NightMare

It woke me up this morning. There is nothing quite as disturbing as trying to shake the specters of a nightmare while at the same time trying to figure out where you are. This was true today when I woke trying to figure out what was real, what was a dream and where the hell I was. Turns out that I am still in Wilmington, NC. Of course that was the last thought that I came to when I fully awoke. It is confusing even when I realize it is not my own bed but a hotel room I am waking too. Living a large part of my like in Hotel rooms, the process becomes a regular event. The homogenous nature hotel rooms does not help me place it in a geographic location while in a groggy state of awareness. I have joked with my kids that when it is time to "put me away" they should find a home for the aged that looks like a Hilton hotel room. As they lock me away they will simply say, "Mr. Johnson, when they are ready for your sound check, I'll call you." In my addled mind it will be very familiar and I will write blogs forgetting that there is no show to do that night.

The nightmare is a familiar one as well. It comes back to me over and over again. The settings and the surroundings change but the panic remains constant. Basically it is this: I am somewhere I do not recognize, and for some reason I put down the suitcase that contains one of my wooden partners. I am distracted for a moment or in my dream perhaps it could be hours, but when I return the suitcase is not there. A panic ensues and there is no one that realized the depth of my concern or the location of the solution.

Last night I was on some island. A softball game was taking place and after retiring the batting order I am enlisted to be next at bat. I protest that it has been too long since I tried to hit a ball with a bat, but it as unconscious drama dictates, I am the teams only hope of winning. The pitcher can not get a ball even near the plate and the game is delayed while they try to find a tee to hold the ball so the game can proceed. Time comes for the water taxi to take us back to the mainland and the spot where I left my case is deserted. I accuse several people of taking it... by accident and or malice. I even get "into it" with an old lady who swears that a case which looks exactly like mine is hers. It is loaded onto a cart and covered with a grandmother shawl. It is an anvil type case and I remind her that an elderly lady would not have a case like that to travel. She refuses to open it up to prove that it didn't contain a puppet. It seems to me an easy solution to the misunderstanding, but she is absolutely sure I am wrong and offended by my insistence. I woke with mixed emotions, disgust at the old grandmother, panic on the location of the case and bewildered on where to start looking in this unfamiliar yet totally recognizable hotel room.

Of course the room is small enough the moment my eyes clear to see the actual case clearly, so the major panic is calmed. The old lady vanishes but I continue to try for a few minutes to understand where I am and why I am there.

One might think that in a lucid moment of the dream I would remember this is a recurring theme and just go with the fantasy. That never happens. I have had lucid moments when I know that I am dreaming and go with the flow, but it never happens when I am looking for that case. To my subconscious credit there is always someone in the dream plot who will say to me in affect, "You'll find it. Don't be upset... everything is fine." This means to me on some level I know that I am dreaming, but the voice is not strong enough to hold weight in that nightmare.

It does prove the power of the imagination when, even in a completely illogical situation, the belief that it is total reality continues to be so intense.

There is a lot to do today and I do not feel as rested as I could be. However, as I go through the day, worry about the location of the personified tools of my trade will not be an issue.... I hope.

As you were,

Jay

Posted with Blogsy

Good morning Wilmington

I'm here in Wilmington to do some publicity for the show in September. We checked on the set builders at Scenic Asylum and did some work at the theatre. I sold short the amount of work that it takes to mount the show, Broadway style, and film it at the same time. It is like Driving in a Nascar race while attempting to watch in the stands at the same time.
This is a picture of Bryan and Marge the director and producer of the shoot standing in front of the poster that is advertising the show.
Tony, the artistic director, gave me an historic tour of Thalian Hall. I have been saying that it is about the same age theatre as the Helen Hayse, however, it is almost a hundred years older. Miss Hayes was just a thought when this theatre was doing shows. Tony is such a great artistic director and historian for this theatre. I had no idea the importance of this theatre, we just picked it because it was so beautiful. I am really getting more and more excited about the show.... September 15, 2012. It seemed so far away when we started making plans a year ago, now it is a matter of weeks away. I hope that anyone who is near the area will come and join us on this historic site with what will be an historic event.
Here is a question that I wanted answered and Tony had the scoop. I asked what does Thalian mean. When I Google I get the theater but not the actual definition of the word. According to Tony, Thalia is one of the Greek muses. There is a bust of her in the lobby of Thalian Hall. She looks good for a woman pushing 2k. I'm not sure how they got her to sit still long enough to have a sculpture done but there she is.
This time of year Wilmington is hot and humid. I have to say it has not been as hot and humid as Houston, Texas. Wilmington, is a beautiful city full of southern charm and wonderfully friendly people. It just feels very right that we would document my show here.
Time will probably go to quickly for some of the production details and too long for me to get the chance to do the show again. More later from these same channels.
As you were,
Jay

Vent Haven Museum

I liked Vent Haven already because of all the memorabilia and history dedicated to my art. Now there is even more to love about it.... there are "ghost" stories associated with it.
In a late night conversation with Lynn Joy, Al Semock, Lisa Sweasy, and Annie Roberts the subject of discussion turned to ghost stories. It seems the Museum is not immune to such legends. I guess I never really thought of it since ventriloquism has such an other world reputation and past anyway; And Vent Haven is housed in old historic buildings. But here is the way I heard it last night from Annie, who literally grew up in the museum.
One of the members of the Advisory board was doing some video taping late one evening in Building one. (If you do not know building one then you have to come to the Museum and experience it yourself.) Along with Annie the job at hand was to catalogue some of the older vent puppets on video for posterity. At one point during the filming the lights went out suddenly casting them in total darkness.
The building has no windows and it was night time as well. It was only a few minutes before Annie's husband showed up with a lit candle and the appropriate breaker switch was restored and there were no voices, sitings or contact from the other side. However, none of the images of that evening survived. The video was blank. Cue the spooky music.
Now it is an old building and breakers are made to turn off, in fact that is their function. And logically one might say that the extra power used by the camera was enough to throw the breaker. Although, that problem is more associated with toasters or hairdryers which pull massive amounts of power, much more than a video camera. And one might argue that the very power surge that tripped the breaker was enough to erase the magnetic tape. But what can not be argued is the timing of the entire event. Those old puppets in that old building have the most varied and colorful history. For me it was a phenom to be lumped in the category of mysterious. For others it was an electrical problem. To those naysayers I suggest that the problem is not a continuing one and it has not repeated itself since.
One more reason to love Vent Haven Museum....

