Randy Ford Author- Revised ON THE EDGE Act One 2nd Installment

II
(In his cubby, Colin sits in front of a computer with a bulky screen. The shelf above him is filled with equally bulky manuals. The standard desk and chair with a modern lamp and telephone barely fit in the cubby.)

Supervisor
Stuck him in a corner. Colin’s voice carries, especially when he’s on the telephone. Other workers complained so I had to put him in the corner. You can hear him anyway, and sometimes people leave the building because of it..
(She comes out of her office with a six-sided folder in her hand; she looks business-like, as she tries to maintain her professionalism.)
They all have a heavy caseload. And we can’t control what comes in. The world would have to change. For one whole day…wouldn’t it be wonderful? One whole day without a new case. If they just stop coming in for one whole day. Stop, and for one whole day everybody gets along. No fighting. No abuse. And for us, that includes touching. Then we could go home because every child went to school happy. And we’d be out of a job. For one whole day we’d be out of a job, but that’s not realistic.
(She goes to Colin’s cubby and sticks her nose in.)
Do you have court today?

Colin
Yeah. One o’clock.

Supervisor
(Handing him the file)
I hate to do this to you.

Colin
What do you have?

Supervisor
How often lately have you had to go to the hospital and we have a newborn with a homeless mother? The mother addicted to something. Baby jaundiced. The mother isolated because of lice. You know the rest. The hospital is concerned about this or that, and we’re supposed to sort it out. Out there somewhere there must be a day, a single day, with a long white beach, palm trees, and gentle breezes.

Colin
Thinking of Florida and your vacation?

Supervisor
Yeah. Thinking I need one…if just for a day.
(Colin’s telephone rings.)
More business, I suspect. Be sure to breathe now.

(As she goes back to her office, he answers it. He holds the telephone receiver between his shoulder and his ear, so that he can read about his new case while he’s talking.)

Colin
Yes, I’m Colin Rogers. You sound like you’re angry. I’m your friendly anger expert. I’m not trying to be funny. I am funny and a comic on weekends.
(An obviously upset Martha enters the office and walks straight to Colin’s cubby.)
Excuse me for second. Martha! Wait.
(Speaking to the person on the line.)
Please wait.
(Back to Martha.)
What’s wrong?

Martha
Amy.

Colin
Amy? Wait a second. Let me get rid of this guy.
(Back on the telephone.)
I never accused you of being a predator. I would never do that. Would you hold for a moment, please! I have another caller.
(Turns back Martha.)
Amy?

Martha
Yes, the school called. Well, she…she… Oh, my God!

Colin
She did what? Honey, calm down! I didn’t mean… Give me a moment.
(Back on the telephone.)
Could you please call me back in a few minutes. No? You bastard! No, I didn’t call you a bastard. And I didn’t call you a predator. I would never do that. And I never discuss cases over the telephone. No! You say you were convicted of molestation in June of 1996. And you’re not a predator. Again I didn’t call you a predator. I would never…
(He grabs a pen and a progress notepad and begins recording what the caller is saying by scribbling as fast as he can.)
Convicted of child molestation in June of 1996. And you went to prison…in what state? California…and Florida…in Florida and California…convicted and you’re not a predator. No, I didn’t call you a predator. No, I wouldn’t…those were your words. You need to slow down. Yes, I know you’re angry. I can hear you’re angry. Wait! Wait! You’re angry…getting angrier.
(Martha has become angrier and angrier until she can’t stand there any longer; at which point she storms out of the office.)
In California in 1996…and Florida when…never convicted in Florida, only accused there of… okay. For the record, I’ve written down what you told me. And for the record, you still claim you’re not a predator? He hung up! And Martha’s gone.

(Colin thinks about running after his wife and would’ve had his supervisor not stopped him. She has another new case for him.)

Supervisor
I know I just gave you one…what’s the matter?

Colin
I don’t know. Something about Amy. At school. Did you see Martha?

Supervisor
No.

Colin
She was here. Now she’s gone.

Supervisor
Go!

Colin
No. She shouldn’t have run off. What’s up?

Martha
After losing two husbands, I should know. Better find out what’s going on.

Colin
No, she should’ve been more patient. She’s an adult and should act like one. She’s resourceful and can take care of whatever is going on with Amy. Anyway Amy should be in school. I’ll call the school later. Now tell me what you got for me. But remember I have court at one o’clock. .

Supervisor
Okay. It’s up to you. I really hate doing this to you.

Colin
If you say that one more time, I’m going to punch you in the nose. No.
(Indicating the six-sided folder)
Now let me have it.

Supervisor
Okay. Better call the social worker before things get stupid at the hospital.

(While the supervisor retreats to her office, Colin picks up the telephone but decides not to call. He begins reading the new report but can’t concentrate on it. Finally he wrestles a heavy phone book out of his bottom desk drawer and tears through the pages.)

