4/24
It's National Pig In A Blanket Day!! I kid you not. I couldn't make this up if I tried.
IN CELEBRATION of National Pig In A Blanket Day, I'm giving away a promo code for $15 OFF "Passage Home"!!
| D.W. Griffith |
I'm reaching out to all my friends and supporters ALL OVER THE GLOBE!! No matter which continent you call home, YOU can get "Passage Home" TODAY!! Let me know you're out there!! Tell me what you think of my novel!! SOUND OFF WORLD!!!
Up all night for a cause every night cause if I don't it won't get done for me. This is the motto of every hustler making their dreams come true. I do love to sleep...I just don't get much of it. 2013 has been a test of my heart: ups and downs with "Genesis"; the completion of TWO films ("Shirts vs. Skins" and "Master Piece") and publishing my first novel, Passage Home.
I quit smoking.
I fell in love and became engaged.
I watched My Mini suffer and heal after brain surgery.
I cussed a lot.
I smiled a lot.
I learned a lot.
I know what I'm made of.
I know it's all about to change.
It's written.
It's all ready done.
2014 is coming...regardless.
I don't sleep...
so clearly I won't have time for bullsh!t.
Not even from myself.
www.passagehome2019.com
12:24am.
Jamison can't sleep. He toss and turns, waking his wife.
"I would like to propose a toast."
Shane lifts his glass and hold Dexter's gaze over candlelight. The two men are having a romantic dinner in Dexter's office.
"To going home and starting a new life together. To a new America...a new world. Dexter, you paved a road to a new life for millions of people."
"I just thankful that road brought me to you."
Shane blushes and smiles. Dexter leans in and they share a kiss. Shane, feeling a little lightheaded from the kiss, continues,
"Wow. Tonight is our last night. Hard to believe we've been here 4 years. This place has become our home."
"Feels that way, huh? Liberia...a free nation. Made of freed men from who came home from America."
"You're sounding like you want to stay."
Dexter takes a long look at Shane and then answers,
"I am home, where ever you are."
"Ummmhmmm...Baltimore."
"Hampton."
"Oh wow...right...the HU Pirates."
"Yessir! A might better than being a HU Bison."
"Honey Howard, The FIRST HU."
"Baby Hampton, The REAL HU."
"Name someone other than yo'self who went to Hampton?
Dexter gets quiet and smiles.
"See...and then you flash that dimple and I'm all, "Go Pirates"
"Arrr..."
They guys giggle playfully and kiss again. Shane cups Dexter's face and whispers,
"I don't care where we go. I just...I just wanna be with you."
"I love you Shane."
"I love you too Dex."
There is a knock at the door. The two men sigh and look at the door. Shane suggest to Dexter,
"We don't have to answer it. We can pretend we're not home."
The voice from the other side of the door speaks.
"I saw the lights on guys. I know you're in there."
"Nobody's home."
"Come on guys. Let me in and talk to you before they round us up and ship us out."
Dexter gets up and opens his door. It's Dr. Mackie. He's a lot more relaxed than usual as it's clear he's been drinking and celebrating,
"Hey fellas. I just wanted to come by and say it has been a pleasure working by your sides...both of you."
Dexter smiles and warms to Dr. Mackie,
"Come on in Dr. Mackie."
"Steven."
Steven walks into Dexter's office.
"Thank you. I don't to interrupt or anything...don't want to stay long."
"It's ok, Steven. What can we do for you?"
"I wanted to give you a parting gift...a little something as a thank you."
"Thank you...for...?"
Steven hands both men an large envelope with their names on them.
"What is this?"
As Dexter ask the question, Steven answers and Shane opens his envelop,
"It's my personal gift to you."
Shane pulls out his papers and reads the cover page of the report,
"It's our DNA report? You ran our DNA?"
"In setting up the coast and all the DNA banks, my team had access to blood work and DNA of all the troops on this assignment. Now, everyone else will have to go through the proper channels to get their OTP..."
"OTP?"
"Original Tribal Profile."
Dexter and Shane are a bit stunned and look at Steven and then each other, jaws dropped. Dexter speaks first,
"Original. Tribal. Profile."