Posted with Blogsy

Hello Blog

"Hello, Jay. I haven't seen you around here lately." said the Blog.
"Hello, Blog, but you know I was only gone for the weekend." said Jay.
"The weekend and Friday and Monday." Blog added.
"Okay... a four day week end. That's all." said Jay.
"Well, is seems longer. The last time you were around these parts was last Thursday.  Were you out of town? Did I do something to piss you off?"
"No, I 've been involved in a project and it seems to have taken up most of my writing time.", Jay replied.
"What kind of project?" the blog asked.
"I'm prepping for the Two and Only shoot in Wilmington, NC, Thalian Hall on September 15th*."said Jay.
"That is months away..."
"But there are lots of things to do, I mean we are producing the play as a live event AND we are filming it at the same time.  It really  is a double edged sword." Jay said. " And, I'm writing a stage play with one friend and a screen play with another. 
"Did you say WRITING?" the blog said with attitude, " I knew it...You're seeing someone else!"
"No, No it's not like that. It's just a matter of running out of time during the day to blog."
"It would seem you have time during the day for everyone else but me. After all that I have done for you, how could you...."
"I think you are making a big deal out of nothing." Jay interjected.
"Nothing... you're writing something else? After all the things that I have done for you. I have been here letting you write all over me for the past six years. Six years. I've been here for you... when no body else would let you write, I was here. When you wrote smack about other people and got in trouble, I was here, When you shared your feelings, I was here.  Remember when I stood by you while you were doing Sam Jade, dyslexic detective? I didn't say anything, I just let you have your way with that idea. Remember what happened?  Don't answer. I'll tell you what happened... that story line didn't catch on like you thought. No on liked it, but I didn't say anything. I just let you come back to your senses.  I've been here for you through thin and thinner. And now you are off writing something else. Well, thanks a lot Mr. Fine Fickle Friend."
"I think you are upset for no reason." calmed Jay.
"No reason.  Look Jaaay, I'm not some tweet or FaceBook status that you can just write and forget about... I am your blog, the one who has stood by you when you had nothing else.  And you run off and write something else at the first idea that catches your fancy. You wouldn't even be a writer if it weren't for me.  Oh yeah, if you think this is all about you, you have another 'think' coming.  If you can't find the time to write the very blog that has been a loyal friend to you since your high and mighty Broadway days, then you are no kind of writer at all. You are just a poser.  You heard me a poser!"
"I can't believe you are taking it this way.." said Jay.
"Go ahead, play thespian at Wilmington, NC on Sept. 15, (Thalian Hall, tickets available on line now, like JJTwoandOnly on facebook to keep updated on the show and release of the DVD.... it will be historic*) write your screen play,  write your stage play.... Write your obituary for all I care. Just remember when you have done all that, I'll be here. That's right I will be right here.  I'm not going anywhere. When you need a place to write I'll be here, and you'll come crawling back... you need me more than I need you. You are not the only blog writer in the world you know. Look around the Internet is lousy with bloggers.... most more loyal than you." the Blog huffed.
"Oh come on... it's been four days... " pleaded Jay.
"Don't write on me right now... I'm just not in the mood for your bull shit this morning. Go and write what you will with those 'other projects', you bastard."
"I'll come back and write when you are feeling differently." said Jay.


For the first time the Blog was silent.


As you we - "I can't believe you would say... As you were at a time like this." and with that the Blog shut down.
As... uh... time goes by,
Jay


*Mention of "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only" playing Thalian Hall, Wilmington, NC on September 15, 2012 was paid for by the 'Jay Johnson committee to preserve the show.'


I'm Jay Johnson and I approved of this message.... except the part where the blog got bent out of shape.

New Con

And you thought I would be writing about age today.  Yesterday, having become another year older and several years wiser you might think I would be expounding upon that wisdom, today. That is exactly what I plan to do.

I would like to use my new status of age to impart knowledge to you electronically addicted, text talking, drawsomething playin', instaphoto interrupting, video taking, constantly FaceBook checking younger kids.... you get off my lawn.  Here is my rant: 

Today I got notice of a new comment made on a 2006 blog post. Upon reading it I erased it immediately so I can only paraphrase but it was at least this vague or more.  Posted anonymously it said: 

"Thank you again for another wonderful article. It is great to read such useful information so well written these days on line. I am conducting a seminar and yours is the kind of knowledge we are looking for to professionally help us.  Would you consider it. Here is the website" 

Below this was a link to a site. Corvette was in the URL. I was never tempted to click on the link.

I went to the blog to delete it from the actual post, but it did not exist. It never went through the blogger filter, it was a grand fake, but certainly fooled me. 

It was obviously a robo generated message that could not get through the Google "type what you see in the box" firewall. All other information was correct, and formatted the same way as any Google alert. The fact that it referred to a post I wrote six years was a wickedly deceptive device.

I suppose this is just another type of Trojan horse, and the site link was perhaps benign, but even a shoe ad can be irritating when unsolicited.  I understand this is the new age of junk mail but the element of deception  is not new with the media.  If you are as old (and wise) as me you remember a letter that would come personally addressed to your house every year or so.  It would officially announce that the addressee was the winner of a sweepstakes. Upon opening it up it was, alas, only an ad promoting a purchase not a notice of collection.

The difference between physical junk mail and junk email is the immediacy of a computer. Whereas I would have to call or write or physically purchase the product promoting the physical junk mail; one click on the link  of a junk email and your computer could get screwed.

Be careful out there kids. The economic wolves are learning faster than the rest of us sheep.

As you were,

Jay    

What the TSA saw......

This is an artist's rendition of what Bob looks like to the TSA. It is his air tight carry on case as it goes through the x-ray. 

Today is my birthday and as a cosmic gift, I do not have to fly in an airplane for a week.

As you were,

Jay

Writing

Sandra Brown is an old friend.  I don't mean she is old like John McCain, I mean old like, I have known her for a long time. Perhaps Sandra is my long friend. 

At any rate, Sandra has written more books than I will ever read in my life time and is continually on the New York Times best seller list.  Her husband Michael was the live show manager one year for a show I did in college.

I remember at the end of that summer we were all talking about what we would do in the fall after the show closed.  Sandra said she thought she would like to write a novel.  The rest they say, "is History".

One of the things that has stuck with me all these years is her writing discipline.  She said that writing was a lonely job and she needed long periods of undisturbed time to do it.  Once she had kids it was more difficult for her to get the time to herself.  Finally she set up a rule for the family to live by.  When she was in her office writing with the door closed she was not to be disturbed for any reason unless it involved fire or blood.

In my semi-professional attempts at writing I thought I could just tune out the real world and go into my own.  I seem to be good at daydreaming. However, I found that unless my thoughts are isolated, I can't really write what I am feeling. I really do need to have a quite place with zero distractions but that environment is increasingly harder to find. While that continues to be the case, it is also an excuse. I can blame the smallest distraction for my inability to write well.  In those cases a silent room at a Monastery would not be sufficient to give birth to an idea.

Like right now, I am at the desk in my office and no one else is in the house.  I have all that Sandra Brown would need to turn out another best seller.  But it is not working for me.  I am completely distracted by a clicking noise that seems to accompany my every thought.  It is relentless and unless I completely stop writing it never goes away.  It is the obnoxious sound of my fingers typing on the keyboard.  There is is again, every time I think of something to write that noise starts up again. Like just then when I wrote "just then".