Colin
Carrillo Middle School. Here it is! 777-0707.
(He dials the numbers.)
Carrillo Middle School? The counselor’s office, please. Hello, I’m Mr. Colin Rogers. I believe my daughter…Amy Rogers… The principal is handling it? Then I want to speak to the principal. That’s impossible? Why is it impossible? Then you tell me what’s going on. You can’t tell me over the telephone? I’ll come…no, but… I think my wife…I think she’s on the way. If I know her, she’s almost there. She’ll be there shortly. She should be walking into your office in a few minutes. Have her give me a call, as soon as she gets there, please. On my cell phone, please. Yes, she knows the number.

(After he hangs up, he closes his eyes for a moment, bites his lip, and shakes his head, all before he stuffs the new report into a briefcase filled with brochures and forms. But before he can leave the office, his supervisor catches him.)

Supervisor
I’m sorry. Another emergency. Say so if you can’t.
(Colin nods and swallows.)
I hate to do this to you. Are you sure?
(Colin nods and blinks.)
Sgt. Molina just called me. She told me that she didn’t have a detective right now and for us to work the case.

Colin
I may take an extended lunch hour today.

Supervisor
Take it. But don’t forget court.

Colin
Yeah. One o’clock. I’ll be there.

Randy Ford

Craig Suter Author- THE INVENTOR’S WAR: 1933-1947 ; THE DURABLE IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS OF WORLD WAR II

THE INVENTOR’S WAR: 1933-1947; THE DURABLE IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS
OF WORLD WAR II

by Craig Suter

Craig Suter’s THE INVENTOR’S WAR: 1933-1947; THE DURABLE IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS OF WORLD WAR II outlines in some detail stories and little-known facts gleaned from more than four hundred and fifty bibliographic citations. The ballpoint pen, knobby farm tractor tires and Vitamin C have a common element- they were all influential in World War II. There are more than thre hundred everyday civilian products and innovations that came from this war still in use today. Want to know how statistically analysis cut the losses of Allied aircrew? It’s in there. Did you know Italy declared war on the United States partly because we proceeded to manufacture ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) without regard how it affected the Italian economy? Check out Chapter 5. Each of the twelve chapters highlights a different aspect of modern life: home, at work, transportation and recreation. This book was written for the teenage and beyond audience. It is not the typical “war” book. All the usual elements of the war genre have been abandoned in favor of an understanding of the long-range effects of the war on our present-day lives.

570 Pages, Index and Bibliography Published by Ghost River Images and Krieg Books USA

Taken from THE WRITE WORD, the newsletter of The Society of Southwestern Authors Vol. 40. No. 4 Aug/Sept 2011

The Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures- DISCOVER A BIG WORLD OF SMALL DELIGHTS

THE MINI-TIME MACHINE Museum of Miniatures

DISCOVER A BIG WORLD OF SMALL DELIGHTS

The Mini-Time Machine Museum of Minatures is a 15,560 sq ft. state-of-the-art museum displaying an entertaining and interactive array of antique and concemporary miniatures as well as enchanting artifacts. This wonderful collection appeals to visitors of all ages, interests and telents. The museum is the first to be built in the United States specifically for the purpose of showcasing miniatures.

The museum is called The Mini-Time Machine because you will be seemingly transported to different lands and times, both real and imagined, through the history and stories of the miniatures in this collection.

There are over 200 houses and room boxes in our collection. The collection is organized into three main areas:

Exploring the World

Here you will enjoy a wide variety of miniatures from other countries and cultures depicting life from the 1400s to current times.

The History Gallery

In this gallery you will find antique miniatures from the late 1700s through the mid-1950s. These artifacts allow us a glimpse into life in years past and demostrate how miniatures were used in different eras.

The Enchanted Realm

The Enchanted Realm holds special appeal for children and the young at heart. Fantasy based miniatures and collectibles are found in this gallery.

The Mini-Time Machine is a magical place. Our resident fairy, Caitlin,watches over things. You might see her throughout the galleries.

The Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Pat and Walter Arnell. All proceeds, including admission, membership and sales of merchindise go towards funding the museum’s operations.

The Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures offers several membership packages with benefits you will enjoy all year. Be sure to ask from a membership brochure or visit our website at http://www.theminitimemachine.org. While you are there, please check our full calendar of special events, classes and workshops.

ADMISSION PRICES
General Admission $7
Senior/Military Admission $6
Youth admission (age 4-17) $5
Children Under 3 Free
Group Rates Available

Museum Hours
Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
We are closed Sundays, Mondays, and all major holidays.