"Wow...I can't tell how that sounds yet..."
"Fellas, this is going to be crucial information when the Sankofa kicks off. I just wanted to give you a head start."
The room is silent...awkward looks bounce around the room between the men.
"Ok. Well...I just wanted to say thank you and wish you guys well. Hope the wedding is..."
Dexter and Shane both look at Steven,
"Oh yeah...everyone knows. Was it suppose to be a secret?"
Dexter slightly shakes his head.
"I guess not. Clearly nothing around here is."
"Well, all the best. I know we didn't get off to the best start but I'd like to think we did some great and important work here together.
Steven lingers,
"...not that I'm looking to invite myself to your wedding...but..."
Dexter and Shane just watch Steven as he struggles and continues with his statement,
"...I'd...well...I'd like to be there in celebration of your union."
The guys are quiet for a moment and then Dexter give a slight chuckle,
"Aight Steven. You'll certainly get an invitation to the wedding."
"Yes, we still need a flower girl."
Dexter suppresses laughter by flashing Shane an approving smile. The joke isn't lost on Steven,
"Cute...that's funny."
"Don't mind Shane...of course, Steven. We'd love to have you there. And thank you."
Steven shake hands with both men and leaves the office.
"I'm serious about the flower girl. Honey, he looks like he could walk an aisle and shake loose a petal or two."
The two men laugh and embrace. Shane continues,
"I can't wait to marry you and live our lives and grow old together."
"Sounds nice."
Their kisses are interrupted again by another knock at the door. Dexter says out of frustration,
"Oh my goodness! Really?! We've been here 4 years and I've not had this many people in my office..."
Dexter opens the door and standing in the doorway are three members of the USA Corp security.
"Major Dexter Dracel?"
"Yes...?"
"We are here to inform you of your flights have been arranged for tomorrow."
"Flights? We're leaving on the same flight out in the morning."
"No sir. The USA Corp is sending a fleet of custom luxury airliners to take everyone home. The USAC would like to extend this gift to all the men and women who built this highway."
"Wow Dex, close the door. Let's see if someone else comes up and knock on the door bearing gifts."
"Major Dracel, your flight will leave at..."
"Excuse me...ok...here again, you're speaking about separate flights. I want you to go to your boss or leader or whoever is it you work for and tell them we are flying home together."
"Sgt. Baker will follow shortly behind."
"No, he won't."
"Sir, we have orders..."
"From a General?"
"No sir."
"From a Major General?"
"No...sir."
"From a Colonel?"
"No..."
"...another Major?"
"No. Sir."
"Then you have a REQUEST from a civilian. I do not take orders from a civilian. You go back and tell your 'boss' that Sgt. Baker and I will be flying back on the same flight at..."
"6am."
"0600."
"Sir?"
"0...six...hundred."
"Yes sir."
Dexter shuts the door in the young man's face. He stands facing the door for a moment and turns to find Shane smiling, beaming with pride at Dexter.
"What is it? What is that look?"
"You. Reminds me of the day in the conference room when you and the flower girl got into it. SO sexy..."
They share a sweet chuckle. Dexter looks Shane deep into his eyes,
"I'm never leaving you."
"I'll be right by your side too."
"Good. Thank you."
The two men kiss.
The kiss is interrupted by Dexter's desk phone ringing.
Norfolk General Hospital
Mid afternoon on a Saturday. Franklin walks into the kitchen and find the refrigerator door open with a person bent over inside, scavenging for food. Franklin slows his pace, and quietly continues to approach a woman, standing in the open refrigerator.
"Can I help you find something?"
The woman is startled and jumps out of the open frige.
"Dad! Good God you scared me."
"Ummmm...well, you gave me a bit of a scare when I came around the corner and found some strange woman in my kitchen."
"Daddy..."
"Oh...yes, Daddy. The dirty laundry can't be too far behind."
"Daddy...I needed a break from all the chaos at school."
"Wait. You're not on some break?"