I tried using those dictation programs that type what you say.  I find that is not a good answer to the problem.  It is like having a collaborator who doesn't speak English, but is continually correcting your words.  It is the equivalent of trying to drive a car just by telling the car what to do. Besides, when I talk the computer tends to get confused about who is speaking me or Bob. 

I tried ear plugs. That doesn't work. When I really am in the moment with the muse I can actually hear the words before I type them.  Obviously I can't do that with ear plugs... what am I schizophrenic. And don't think that the virtual keyboard on an iPad is the answer.  It is like tapping your fingers on a glass desk top, I don't feel any connection to the process. 

There was a time I pretended the keyboard clicking was Morse code and the words on the screen just the translation of that information. It didn't last long. I typed SOS on the key board one day.  Since that is the only thing I know in Morse code I knew the clicks on my keyboard did not match the number of clicks necessary for those three letters.  I lost all faith that the story being delivered in code was the same as the story that was being written.  I began to fear that the story being clicked in code was a much better story than the one I was reading on the screen. 

Now you know the difficulty I have in delivering this blog.  Although I think the phrase is way over used these days.... "just sayin'"

As you were,

Jay

DrawSomething....Draw Some...

I enjoy playing DrawSomething when I have a chance.  I draw in my spare time anyway and to have suggestions of things to draw is a great exercise in Art.  In fact I think my technique has improved since I have been playing.  It is easy to get lost in the minutia of the drawing and forget communication and perception.  This game makes you put perception at the top of the skill list.  Numbers of players who are not so much artists get it, and some that draw well do not. 

There was one picture I could not guess from a person I do not know but have been playing with for a while. This player drew a stick figure with the arms angled upward. It could have been a diagram for  semaphore signals if the stick figure had been holding flags.  But Alas, the correct answer was Karate.  There was no way this symbol conjured up that ancient Martial art.

This brings me to the thought of the day.  On one of my turns at DrawSomething the word to draw was "WigWam". I  realized that a wigwam and a Tee Pee are visually the same, if not synonyms.  I was hoping that the player on the other side could figure it out from the letters as well as the drawing.  He did, but it reminded me of a joke.

A guy goes to the psychiatrist and says, "Doc, I am having terrible dreams."  

Doctor says, "Tell me about them... maybe I can help."

"Okay.... sometimes I think I am a Tee Pee and some time I think I am a Wig Wam."

The doctor says, "Well, it is obvious to me that you are two tents."

LOLing yet? Well you may have to read it out loud.  Or maybe you have to have a comedian tell it. Or

maybe it just isn't that funny.  I like it... and it is a clean joke.

As you were,

Jay

Here is the Story...

"The Dream"

At this moment I can't remember if it was real-life millionaire publisher William Randolph Hearst or Orson Wells playing John Foster Cane, fictitious millionaire publisher who told his reporters:

"You get me the picture I'll write the story."

I have taken this advice to heart.  This is a picture, here is the story. But first a point of clarification.

I am certain whomever made the statement above meant picture as in a photograph. Something news worthy, provocative or salacious.  Before television a newspaper photograph connected the reader to the reality of the story.  If you believed the picture the story must me true. 

I think those days of journalism are gone. Mass information is now main-stream. There is no need to "publish" a hard copy.  In the time it takes to print a newspaper, the story is hours old.  We have an instant explosion of information to sort through.

At the same moment this explosion of information is happening, an explosion of graphic interface is also growing exponentially.  Pictures have never been easier to record and publish. Photos and Videos are available instantly world wide. We are almost watching news in real time. 

There is a down side to this new world of images. As easily as photographs can be shared and broadcast they can be easily manipulated.  Today it is virtually impossible to tell what is real or fake just by looking at a picture.  

(Here is a link to a story about a bogus photo I crafted one time.. A Picture of Santa Claus appeared on my niece's camera in Bloomfield, New Jersey on Christmas Morning years ago.  For my young niece it was irrefutable evidence of the existence of Santa Claus. For me it was hours of work in Photoshop piecing several pictures together.  We finally destroyed my niece's world by telling her the picture was a fraud. Fortunately under the Affordable Health Care Act she will be able to pay for quality therapy.)

With that said, here is the story that goes with the picture above. This picture is an example of digital Gothic modern expressionism. It was painted on an iPad with the app Procreate. Of the many apps available for the iPad Procreate gives a more fluid result in retina screen display quality.  

The style and the painting itself was influenced by Expressionist artist Edvard Munch who painted the post Modern expressionist painting of "The Scream"in 1893.  This work by unknown underground artist Jayson is entitled "The Dream".  Although similar to The Scream, The Dream differs in one area.

The Scream has been the target of several high-profile art thief's. In 1994, the version in the National Gallery was stolen. It was recovered several months later. In 2004, both The Scream and Madonna were stolen from the Munch Museum, and recovered two years later. 

Where as The Scream has been stolen twice and recovered, art critics hope that The Dream will be stolen and never recovered.  

The Art world is such a fickle place for an expressionistic digital Gothic Modern artist.

As you were,

Jay

A Thousand Words ....

Sometimes it is just a sketch. Sometimes it becomes my thousand word blog.  Sometimes it is better visualized than verbalized. 

As you were,

Jay

Flowers

Andy and Me

It was Andy Griffith's personal manager who saw me at a dinner theatre in Fort Worth, Texas and said if I ever wanted to take a shot in Los Angeles, he would like to manage me.  That is exactly what I wanted to do and in the short span only two months, moved to LA. The manager's name was Dick Linke. 

Long before Michael Ovitz used the idea of talent packaging as a show business wedge, Dick was already an accomplished master of the technique.  Everything revolved around Andy.  If someone wanted Andy to do the Merv Griffin Show, then they needed to book me as well.  If they wanted Andy for a Vegas gig, I was the opening act.  I was teamed with Andy on several different venues and opened for him a lot.  He was always very nice to me and we became friends. 

Dick also handled Frankie Avalon.  One day Dick called and said Andy, Frankie and I were flying to Pennsylvania to do a free show.  Dick was very specific that there were to be no Italian jokes and especially no jokes about the Mafia. It seems that the mob was our host, this was a show for them, and I was to keep my eyes open, and mouth shut about anything that I saw.  No problem.  Even now I don't want to use real names in this blog.

Although Frankie was friends to most of the "guys" especially the Godfather, Andy and I were totally innocent about the life style of the mob.  We were like Dorothy in the land of Oz, it was definitely not Kansas anymore, Toto. 

Normally I dine for free on this story alone with all its details, but here I abbreviate.  If we are ever together for an evening and I am free to tell the whole true story with details, it is quite jaw dropping, and I have to admit that I tell it very well.

Cutting to the chase, hours after our performance Andy and I find ourselves with the Godfather, Frankie and several others  at a club near the edge of town.  Frankie leaves with "friends", the Godfather calls it a night but Andy and I are still partying.  The Godfather says good evening, and leaves his driver/body guard and limo for us to get back to our hotel when we are ready.  I remember distinctly he told the uni-neck driver, "Stay with them and take them any place they want to go." 

