A Great Writing Dilemma - Oxford Comma

Oxford Comma meme by 9LoLs.com 

To use or not, the Oxford rule

I'm usually fine without the serial comma- aka Oxford comma or Harvard comma- and write without it unless special circumstance seems to require it or when directed as a rule in some form by a project leader. Usually, no one else worries about it at all.

Most U.S. English styles suggest to use the 'extra' serial comma to avoid confusion, while U.K. English discourages its [Oxford Press] use except in special cases of further clarification needed.

Perhaps most commonly, the AP (Associated Press) [American multinational co-op] style matches the influence of U.K. English rules (most-naturally, I'd say), discouraging serial comma use. Because the Associated Press is a major style influencer in the bulk of English writing we see today, we're thus most-familiar with their rule.

In order for everyone to get along, we should recognize that with most writing, original flexibility is wide open while certain other cases demand a style more rigid in its delivery in order to convey the most-wanted impact or understanding of a message or story.


REF:

AP.org

Wikipedia contributors. "Associated Press." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 Feb. 2015. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.

Editor. "AP Stylebook FAQ." AP Stylebook, 2015. Web. 12 Feb. 2015. https://www.apstylebook.com/?do=ask_editor&pg=faq

Bart Herbison: What's Really Going On In DC For Songwriters? - Nekst

Keeping up with the latest in copyright awareness. 

The following interview addresses copyright to some extent, especially pertaining to songwriters. We suggest writers follow copyright news and otherwise be familiar as possible with their industry and law that pertains to it. So, "what's really going on in DC for songwriters?"