"No. The school decided to shut down this week to try and handle the protest. Plus, the school has to hire new custodial and grounds staff. You know the government deported all the undocumented residents, so there are a lot of jobs left open. I mean, I guess it could be good for people looking for work but it's not so good when your physics lab partner suddenly disappears."
"No, Selina is a citizen. She was born here."
"Yeah, well, her parents weren't and she didn't want to be here without them. A lot of kids are leaving with their folks despite having a right to stay. Dad...we really need to do something about this fridge. Where's mom?"
"Alex has a soccer game today."
"And you didn't want to be there?
"Mom's soccer. I'm basketball."
"Stereotypical."
"Learning big words in college huh, Rian?"
They laugh.
"So...the people disappearing and being deported...I'm so sick of people blaming Uncle Jamie's card. I mean, I have to say, I think it's kinda cool how everything is in one place. I carry my iPhone and my DC and that's it."
"Your DC?"
"Yeah. Do you know how embarrassing it is to say your own name every time you talk about the card?
"Yeah, actually I do. Ok...let's go to the grocery store. I guess if you're gonna be here for the weekend. We may as well stock up on...what do you college kids eat nowadays?"
"Free. If it's free, we eat it."
"Well, glad to see some things haven't changed."
At the grocery store, the entrance is blocked by a crowd of protesters. They are mainly Latinos. The protesters are yelling for the customers to boycott the store for laying off all their Hispanic workers. Franklin and Rian walk up to the door. They are yelled at by the protesters but do not feel threatened. They enter the store and as the doors close behind them, the sound of the protest outside is silenced. The soothing sounds of smooth jazz plays over the speaker system in the store. The two head to the produce section first. They find the produce fresh and plentiful. There is a small sign stuck in the various fruits and vegatables, "Grown, harvested, packaged and delivered by the USA Corp. From American fields to American tables...daily and fresh."
Rian chuckles,
"Wow...and to think all of that fits on a little sign."
"Don't know why you're surprised. Our entire lives is on a little card."
"Dad, you don't sound happy about what Uncle Jamie has done. I don't know. I think it's cool. I mean, not the sending people away part, but the fact that we're using technology to streamline information and it does seem to be helping with the unemployment rate.
Franklin stops dead in his tracks.
"Ok. I'm not mad at your uncle. I'm disappointed this wasn't better planned...thought out. There are consequences to what's happening in this country right now, and while we're eating fresh produce and prime meat from the butcher courtesy of the USA Corp, millions of families are being displaced. My kids...your friends...our neighbors..."
Franklin looks around and out the front doors.
"This is America right now. There is chaos just outside our doors and while we think it's safe inside, we're not. We're trapped.
Rian looks at her Dad. Franklin remains fixed on the door. Rian takes her dad by the arm.
"I think we're going to be ok. We're Dracels. Embarrassing as it may be sometimes, our name is on the card. I think we're safe, Dad."
"Safe or a target. Depending on who you ask."
"Wow. Really Dad? You should really have more faith in Uncle Jamie. He didn't create that out there. America's been broken for centuries...since the beginning. Stealing a country and then vilifying the people you robbed...no we didn't create that out there. What Uncle Jamie is doing is resetting America. Rescuing a country from itself."
Franklin is looking deep in Rian's face. He looks as if he's looking at a stranger.
"Are you serious?! Do you honestly believe Jamie's ridiculous card, chalk full with ALL our lives on it, further disenfranchising the people who..."
"Who what? Need jobs? Who now have better health care because a doctor can now scan the patient's card and see their entire medical history just through blood and DNA scans...also on their card? Or are you talking about the people who can afford gas, food, and other necessity because it's all built around the info on your card? You make $8 a hour, you scan your card for groceries or gas, you're not instantly broke because you pay the same amount as the guy who makes $1,000 a hour. You talking about THOSE people? THOSE people are just fine. They are preparing their kids for college. They are saving money for the first time in their lives. They are voting without hassle because all their information is right there. Can not be denied. Those people? Those people are happy in America...for the first time. Those people...or should I just say We, Us, and Our? What Uncle Jamie did was said 'Welcome Home' finally. We are home...finally."