We stayed about an hour more and decided it was time to go back to the hotel. The driver pulled the car around, we got in, and the burly driver said, "Where too, Gentlemen?"  In that distinctive southern drawl Andy looked at me and said, "Well, Jaaay, the Godfather said for him to take us where ever we wanted to go didn't he?" I said, "I believe so, Andy,"  

"Well, I know this nice little after hours place at Fifth and Fifty-Fifth in Manhattan, why don't we go there and have a drink." I smiled in the knowledge that we were half a days drive from NYC, but with the same drawl, Andy turned to the driver and said, "Fifth and Fifty- Fifth, New York City."

The driver smiled and raised the divider between us and him and the car sped off.  

In hushed tones Andy and I compared notes about the evening.  "Did you feel the gun under that guys coat when he hugged us?"  "Did you see how the Godfather had two fingers missing and smoked his cigar with the other three?" "Who was that girl that Frankie was with?"  We both giggled like two teenagers after seeing their first porno movie. 

We got deep into conversation, there was wine in the Limo, we popped the cork and we were having a great time.  But after awhile we realized that we were not back at the hotel.  As we remembered, it was only a 30 minute drive to get from the hotel to the club we just left. What's more we were driving in the middle of open country side, there was no town anywhere to be seen.  

I remembered all those gangster movies where guys would be wined and dined and then driven to some isolated location never to be heard of again.  I could see the same thought running through Andy's eyes as well.  Andy lowered the divider and said to the driver, "Uh, where is it that you are taking us?"

The driver didn't look back, he just said, "Fifth and Fifty-fifth... Manhattan."  Andy said, "Oh no that was just a joke, we need to go back to the hotel."  Without comment, complaint, or even acknowledgement the driver slowed down, maneuvered a U-turn in the black stretch Lincoln and in an hour we were back at the hotel.

That adventure sealed the bond between me and Andy, we would speak of this moment many times after and giggle to ourselves.  It is the way I remember my friend Andy Griffith.  

There were those who experienced a different side of the man, an angry aggressive side.  I never did, and found the stories I heard about that side of him hard to believe based on personal experience.  I have not seen him since his  Matlock days.  I am grateful that he was willing to show me the ropes and set me on my own path.  I will miss my friend and wish him a wonderful eternal rest.

As you were,

Jay

Still life

We have relatives visiting and I find it difficult to write with so many daily distractions. I didn't think that would be a factor but it is. So in the mean time until I get my mojo back here is a drawing.
As you were,
Jay

Instant News?

I have my iPhone set to notify me of major alerts from CNN.  That alarm went off this morning around 7:30am; it was the Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Health Care Act. The quick blurb said, "Supreme Court has struck down the individual mandate for health care." I stumbled into the den and tuned the television to CNN wondering what the reaction was to the decision.

CNN was broadcasting pictures of masses of people around the Supreme Court building and a title at the bottom of the picture that said, "Supreme Court backs all parts of President Obama's signature health care law." About that time another alert from my iPhone corrected the first alert.

It seems the confusion happened because of the wording of the decision by the Chief Justice.  They found the mandate unconstitutional under the commerce clause of the constitution, but constitutional under congresses ability to levy taxes.  

CNN in its hast to be the first to broadcast the news, reported on the unconstitutionality part of the decision the minute it was read. In the next paragraph of the decision it was held constitutional.  Had they waited for the entire reading of the decision there wouldn't have been a need to publish a correction. 

This is my problem with instant news... it is instant.  Quick is not better it is just quick.   This eagerness to be quick was ultimately dead wrong on the facts this morning.  

I am not a fan of instant coffee, instant oatmeal, or most anything that has instant in front of it especially when it comes to facts and news.  As a society we should all take a deep breath, gather our thoughts and the facts before we, tweet, blog, instant message or report on a situation. Not just that it saves the extra step of a correction, it also keeps a lie from spreading.  What is the benefit from getting my coffee quicker if it is inferior to the coffee I could have if I wait for 10 minutes? Same should apply to the news.  

Broadway Set for "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only".
Originally designed by Beowulf Borrit.

Also in my news: The Trunks have been shipped to the set builders in Wilmington, NC.  They will begin construction in a few weeks.  I am going back to do some pre-publicity this month and will have a chance to consult with them as they start.  

It is very exciting, and a lot of work to get this show filmed.  I am looking forward to it.  If you haven't "liked" the Show page on FaceBook I invite you to do so. All the announcements as to the filming and eventually the sale of the DVD will be posted primarily there. 

As you were,
Jay

Heads Up

Clinton Detweiler has bestowed upon me a great honor by striking a coin with my likness. I share this issue "set" with my friends Terry Fator, Jim Barber and Mark Wade. I have never had my own coin before. This is exciting. Knowing my superstition for carrying a lucky coin, now I can carry my own coin for luck. I think that increases the "mojo" by an expandential factor. You can see and buy a set or individual coins at "CLINTON' BLOG"

I plan to carry one of these coins in my pocket when we film The Two and Only in September.
Speaking of that event... over my fervent objections Bob is still publishing his VLOG.  It is  like a small wooden stalker following me around with a camera. A puppet poparatzzi.  Here is the latest invasion of privacy.
As you were,
Jay

Blog bla bla

This blog is now connected to a twitter account, a FaceBook page and two websites. At a time when it is accessible to many more people, readership is down this week. That is because I have not written anything new in a week.
It is an uncomfortable connection between art and business/marketing that seems to dog artists. An artist just wants to make art all the time. If it is writing, if it is painting, singing, playing an instrument or ventriloquating, that is what the artist wants to be busy doing. Unfortunately to have the time to do the art the artist must support himself with the art. That requires a commitment to gather an audience who will in some way help pay for the art. Time spent gathering an audience is time spent away from the art. Too much time spent away from making art to gather an audience to pay for the art, causes the art to suffer from abandonment. This makes it more difficult to make better art to attract more of an audience to help the artist contine to make the art. An artist can find himself chasing his tail in pursuit of an audience for a product that he does not have the time to produce.
It seems to be a fact for anyone who does not work a traditional job, and there is no clear solution to fix it. Rarely is the best artist the most popular artist. If they are spending time doing the things to become popular they are not doing the things to perfect their art. There are cases when the artist finds a connection to a partner or guide who will promote the art to pay for the artist to continue to do what the artist does best. There are also artists who care nothing about popularity and will starve rather than take time away from making art. The art world is full of artist who are celebrated after they are dead but impoverished while they are alive. Mozart and VanGough to name only a couple.
I tend to be of the mind that to create and make art is my job, popularity is not, although media would have you believe that popularity is prosperity. Too many people seem to be willing to exchange their happiness for popularity, assuming that popularity will replace their lost happiness. Or people buy into the myth that popularity brings money and money can buy happiness. These ideas rarely work out that way.
As a little girl my goddaughter stood at Disneyland's "Snow White wishing well" with a penny. She thought long and hard about the wish she would make as she threw the penny into the deep well. She was all smiles as her Mother asked her what she had wished for. Still glowing with the anticipation she said excitedly, " I wished for a penny."
I don't know what all of this means exactly. For me it means that I need spend time writing better blogs. Who reads them is not really within my control. I will hold to the philosophy that art is its own reward. A bird doesn't get paid to sing, it just sings. A flower doesn't get a salary for modeling, it is just being beautiful.
I ain't no flower and I don't sing like a bird, but I think what I am supposed to be doing is what I am driven to do. I think the Universe will provide for the continuation of that passion.
As you were,
Jay

What the House Painter Saw 

It was a Father and Son team that prepared and painted the outside of the house a few weeks ago.  They were very quiet and very polite. They were so nice, a few they were even startled to see me when I was just walking around the house. I'm not sure if it was surprise, fear, professional courtesy or just their natural shyness but they seemed always on guard around me. 