The Mini-Time Machine Museum
4455 E. Camp Lowell Tucson, Arizona 85712
520-881-0606
theminitimemachine.org

Pan Left Productions- At Sundance & Youth Media Camp Videos & Homeless Youth Project

Pan Left Productions at Sundance

August was a big one for Pan Left particularly because we made our first visit to Sundance in Utah. Pan Left member Jason Michael Aragón was invited to Creative Change 2011 which was hosted at Sundance. Select artists, filmmakers, musicians, organizers, industry executives, and funders shared time together and learned from one another about better ways to make social change through art. Jason was able to share clips from his new documentary “Under Arpaio” with fellow participants and make new relationships among artists and professionals working to make a difference at a national level. The retreat featured artists like Favinanna Rodriguez, filmmaker Alex Rivera, poets Andrea Asaf, Steve Coleman, comedians Elon James White and Negin Farsad, and many organizers and music/entertainment representatives. And of course… Bob (aka Robert Redford.)

Youth Media Camp Videos
This last summer 10 youth ages 10-17 completed 9 short videos during Pan Left’s Youth Media Camp. If you missed our screening, you can watch all of their videos here. Their creativity and hard work over the summer resulted in shorts that span a full range of genres–from documentary to horror, music video and animation, even experimental science fiction.

The program was made possible through funding provided by The Kresge Tucson Initiative/Tucson Pima Arts Council and Every Voice in Action Foundation. It was sponsored by the Pima County Public Library and the School of Theater, Film and Television at the University of Arizona.

Homeless Youth Project http://www.panleft.net/

Homeless Youth Project is a Pan Left Productions project in cooperation with The Carlos G Figueroa Foundation. The foundation is an assemblage of videographers, photographers, editors and interested people who are video/photo advocates for the homeless and poverty stricken in Tucson, Arizona. Pan Left Productions is the fiscal sponsor

Its purpose is to educate the Tucson public on the realities of what homelessness is about as opposed to the negative images presented to them by the main stream media. This is done in anticipation that an informed public will bring about a positive change in the condition of homelessness.

The project will be presented in the form of a series of short videos eventually culminating in a documentary by the name of the Homeless Youth Project Tucson Arizona.

This video slide show Homeless Youth Project is a re-edited version of one that originally http://www.panleft.net/

Homeless Youth Project .wmv

The pictures were shot in a wash and of youths who are living in tunnels, the bush and where ever they can find shelter.

The Homeless Youth Project/Tunnel Youth was taken in a tunnel in Tucson and is about 4 to 6 youths who have banded together to form an ad hoc family so that they can collectively survive.

Homeless Youth Project/Tunnel Youth http://www.panleft.net/

We look forward to seeing you this summer at one of our upcoming screenings or events. Be sure to check out our website at and our You Tube channel for the latest news from Pan Left. And make sure you let your friends and colleagues know about Pan Left, too.

Website: http://www.panleft.net/

Randy Ford Author- LETTERS FROM ABROAD Fifth Novel 154th Installment

August 2, 1969

San Francisco

Dear Mr. Watson,
I am enclosing a thin published book, autographed by its author (me). As you can imagine, I’ve gotten big headed over receiving my first royalty check, which I haven’t cashed yet. I don’t know if I will cash it. If I do, it’s so small that it would be gone in a flash, so I may hang onto it for posterity. Sadly my wife is not with me. She stayed home in Maine, and I’m out here in San Francisco; we’re more than a thousand miles apart. Honestly, I don’t know why I’m here. It may be folly and amount to nothing. We’ll see. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying myself and have also met some interesting people, other writers, some famous and some not. I’ll write you about it later when I’ve had time to process it. But unfortunately, assuming you can read between the lines: it’s still hard for me to believe that I am any good. Doubt seems to cloud whatever success I’ve had. I know no remedy for it except work, work, work. Tom

August 2, 1969

San Francisco

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
I have just put down your book. I’ve wanted to read it and QUEER every since I saw copies of both books here in the house. The title hooked me, because I can visualize me and my friends (all male) sitting around eating without our clothes on. I find myself, however, having to admit that I couldn’t follow your book very well. Much of it went over my head, but I found myself glued to the graphic parts. To understand this you’d have to know my background.

I’m also married, though I think I’m queer. (Seeing this confession on paper is shocking to me, in the same way, as your book was shocking.) This may or may not mean anything to you, but it’s a big step for me.

I want to also say that I’ll try to read your book again, and I hope that you’re sympathetic and haven’t been put off by my response to NAKED LUNCH. Also to be fair, let me say that I think I’m still in love with my wife. It’s complicated and messy, just as your book is. Yours truly, Tom Hayes.