"Then we are home in a house with no lights. It's dark in here baby. That outside is NOT America. That outside is tearing families apart...is destroying peoples' lives...people who have been here their whole life. Yes, many have benefited but many are suffering and no one is paying attention to that. People are being sent to places they don't know and can't possibly call home because they've never been there before. It's a dark time and your Uncle Jamie doesn't have the power to turn on a light bulb. He's a puppet in all this. Look out there! Somewhere in all that chaos is Selina...her mom...her dad."
"Yeah...well...like you said, she's a citizen. She must have her card and she'll work it out for her family and will be back in class next week. Citizens are not being deported. Uncle Jamie made the card, not the immigration laws."
Franklin looks at Rian with disbelief and sadness as she walks off and continues shopping.
Rian and Franklin make their way to the cashier, an African American woman wearing the name tag, Betty. Out the windows they see the police has arrived and is trying to manage the chaos. Franklin takes out his card and swipes it. The screen reads, 'Thank you Mr. Dracel. Have a nice day.' The cashier looks up at Franklin and says,
"Are you related to him?"
"To...?"
"You know who she's talking about, Dad." Rian turns to the cashier, "Jamison Dracel is my uncle...his brother."
"You must be proud of him. Thanks to the economic reform and the card and whatnot, I have a job, have seen a doctor and a dentist in the last year. Hadn't done any of those things in a long, long time. Your brother is a very good man. You must be proud."
Rian speaks up, "He is. Radical change can take some getting use to. All through out our history, Dad, with great change has always been great chaos. But it's getting better. We are getting better. Isn't that right Betty?
"Yes ma'am. Much better."
Rian grabs the groceries and walks away from the counter. Franklin is left standing, looking at Betty.
"Thank you." he says.
"Thank your brother for me. He saved my life."
"Yes. Yes, I will share that with him."
Franklin walks up to the store doors to Rian. The doors slide open and suddenly the wave of sound from the protest pours in. Franklin and Rian calmly walk pass the protesters and to their car.
The celebration has begun.
Dignitaries from all the coastal countries of west Africa are present along with officers of all the regional military bases and a group of American civilians, mainly medical doctors and engineers. Seated in the front row, next to one another, are Jamison Dracel, Jamison's wife, Katherine, and Dexter Dracel.
Dr. Mackie steps up to the podium.
"Hello everyone. Good Afternoon and welcome on the Liberia gateway to the Mandela Liberty Transcontinental Highway. My name is Dr. Steven Mackie, civil engineer with the USA Corporation. I am so pleased to open today's ceremony. I'm pleased because a month ago, when I first arrived, I had no idea why I was here."
The crowd offers a knowing chuckle.
"Today, I address you with the greatest amount of pride and faith in the historical partnership, ambassadorship and good will that is about to take place on this great continent. I now realize it was best that I learned what my job would ultimately be, in small steps. Anything more would have indeed been far too fantastic to bear. And now, it is time to share with you, the greatness of this highway."
Dr. Mackie pauses for the round of applause and cheers from the audience. During the applause, Dexter speaks just under his breath,
"America, don't ask, won't tell. What trick is about to be pulled out of Uncle Sam's hat now?"
Jamison slightly leans over Katherine and whispers to Dexter,
"Oh, you are going to love what is about to go down here today. And I assure you, it is the last of the secrets. We saved the best for last. You should have invited Sgt. Baker over to sit with you for this occasion."
Dexter gives Jamison a look that could kill him dead where he stood, were it possible.
Dr. Mackie continues,
"Ladies and gentlemen, unveiling the next phase of the Mandela Liberty Transcontinental Highway, we welcome the Senior Vice President of American Public Relations and the creator of the Dracel Card, Jamison Dracel."
The crowd jump to their feet in excited applause. Surprised and looking around, Dexter slowly gets up to his feet and share in the applause, though he seems genuinely confused by the reception. Katherine is standing proud and smiling lovingly at her husband.
"Thank you ladies and gentlemen...thank you. Go ahead and take a seat. You are all too kind. Find myself feeling like Jay-Z up here."