At the end of the job they attempted to say ventriloquist but asked instead if I was the "puppet" guy on television. I said yes, and at that moment felt very flattered that they recognized me. How else would they have know that I was a ventriloquist? 

Well, I got my answer as I was surveying their work yesterday.  When I stepped out of the glare outside looking at one of the windows,  this is what I saw.  I was literally up against the window before I could make out this face.  It startled me for a moment because he seemed to be staring right at me. These poor painters. For the entire time they worked around this window, prepping, priming and painting, they also had to stare down this wooden orphan watching them work.  

I am not a creepy guy and I understand what I do is creepy to some. Everybody has something that makes them shiver. (Coroners creep me out but I am sure they are fine people away from work. )  Being aware of this I do not try to freak people out, although it would be easier for me than most.  Things just happen because of the tools of my trade. This is a case in point. Had I known the little guy was guarding the window I would have asked him to move. 

Once again, Ventriloquist don't go crazy... people around them go crazy.

As you were,

Jay

In the Inflection

On Sunday I performed for the "Artists in Concert" show at the Performing Arts Center here in town. The studio is run by a couple who are great friends of ours. Joey choreographed several of the dance numbers and Nanci danced in two of the dances. I suppose it has been 16 years, at least, since I have seen Nanci dance full out in a performance, perhaps even longer. In the days when she was dancing more than teaching we were on tour with the Doug Henning Magic Show. I have seen her dance lots of times but just not recently. I was impressed that Nanci was dancing so beautifully with dancers half her age.
When I got home from rehearsals the day before the concert I was trying to tell Sandi how good Nanci was in the show. I said, "Nanci can dance!" Sandi replied something to the effect of "naturally" "of course" or some other acknowledgement.
At the show Nanci came up to me and said I had been busted. Sandi told her what I said when I got home from rehearsal, only the inflection of my words had changed. Sandi recalled to Nanci that I said, "Nanci can Dance?" with a question mark. That is not the intent nor the inflection with which I delivered the original statement. It also changes the entire context of the statement. I spent several minutes trying to tell Nanci that I was not shocked by her abilities but continually impressed after all these years. Of course stressing "all these years" is never a good thing to do to any woman. So my damage control had to be controlled itself. She is a good enough friend that no matter how she really took it, she will never let me forget it. That is our relationship, and I love her for it.
So to all the artists and gentlemen reading. This is a cautionary tale. When giving a compliment to a lady you have know for a long time... choose your words and your inflection very carefully and hope that it is not corrupted in translation.
As you were,
Jay

Question of the Day

This question of the day comes from my friend: Daray Pringle via"Officially? ": 

Any prediction of when the DVD's will be available ? 

Posted by Daray Pringle to THE WORLD IS A STAGE at 7:32 PM

Answer of the Day:

Great question. I have no clue, even Las Vegas won't give odds on that prediction. I know we have to film it first. September 15th live. 

Promo of the Day:

Go To:  The Two and Only" -FB  Like (if you haven't already) and click on the  Two and Only logo.

As you were before you weren't,
Jay

Officially?
The first rule of show biz: when the Daily Variety  says you're doing something... you have to do it.

'Two and Only' to be filmPosted: 6/4/2012 Author: Gordon CoxBroadway alum "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only" will be remounted in September for a filmed version of the solo ventriloquist act. Created by Jay Johnson, best known for his role on "Soap," the stage production "Two and Only" is a ventriloquism showcase that includes appearances by a number of Johnson's puppet characters.

It was more fun in the old days of Hollywood when Daily Variety was the local press. They used to phrase headlines like,  Braveheart Boffo at BoxOffice. Or Fred Silverman ankles ABC. They could have said, Vent wings East for Video Version of TAO.

At any rate it is official and we committed.

This is a real theatrical circus. Not only are we filming Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, but also remounting the large set version of the show on the other side of the country as well.  As I think about it, it seems like too much to attempt.  However, any second guessing is over now that it has been published in Daily Variety. If it is published in Daily Variety it has to be done.  So... Like the promo FaceBook page to get all the details. If you are anywhere near Wilmington in September Thalian Hall, buy a ticket to a once in a career show in a beautiful Historic Theatre.

I'll remind you again....

As you were,

Jay

The Survey says - Richard Dawson

In the early 80's CBS produced and aired Celebrity Family Feud as a prime time special. It was Celebrity contestants instead of real families playing Family Feud for charity. I performed on the show as a part of the SOAP Family/Cast. Of course, Richard Dawson was the host. I liked working with him. I always thought he was a talented guy and great raconteur. I secretly coveted the chance to replace him one day with dreams of being a TV host myself. Richard was spontaneously funny, intelligent and a gracious guy. He was an actor and comedian which made him more than just a comic. He really knew how to be inclusive with his humor. I liked him. But working with him is not the story I remember most when I think about Richard Dawson. Here is what I remember:

I was watching Family Feud on a television in a hotel bedroom. I neither remember the city, the hotel nor the club I was working at the time. None of that is important to the story. The only important fact is that I was alone in a hotel room when I yelled out at Richard Dawson.

If you do not know how Family Feud is played I am not going to explain. In my mind I can still here the bells and buzzers that tagged the answers in the game.

Music:

Richard - We asked one hundred people this question and their top Four answers are on the board. Ready hands down, here is the Question: Name a ventriloquist.

BUZZZ - The Gillis Family -

"Edgar Bergen"

Show us Edgar Bergen--- DING DING DING the top answer turns to Edgar Bergen.

What was background television in my room has not grabbed my full attention. There is no doubt Edgar Bergen would be first on the list of ventriloquists. But there are three more answers on the board and the Gillis Family has decided to play. What did the survey say about ventriloquists?

The Gillis Family's second guess is Shari Lewis and Lambchop, DING DING DING the number three answer turns to Shari Lewis. I have an idea of who I would guess next but the Gillis Family says, Ricky Lane - BUZZZ strike one. Two strikes left.