August 3, 1969

San Francisco

Dear Mother,
Please send any letters intended for me to our Maine address because I don’t know how long I’ll be here in San Francisco. Sarah will know where to forward them. You can bet she’s keeping good track of me and she and I are on the same page. Now that may seem odd to you, but it’s true. She knows why I am here in San Francisco and approves of it. I’m staying with friends I met at a bookstore, the bookstore my publisher owns. What a change from when I was in Maine! For obvious reasons, San Francisco was a better place for me to launch my book than Kingfield Maine. I considered staying in Maine. I have nothing against Maine. Maine has been good to me, and of course Sara is there, which made it hard for me to leave. I was perfectly happy living on the farm and will happily go back there soon. Only Kingfield is not San Francisco, but you don’t have remind me that little over a year ago I fled San Francisco, trading San Francisco for Highland Plantation Maine. Farm life for city life, married life for bachelorhood, so there’s still reason to believe that I’ll soon get tired of San Francisco again. Twenty years from now, we’ll all look back on this situation and smile. By then we ought to have made sense of it. I think the change has done me a great deal of good; however I miss Sarah. I wish she had come with me. I stay mostly out of trouble and mostly eat the right foods. I’m clean and sober. I do love Sarah and plan to go back. Still I had to leave, for the sake of my book.

I am sorry my father wasn’t very impress with my modest success. That is why I am writing to you instead of to him. Don’t worry, I’ll forgive him. You know you don’t have to worry about me.

My best wishes to you both. I send you my love Tom

Randy Ford

Don Winslow Author- SATORI

SATORI

by Don Winslow

“Way back in 1979, I read Trevanian’s SHIBUMI. I loved the adventure and intrique, the almost superntural skills displayed by assassin Nicholai Hel, along with Trevanian’s snarky sense of humor. Hel is fluent in seven languages, a master of a form of martial arts called “naked kill,” has a deep knowledge of Eastern cultures, including the ancient Japanese game of Go and in possession of “proximity sense” that enables him not only to know when someone approaches him but to sense how that person is feeling. Who better to continue Hel’s story than Don Winslow? He has written a prequel, so you can start here if you haven’t read Trevanian. SOTORI takes place in the early 1950′s, with Hel just released from jail for the murder of his mentor. The CIA offers him a deal he can’t refuse: in return for freedom, money and a neautral passport, go to Bijing and kill the Soviet Union’s Commissioner to China. Pretty much a suicide mission. But, of course, things are much, much more complicated than Hel is lead to believe, including his involvement with the lovely and mysterious Solange, his trainer in Western ways.

Will our superspy survive this insane assignment and achieve his life goal of Satori, understanding and harmony with the world?”- LNT

Grand Central Publishing, $25.99

Order from Mysterious Galaxy Books
7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #302
San Diego, California 92111
(858) 268-4747
http://www.mystgalaxy.com

Odyssey Storytelling- Presents GUESS WHAT? STORIES OF THE UNEXPECTED on September 1, 2011

Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m.

GUESS WHAT? STORIES OF THE UNEXPECTED

NOTE CHANGE: Copper Room of the Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Tucson, $7

Cabaret Boheme performer, Esther Blue Almazan; graphic designer, Martha Retallick; creative writing teacher, Joshua Wheeler; stay-at-home-mom, Jeanne Yordy; program director of Southern AZ Gender Alliance, Erin Russ; and slam poet, Maya Asher will be surprising you with their stories. You can see their bios here.

Buy your tickets here. Doors open at 6:30, come early to get a good seat. Parking is free on the street after 5 p.m.

For a fun evening, have dinner at the Cup Cafe (reservations recommended: 798-1618) in the historic Hotel Congress OR at Maynard’s Market and Kitchen on Toole Ave in the Historic Train Depot (reservations recommended: 545-0577).

More cool things coming up

Odyssey is teaming up with Wingspan to present CUENTOS (Stories) at Tucson Latin@ Gay Pride on September 19 at 7 p.m. at Fluxx Studios, 414 E. 9th Street.

Ocotillo Story Slam and Odyssey Storytelling presents the second Double O Story Slam on October 3 at Fluxx Studios, 414 E. 9th St. Come and share a 5-minute story on the theme BOO! SCARY STORIES and you could win a prize and have a lot of fun! 6:30 to sign up to be one of 10 storytellers; 7:15 to be a listener (and possible judge.) Pay what you can ~ $5 suggested donation. More here.

The Story Cart returns to Tucson Meet Yourself, October 14 – 16: time & place TBA.

Got stories for the upcoming themes? Let us know! November 3: Falling: Taking the Plunge ~ December 1: Superpowers: The Extraordinary Show


For more info contact Penelope Starr, 520-730-4112, penelope@odysseystorytelling.com or Adam Hostetter, adam@odysseystorytelling.com

Website: http://www.odysseystorytelling.com; Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/Odysseystorytelling; Blog: http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/stories

Odyssey Storytelling creating connections ~ one story at a time

Odyssey Storytelling is a program of StoryArts Group, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization. Learn more about us at http://www.storyartsgroup.org