Dexter scoffs and whispers to himself,
"Really? Jay-Z?"
Katherine responds without breaking her Stepford Wife smile,
"Yes, in fact, he hand delivered Jay-Z, Beyonce, and little Blue Ivy's Dracel Cards to them personally."
Dripping with sarcasm,
"Of course he did."
Dexter slightly shakes his head, finding it hard to appreciate his brother's social and corporate rise.
Jamison continues at the podium, sounding both presidential and like a black southern minister,
"When we first began this project, it was hard to see where it was going. As we cut this ribbon today, some three years later, we see exactly where it is going: the future. Africa is home TO millions and home OF billions. There is a small number of people on this planet who's lineage does not trace back to this vast continent. Today we cut the ribbon on this highway, and open the doors home. We are going to bring some of those BILLIONS...home. Ladies and gentlemen, today, we change the world!
"Laying along the west coast of Africa, from Senegal to South Africa, the Mandela Liberty Transcontinental Highway will serve many purposes. First, it was be a transportation artiery, giving us and all the neighboring countries, access to all the coastal nations and hundreds of local towns and villages. With the assistance and generous funding of the USA Corporation, many of these villages will be given a new chance at economic development and success. How will we do this, you may ask? Tourism.
"Under the leadership of civil engineer, Dr. Mackie, and my big brother, Major Dexter Dracel, the Mandela Liberty Transcontenital Highway was constructed to UNITE African nations. The MLTH is also a west African coastal corridor made with the American traveler in mind. Beginning in August of 2020, a little more than a year from now, the USA Corporation will launch a tourism inititaive that will also be an economic development program for coastal west Africa. The American sons and daughters of Africa are coming home."
The audience gives an warm and enthusiast round of applause. Jamison continues,
"I want to publicly thank these two men...first, the man who has been at the forefront of this project since the beginning. He is a role model to me my entire life. My big brother, Major Dexter Dracel, is a leader among great men and women who have changed the face and the wealth of Africa. Folks credit me with doing that in America with the card that bares our name but the work my brother had done here will eclipse that which has been accomplished in the United States. This highway is a road of vision and grand path of destiny and my brother has walked every inch of it in the last three years. Ladies and gentlemen, I ask that you give a big round of applause and your appreciation to my brother and one of my best friends, Major Dexter Dracel."
Dexter remains planted in his chair at first. Slowly people begin standing up for a grand ovation, forcing Dexter to stand up and offer a wave of thanks back to the crowd. He is the first to take his seat again and gives his attention back to Jamison, who is arrogantly smirking back at Dexter. Dexter does not seem pleased with this attention. In fact, he looks pensive as, moment to moment, he is uncertain of what the ceremony is about to bring.
"The other man I'd like to give a warm and public thanks is Dr. Stephen Mackie. He has promoted to the lead civil planning and development engineer on the MLTH for USA Corp. As you know, Dr. Mackie's job has been designing the finishing touches on this highway. One might assume the 'finishing touches' would be on and exit ramps, railings and signage, plant life and rest areas. Yes..."
The audience chuckles. Dexter doesn't stir.
"Yes, a part of his job in the beginning was to design all of those necessary items from the most northern point of the Mandela Highway to the southern most by the cape. That took all of six days for Dr. Mackie to design and send a team to execute. No, we did not bring Dr. Mackie over to design public toilets and sign posts. Dr. Mackie and his team have designed a series of ship ports along the entire west coast of Africa. A series of matching ports have been created along the eastern seaboard in American, from Maine to Florida."
There is a murmur of comments rolling through the audience. They quiet as Jamison continues,
"The United States of America and the USA Corporation along with the heads of government from all the countries the Mandela Highway touches have partnered to create the most amazing, historical travel experience known to man, Sankofa 2020."
The crowd erupts in applause. Jamison attempts to quiet the audience before continuing but opts to speak over the crowd,
"YES!! We are giving American citizens, black Americans in particular, the trip of a lifetime: Passage Home."