At some point I began to yell the names of my favorite ventriloquists to the Gillis Family as they struggled with the next few names. One of the Gillis nephew's says Willie Tyler and Lester as I scream Paul Winchell. BUZZZ....strike two. One strike left.

At this point Richard Dawson begins to show his talent as host. He jokes with the contestants, keeps the game moving and reminds the Gillis's if they miss one more time the Troy Family will have a chance to steal. As I look at the next Gillis to answer it doesn't look good.

Richard - "Thirty seconds... Name a ventriloquist......"

I continue to scream Paul Winchell, Paul Winchell.... and at the very last second cousin Gillis says...Paul Winchell DING DING DING... the number two answer... Paul Winchell...

Now there is one more strike and one last name of a Ventriloquist on the board for all the money. I have a vested interest in this game. I connect with the Gillis Family and do not want the Troy's to steal. I am sure I know name four on the survey.

Richard- "There is one last name on the board. You have one strike left, this is for the entire game. If you don't get this then the Troy's can steal it with the right answer, are you ready?"

It is back to the Gillis who knew Edgar Bergen would be number 1. There is a moment while Gillis is thinking that I softly say, "Jimmy Nelson and Danny O'Day"... it is going to the wire and I say... "Jimmy Nelson". Finally I hear the Gillis Family head say, Jimmy Nelson and Farfel...

I wonder if the character has to be specific. Would they allow Jimmy Nelson and Farfel as an answer if it is suppose to be Jimmy and Danny? If they just say Jimmy Nelson they will win. Richard is very cool and corrects the possible conflict by saying, "Show us Jimmy Nelson." BUZZZ the last strike and all hell breaks out in the studio and my hotel room. The Troy's have a chance to steal, they need one answer and they will win.

Richard goes to the first Troy in line. He reminds her that they have thirty seconds, he needs one answer. The contestant thinks for a moment, then seems to light up. "Oh I know, the guy on Soap, the ventriloquist, the guy...

Richard-" Ten seconds I need a name..."

Troy - "The guy who does Bob... Bob and... they guy, you know on SOAP"

Richard - "Five seconds I need a name..."

I start screaming my name. Jay Johnson, Jay Johnson...

Troy - "The Bob guy.... uh... Bob.... uh Chuck and Bob"

Other members of her family clap and say "Good answer". I am thinking terrible answer. But at the same time I am thinking... wow.. this lady thinks I am fourth in line. I am honored but I know they will strike out with the answer, "Chuck and Bob" that is the name of the character I played on SOAP. Jay Johnson might be that fourth card but they will lose with Chuck and Bob. I scream my name one more time to the television.

Richard - "Chuck and Bob is your answer.... I think who you mean is the ventriloquist who plays Chuck and Bob..... his name is Jay Johnson... right"

The Troys clap and say "Good answer...". I am thinking holy crap Richard just threw the game to the Troys. He said my name. Dawson said my name because he knew it was up there. He corrected Senior Troy with my name so there would be a big finish to the round. There would be a DING DING DING as a finish.

Richard - "For all the money and the game we need to see Jay Johnson on that survey...(Tension....lots of it particularly in room 1704 .... Show us Chuck and Bob on SOAP... show us Jay Johnson....(Time becomes slow motion as I want to savor this moment....) BUZZZ wrong.... Not there, neither name... no se llama.

Richard - The survey says....... "Senor Wenches" ... Of course. My ego had hijacked the survey. I was not there on the survey. But Richard Dawson said my name on the air.

The Family Feud goes to commercial, and I go off to the comedy club. I may have tried to tell that story at the club. If I did it didn't stay in the act.

Now Mr. Dawson is gone but those two memories remain. His talents will be missed.

As you were,

Jay

Counting Down

This shameless promotion is brought to you by the shameless promoter himself. There is about a hundred days until the filming of Jay Johnson:TheTwo and Only" and it seems like that is not enough to finish the details, but finish and film we will. 

Like all good projects it now has its own FaceBook page. The URL is:

www.facebook.com/JJTwoandOnly

You know the drill if you haven't done so already please go there and "like" it. I am not sure how this helps the universe, but it does. There is a button that will take you to buy tickets, I am sure that helps the universe. I promise we will not flood your FaceBook world with useless posts. Since it is a few months away we will remind you that it is coming as it gets closer.I would love everyone who is near to come, the theatre is great and just like the name implies....Historic .....and of course spread the viral word if you will. 

This blog will show up on the page as well. If you happen to be reading it on The Two and   only page now it must be a weird sense of Dejavue . More later from these same Internet channels.

As you were,

Jay

Upgrade on Ghosts

This is not to be considered an ad or
an implied endorsement, review, recommendation,
copyright infringement, or any association with
this product other than this mention in this blog.
For Entertainment Only - no Wagering. 

A thought set in motion continues in motion until replaced by another thought in motion. The thoughts cancel each other out if they are of opposing frequencies, or join together and become stronger if they are of the same frequency. *

*Theory of Like-minded Thoughts

It is almost June and ghosts are in the air. Just as I am remembering the ghost of the Helen Hayes, I get a notification for an upgrade to my Ghost-O-Meter. Anyone with iPhone apps gets these kinds of notices, but  upgrade on my ghost detector just seemed like ironic timing. Let me Explain.

The app is called the Ghost-0-Meter. 

 It detects ghosts, or so it claims. I have this app for two reasons: One, because there might be an actual chance it might work; two, I'm interested in the phenomenon of ghosts. I love a good ghost story and seek them out. As some know.

The interface to this program/research tool is a tube cabinet radio device circa, 1920's  Spiritual Movement. (See the pirated photo above). A single dial gages the strength of the signal or ghost. When the dial goes past the red and reaches maximum a bulb glows brighter until it registers that energy as a ghost.  By following the signal you can follow the path if the ghost.   But being a better than average Ghost detector myself, I am skeptical.

Although an iPhone can receive all kinds of different electrical signals, what is the app reacting to? I am not sure we have discovered the frequency of "ghost." There is no doubt that the device registers something; it could be just sensing the tiny movements in your grasp. Perhaps a GPS position. Or perhaps it is just a random order of code that never really repeats.   It is much like an electronic Ouija Board several meanings can be read into the movement of a dial. Tool or toy, I'm not sure. But I do know that the device was very active at the 700 year old hotel in Praha.  Elsewhere it was not as active with the same movements of the device. The Ghost-0-Meter registered 9 ghosts in a matter of half an hour. Evidently there could have been more here is the upgrade notice:

Upgrade: Corrected a bug that prevented  5.1 devices from saving the number of ghosts detected. 

That is all.

As you were,

Jay

Hellen Hayes Theatre 100 years old

I was in honorable company yesterday but the star of the show was the theatre herself. Just for posterity here is a transcript of my short speech. I gave the staff a shout out by name at the end that was unplanned. I had a great time.