The crowd jumps to their feet and applaud with a wild ferocity. Jamison raises his arms to settle the crowd and get them back in their seats.
"Didn't I say we are here to change the world today?"
The crowd laughs and give a more controlled applause.
"Ok, Sankofa 2020. Amazing name, huh? Sankofa means to go back and get...to return and seek. The Adinkra symbol for sankofa resembles a heart. There is another symbol takes the shape of a bird. The is a proverb, 'Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi.' "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.' Home. But where? Where is home? I mean despite what American education would have you belief, Africa is a pretty big and diverse place. Where will the average modern African American return? Many of us have a hard time drawing our lineage beyond out great grand parents or our great great grand parents. We know the bookkeeping system blacks in chains was unreliable, at best...but blood does not lie. DNA...does not lie.
"Dr. Steven Mackie has lead a large team of scientist and doctors, up and down the ENTIRE Mandela Highway, and has work with the African leaders you see up here today, in developing a database of destiny, as I like to call it. DNA banks have been set up by the hundreds, all throughout the western nations. Members of all of the existing tribes along these shores have participated in DNA screenings and have volunteered their blood samples to create a living directory.
"While in the clinics, the sick are being treated for the variety of diseases and illnesses suffered among the masses. The malnutrition is now fed. Local doctors are trained by our own and are administering antibiotics, ensuring a coast of stronger nations for our homecoming.
"Back home, thanks to the Dracel card, every American citizen DNA code is encrypted in their respective card. Citizens will receive an email stating they have been matched with their original tribe. Each port in America has been assigned African ports to which the people on that respective ship will sail to be reunioned with their ancestral relatives.
"The ships are all luxary cruise liners...the finest you have every seen. And...before you ask who's paying for all of this, consider it a gift from USA Corp. Not a single penny...or should I say not a single point of American citizen money will be used to fund Sankofa 2019...I mean 2020. USA Corp is funding the entire initiative.
"And finally, Sankofa 2020 is going to be unveiled in America, next week, on the Fourth of July. They same day all of you American officers, soldiers of freedom and peace, will return home to be reunited with your American families first. Yes, you are going home!"
The crowd is now completely delirious. People are crying and embracing one another. Jamison finishes,
"You have been relieved of your duty as of right now!"
One of the hanger tremendous doors open wide to reveal a troop of men and women, all dressed in black uniforms march out in tight formation. The "new" soldiers all walk in unison with a stone look on their faces and do not break despite the overwhelmingly loud cheering. Dexter stands to get a better look but he is not cheering. In fact, his face also carries the same stone expression.
"The USA Corp has hired a military trained force of men and women to watch over the highway, care for the safety of all American citizens as well return home in Sankofa! THANK YOU!"
The crowd explodes in one final applause and cheer. Jamison steps down from the podium, hugs and kisses his wife. He shakes the hands of Dr. Mackie, the dignitaries, and makes his way back to his brother.
"So, big brother. Didn't I tell you?! Change...the...WORLD!"
Dexter looks at Jamison, totally astonished, says nothing and walks away. Jamison is left, standing in disbelief that his brother said nothing,
"Are you serious?! Nothing?! You have NOTHING to say?!"
Dexter keeps walking through the crowd and finds his way to Sgt. Baker.
"Shane..."
"Dex..."
Shane grabs Dexter and hugs him, completely dropping protocol, not caring if anyone is paying attention,
"Dex, we are definitely going home. AND...we have a wedding to plan!"
Dexter says nothing. His attention is fixed on the military group dressed in black and still standing at attention,
"Shane...have you noticed..."
Dexter pauses and continues to scan the private troop of soldiers before he speaks another word,
"...have you noticed..."
Dexter begins to walk in the direction of the USA Corp troops. Shane stops Dexter, without force, by taking his arm,
"Dex...are you ok? Have I noticed...?"
Dexter is still fixated on the troops. He answers,
"Have you noticed they are all white?"
Shane turns to study the faces of the troops. Dexter continues,
"Every west African nation on the continent welcoming black Americans by the millions...and not a single black face among them."
Dexter turns to Shane,
"And that doesn't concern you?"
Shane follows,
"The better question is why doesn't it concern your brother?"
The celebration continues all around the two men...all but them.
The house is quiet. The news is on. No one is in the living room, but the front door is open. The screen door is closed so flies and other unwanted guest know not to just wander up into the house. The afternoon sun pours amber into the living room through the windows and wire mesh screen, showing off the dust lingering in the air like ultra fine confetti in a late day parade.
Les is making his way up the walk and into the house.
"Mags! You got another postcard! This one came from your son...all the way over there in Africa. Dex is fine...says he misses home. He's ready to come home Mags."
Les stands in the living room and looks at the card.
"Jamie came home Mags. He came home and he brought all that mess from Washington here with him and Mags...Mags...I know you would have wanted me to hug and say welcome home son, but I just got so mad..."
Tears begin to well up in Les' eyes,
"...I just got so mad Mags. I know you would have done better if you were here."
Composing himself,
"I'll try again Mags. I'll try again and do better Mags. And Mags...we should be proud. He's done well. All our boys have. I don't like this card business but I am proud of Jamie. He works hard...all our boys do. This card, Mags, is from Liberia. A free country. Been a free country all along. Dex is making a difference. Frank is a teacher, making a difference. Craig puts in a hard days work EVERYday and making a difference. And Jamie is here, working with the President...the President of the United States, Mags. He is making a difference."
Les steps up to the wall and pushes a button pin through the postcard from Dexter.
"Our boys are good, Mags. You should see them, Mags. You really should see."
While Les is looking over the wall of postcards, news anchor, Jenny Cox, continues on the television.
"And protest continues throughout the country as more buses and truck loads of Mexicans and Canadians are escorted to the nations' borders for deportation. The President is very clear in stating that this process isn't simply "something done to the Hispanic". Anyone without proof of citizenship and is not issued a Dracel card is being escort out of the country. On the opposite side of the story, the unemployment rate has improved tremendously as this deportation act has freed many jobs now assumed by American citizens. The Department of Labor reports that there has never been a more secure time in American history in the work place. Yes, knew this change would bring about protest and defiance, and that it would potentially get worse before it got better. We are now seeing signs of the "better"."
"In other news, the price of gasoline per gallon is 99 points per gallon. Not since the year 1998 have we seen a national average of the price of gas rest under a dollar. With more of America working and spending more, the economy is experiencing the greatest boost since the 1990's. Not even the 1980's and the consumptive "Me Generation" experienced such a robust time economically. President Robert Johns' approval rating has skyrocketed in recent weeks as a result of the radical changes in this country. With growing support and confidence from the American people, President Johns can expect reelection with little contest."
"In international news, the Mandela Liberty Transcontinental Highway is nearing completion. Reporter, Maxwell Dodson is joining us from Washington DC after a press conference with the USA Corp and White House with an update on this initiative. Maxwell,"
"Yes Jenny... the USA Corporation and the White House have met with the dignitaries and civil leaders of the over 20 different countries on the western half of the African continent to discuss the economic development that is the highway and in what ways these African nations can potentially benefit as more Americans are likely to visit there in the coming years. Spokesperson, Jamison Dracel, creator of the Dracel Card, spoke to reporters today to give his weekly update on the card and the economy. Today Dracel added that a new initiative is in the developmetal stage, one that would intice more Americans to travel abroad but to also consider less traveled locations throughout Africa, as well as Europe and Asia."
The report cuts to Jamison at his weekly press conference,
"This is a time for growth, not just in America, but a global growth. As our economy and morale grows stronger, that will trickle out to our allies and friends in every direction of the planet. We are excited about the Mandela Liberty Transcontinental Highway and what it will mean economically as well as culturally, to have Americans, and all of this world's citizens, visiting Senegal, South Africa and all points in between. We will learn so much from our friends in all the nations along the coast and, in turn, pour millions of tourist dollars into each respective nation the highway touches, and beyond. Our goal will be to build transportation arteries throughout the continent and bring economic strength all over Africa."