Helen Hayes Theatre at 100 years old
It is really wonderful to be back on this stage. I have not stood on this spot since we closed my show. The theatre is exactly the way I remember it except for one thing. When I was here the seats were blue, today they are red and filled. It is difficult to believe that this theatre is 100 years old, until you flush the downstage dressing room toilet.

Like everyone else who has been here, the moment I arrived I never wanted to leave. Being a television and comedy club guy I really didn't know the proper theatrical etiquette and superstitions. However, I quickly tried to learn about them so as not to anger the gods of the theatre and jinx the run. I even found out that the Helen Hayes theatre had it's own set of unique rituals and superstitions. I tried to perform them to the letter in the best manner I could. I eventually found out these special rituals were actually stunts created by Joe Beck the lighting tech. It became a joke to see if I would actually do them. No one warned me about the wicked humor of Joe Beck.
During the run of the show I saw the door behind that lighting alcove open. From the ambient light I could see it was an elderly woman with glasses, she peered in and looked around. After realizing there was a show going on she closed the door rather quickly so as not to disturb.
After the show I mentioned it to my stage manager and casually asked how one would access the hallway to that door. The word came back that there was no hallway up there. Well, perhaps it was not a hallway, but how would one get to the doors behind the alcoves. The word came back that there were no doors to those alcoves. I found this really hard to believe since I had seen it with my own eyes and called bull shit when I found out the source of this empirical information was Joe Beck.
It was not until Joe offered to set a ladder up to prove there was no door that I began to think of the event in paranormal terms. It was there after referred to as the time I saw a ghost in the theatre. From that moment on any unusual event that did not involve Joe Beck was attributed to the ghost
It finally came time to close my show.
In the lobby after the last show we had champagne and of course goodbye speeches. In my speech I said I intended to pack up a couple of the ghosts in my trunks and take them on the road with me so I wouldn't miss the theatre so much.
However, Susan Meyerberg reminded me that contractually I could not take any ghosts with me. And rather was obligated by tradition to even leave some behind.

There is a point to the story. This building is named after the first lady of the American Theatre. One of the very few theaters on Broadway to ever be named for a woman. And for me that could not be more relevant. A theatre, like most living things becomes that for which it is known. This is known as the Helen Hayes, it seems to have taken on the nurturing and graciously mothering traits of the feminine while embracing the beauty of a consummate artist. This theatre is the mother and the shows are her children. For those of us who have been reborn in this artistic womb we have a notable pedigree.
My show was not one of her most famous children, one of her most profitable children, nor one of her history making children. My show is simply one of her most appreciative and grateful children. At one hundred years old I can not give this theatre anything she does not already possess. But like a perfect mother she does not take she only gives.
So Susan, I disobeyed, I did take that ghost with me. It lives in my heart with so many other memories of being here. Marty, Happy birthday, happy anniversary, happy journeys. Thanks for making me part of this family.
As you were,
Jay

Prague in my rear view Mirror

I am feeling a little better and have tried to get back to enjoying New York and mentally reviewing our trip to Europe. I found this blog almost finished and ready to publish. I suppose I was waiting for a better wifi and forgot that I had started it. Although close to a week late it is an impression of Praha at the time.
 
We are on the way home from Prague, Praha, with a stop in Dusseldorf before boarding a plane to JFK. We had a great time and it was definitely a great place to celebrate a major wedding anniversary. There is a great charm in a place that considers the 700 year old part of the city the New town.
However, it was over run with tourists, and we were told that this isn't even the busy season. One person said that at the peak of the season people can wait for 45 minutes just to walk across the Charles Bridge, which is a major attraction. In my opinion it was too crowded when we walked across when we were there.
Now I am more comfortable with capitalism than my son when it comes to cashing in on an attraction, but I do think that the Pragians have taken commercialization to a extreme. At the Prague Castle, which is a major attraction and still the seat of government, there is a section of the original village behind the protected wall. There is a fee to get on the Castle grounds and there is an additional charge to go through the village. These are very small houses with door ways that are five and a half feet tall. It is charming to see a village almost a thousand years old still standing, but they have turned the small houses into souvenir shops hocking all the usual stuff one can find all over Prague. Basically you pay a fee to visit a hybrid medieval mall.
One other observation. I did not think that the people were very friendly. The usual custom, when ripping off tourist, is to smile while you are doing it. No warm and fuzzy here, in fact if you could get a clerk or waiter to actually speak at all it was an accomplishment. Those who did seem friendly also did not look local. The standard for tipping is 10%. Perhaps if they would be more out going they could up that a few percentages points.
Nonetheless we had a great time and it was indeed beautiful and quaint. Unlike Positano, Italy where I would return to anytime I could, I am not sure Prague would be on my repeat list. The bucket list yes.
As you were,
Jay
 
 
 

Under the Weather
I returned from Europe with a cold so New York City has not been as pleasant as I would want. Not that the weather for the first few days was not spectacular. The perfect New York weather for the last couple of days. Today it is rainly so the NYC weather has become a metaphor of my sinusus.
I am hoping to be feeling much better by this Thursday. I was asked to speak at the 100th Anniversay of the Helen Hayes theatre. On the afternoon of May 24th they will hold a ceremony at the theatre, and a party next door at Sardi's after. I really don't know who will be there or what else will be on the bill, but I am honored that they asked me to be there. It extends our vacation/anniversary trip by a few days. It was all working fine until my nose started to run. It has been a long time since I felt sick like this.
We saw a preview of Jim Parson's "Harvey". I had never seen the play but love the movie. There are some differences, but the story is still charming and funny. Jim is really perfect for this role as the gentle odd soul of Elwood P. The theatre was packed with very enthusiatic fans. I don't think this production will have any problem doing business. The official opening is on June 14th.
The next night we saw the new Disney Musical "Newsies". It has been extended and was packed with screaming fans. The show has evidently become a cult hit with a very dedicated following. I have to admit that the audience liked the show much more than I did personally, but it is a very athletic and energetic show that deserves a good run. Based on the screaming kids in the audience it should.
In a case of bone head producing, "How to succeed in Business" closed last night. Their numbers have not been the run away sell out that it was when Daniel Ratcliff was there, but the Jonas brother that is in the part now is strong with teenagers. Their numbers were fantastic for spring break, but dropped when the kids went back to school. They closed the show just before heading into summer when that audience would return.
We are lined up to see some more shows and I hope that this cold will get better so I can enjoy them more.
Thalian Hall, "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only." Filming. September 15, 2012, Wilmington, NC
As you were,
Jay