Les takes a seat in his arm chair, which is well worn and caves to the shape of his body when he sits. He takes a long, deep breath before saying,
"Yes...he IS making a difference. Mags, ask the Lord to watch over our boy...all of them."
You have a hole in your soul if this doesn't move you. I watched this TWICE today, once alone and the other with two office mates, and it restored me. This is a brilliant shot in the arm for anyone who teaches, either in a classroom or at home. So...basically that's anyone with children and/or students in their lives.
I've CRIED watching this TED Talk. It's amazing. It's inspiring. And when you finish watching, and you're on your feet cheering, the sobering final piece of information that Rita Pierson died just months after filming this will take your breath away. We need MORE of people like her.
Thank you Rita Pierson.
Rest Well.
Leave your favorite quotation from this speech in the comments on this thread. You won't be able to pick just one.
| South Cobb High School Austell, GA |
| American Musical and Dramatic Academy Hollywood, CA |
| Prince George's Community College Largo, MD |
| Cascadia Community College Seattle, WA |
| Make a Wish Foundation Seattle, WA |
| With my Nephew, Loren Atlanta, GA |
| Fall 1993, James Madison University With my professors/forensics coaches, Audra Colvert McMulllen and C. Lee Mayfield |
| Fall 2013 With C. Lee Mayfield |
4/24
It's National Pig In A Blanket Day!! I kid you not. I couldn't make this up if I tried.
IN CELEBRATION of National Pig In A Blanket Day, I'm giving away a promo code for $15 OFF "Passage Home"!!
A few days ago, I had a "posting conversation" looking at passion versus romance. Here was my take on the comparison:
I don't want that soap opera, heightened "Scandal" stuff.
| ABC's "Scandal" |
| Photo: NY Times |
| With my fiancee, Michelle |
| James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 1993 |
| Backstage "Rent" on Broadway with Taye Diggs, 1997 |
| Photo: John Gordon |
| Photo: Verta Ayanna Photography |
| She looks like she needs to be on "American Horror Story"...IJS |
| YES! A Pimp Called Slickback! |
| Photo: Sean Bishop |
| Photo: Sean Bishop |
| Photo: Sean Bishop |
| Photo: Quincy LeNear |
| Photo: Quincy LeNear |
| What the Oscar producers looked like during the Grammys last night. |
| Photo by Michelle Alexander |
| Mike Nudelman/Business Insider |
2013 has been an extraordinary year but few things touched my spirit as did the making of my short film, "Shirt vs. Skins".
I'm reaching out to all my friends and supporters ALL OVER THE GLOBE!! No matter which continent you call home, YOU can get "Passage Home" TODAY!! Let me know you're out there!! Tell me what you think of my novel!! SOUND OFF WORLD!!!
| Cover Type |
I teach courses in public speaking and voice/diction. I also work with non-native English speaker and help them add the standard American accent to their skill sets.
Writer, Producer, Director, Filmmaker, Publisher, Educator
Teach acting and entrepreneurship courses to varying level students:
Basic Acting: Teaching the beginning actor the fundamentals of working on stage.
Acting for the Camera I: Introduce the beginning actor to the fundamentals ofperforming in front ofthe camera. Monologue work and short two person scenes are used to acquaint actors with the camera and transition them from stage to film.
Acting for the Camera II: Work with the more experienced film actor in advanced scenes. Some multi- camera/tv filming is introduced.
Acting for the Camera III: Teach experienced film actors how to break down commercial copy, give strong camera slate and profiles to earn more camera time in auditions, how to use and read cue cards, and cold readings.
Acting for the Camera IV: Give actors and opportunity to write original material to film.
Entrepreneurship and the Performing Arts: This class is designed to teach the pro-active actor/creative producer how to write business plans and create their own professional endeavors.
Teach public speaking course to non-theater majors.
Among my many duties and responsibilities as the curator of oral histories and tourism destinations throughout the state, I created and maintained an online database the VFH shared with the Virginia Tourism Commission. This position was a general faculty position at the University of Virginia, which I held from January 2000 – October 2002. This is important as it shows my interest and experience leading a program focused in cultivating and preserving history and humanity.