Pinocchio in Prague

Prague is a city of puppets, my kind of place. There are several puppet theaters that do a very nice business. Some are black light tourist traps. Some legitimate theatres with miniature performances. There was a poster for a "black light" puppet performance of the musical "Cats". The mere thought of it made me want to stick pins in my eyes. The advertisements looked like a psychedelic hair ball fest.
We did attend a production of Mozart's "Don Giovani" at the National Puppet Theatre. It was interesting seeing an opera done by puppets in the Italian language at a theatre in Prague. The production was good, but I thought they treated the puppets a little rough. When the puppets smacked each other they really hit, wood on wood and there were several fight scenes. I guess what I am saying is that the puppets didn't pull their punches on stage. (Yes I do know how crazy that sounds...nonetheless). All I could think of was the repair and paint job that would be required after every performance. At any rate.
At every souvenir place they sell puppets, good, bad, cheap, expensive, creative and just stupid marionetts. There is a common theme however. All have witches, orthodox hebrews, Charlie Chaplin and of course Pinocchio puppets. There is a large jewish history, and they claim Pinocchio was born here, but Charlie Chaplin? I have no clue.
It was the prevalence of Pinocchio that reminded me of a story. Years ago during the days of the television show "Dave's World", the blond sexy ingenue was J C Wendel. She was and still is a cutie. One evening during those days she was at a super market shopping, when she realized she was being followed. It was actor Martin Landau, a character actor who played many varied roles. One was Bella Lugosi in the movie Ed Wood, which Johnny Depp fans might remember, He also played Geppetto in a cable production of Pinocchio that probably no one saw but me. At every turn he tried to engage J C in unwanted conversation, but Matin Landau was not her type nor even close to her age.
Finally as she was putting the groceries in the trunk of her car she noticed that he was approaching her in the parking lot. He wanted to know if she would accompany him for a drink since he had just gotten back in town. He said, "I just wrapped 'Pinocchio' in Prague".
JC looked him in the eye and said, "I don't care if you wrap it in a 20 dollar bill, I'm not interested."
Pinocchio in Prague will alway make me laugh.
As you were,
Jay
"Jay Johnson: The Two and Only". - Historic Thalian Hall - North Carolina - Sept. 15, 2012 --- be there.
 

Adventures

If there is one thing that I know about European trains it is the exact nature of their schedule. If a schedule says that the train will be at the main Prague station at 13:04, do not get off the train if it is 13:02. Unfortunately that was not a lesson that another American couple on our train has learned yet. Although they announced in broken English that the next stop was Praha, it was actually not the main station but a station outside of town. I looked out the door of the train to see the clock at the station and it said 13:00 four minutes earlier than we were supposed to be at the main terminal, so I knew we were not at our stop yet.
Outside with their luggage was a couple asking a local if this was Prague. The gentleman said that it was and off the couple went as the train pulled out. It could have been their stop, but since it looked like only locals were exiting I think they wanted the main station like we did.
At one stop a family came into our compartment. The boy was 12 or so. I heard him talking to his mother in a Slavic, I assume. Although I didn't know what he was saying there was a rhythm and tone that is the same for every pre-teenager arguing with is parents. I wondered what it was all about, but didn't have a clue even what language it was. It all seemed so far from anything that was familiar to me on a daily basis. We got off the train at the right station and as I passed him by I repeated the German phrase for "excuse me" that Brandon taught me. The little boy responded in clearly pronounced English. "That's okay, no problem, sir." Americans are so far behind the rest of the world in language skills.
Sandi brought a spring hat with her. The weather has been a little too cool to wear it much but it has caused much excitement. As we changed planes in Dusseldorf Sandi realized half way thorough tthe terminal that she left her hat in the over head. We sprinted back to the gate and she ran onto the plane. It was being cleaned by a group of people who thought she was a confussed terrorist. None the less they let her retrieve her hat. However, when she tried to get back into the terminal the door was locked. We communicated through the glass door with no results. There was no one around so she went back onto the plane to see if the cleaning crew could make a call. At just that time a man showed up and said something to me in German. I said, in English, that my wife was locked inside the jet way. If she had been there at that moment he might have understood, but she wasn't and backed away from me slowly.
Twenty minutes later a man came with a key and rescued her.
On the last night we were in Prague, we came back to the hotel and sat for a minute to figure out our plans for the next day. I looked behind the desk and hanging on a hook was a hat that looked just like Sandi's. I said "Hey Sandi, that looks like your hat," there was a moment of isn't that interesting followed by realization. Actually it was her hat, she had left it at the desk when we checked in and it had been there on the rack for three days waiting to be claimed. It sometimes pays to stop and look around where you are.
More on Prague later. It will require some time to collect my thoughts about the city.
As you were,
Jay
Filming "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only" at Historic Thalian Hall in Wilmington, NC on Sept. 15, 2012. Come join us on that Saturday and be a part of Broadway History.
 

Little known Saint

St. Beanie of Cecil.
As you were
Jay

Berlin with Luggage

Berlin is a great city and it is much more enjoyable when you have your luggage and there is not three feet of snow on the ground. A couple of years ago we experienced it with those conditions and this way is better. The legal age for drinking beer is 16 and it is okay to take your beer onto the streets and enjoy it as you stroll. Near the apartment where we are stayin is there is a bridge across the canal. As afternoon gives way to evening the bridge fills with people hanging out sipping their beers. It is a hopping place. As we "hung out" with my son and several of his friends we noticed a lady sitting alone talking to herself. Occasionally she would chase behind a car that crossed but mainly it was just yelling into the wind. I would suppect she was in her 40's much fatter than Janis Joplin but with a similar 60's attire. No one was paying her much mind, which was either encouraging her to yell louder or having no effect whatsoever. Since the rants were in German I could not understand what she was saying. She did seem to be saying one pharse over and over within the tyrade. I finally ask one the people we were with what it was that she was saying. William is a translator by profession, but had not been listening to her seriously. For a moment he put his attention on the yellling. He thought for a moment and said in his British accent. "Well, most of it is just gibberish, but she does keep saying one thing over and over very distinctly." "Yeah, what is that phrase she keeps saying." I asked. William said, "She is sayin, I need to get my penis cleaned can some one help me?" It sounded much funnier in German. I don't know if the police were the ones who helped her but they did escort her off the bridge. She was immediately replaced by a young man dressed in a tee shirt and poodle skirt doing cartwheels, with balls to the wind. We left the area before we found out what kind of help he was looking for. As you were, Jay

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Imagination for Hire

Never hired any one to imagine for you? Why not? As Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge". The missing ingredient in any success is probably lack of imagination.  If you are out of imagination,  or you have become "blocked" to your own imagination, why not hire someone to imagine for you. If you are out of paint you would go to someone with paint for sale; the same principles apply to imagination.  Get the raw materials you need to finish that project that is on the edge of success.

Modern business is stressed by too much knowledge and too little imagination.  On the other hand there are artists who lack the knowledge of a particular project, but have more imagination than they can use for themselves. Finally there is a way to bring these two resources together.

Welcome to Jaysons Imagination, Inc. - Imagination for hire. Adding imagination to your project is fulfilling, fun, and almost affordable. More importantly it is completely confidential.  No one will know it is not your imagination at work.  Jaysons will never disclose a client list nor use any information. Non-disclosure agreements are required for both the imaginor and the imaginee. 

At Jaysons Imagination, Inc. we get paid to think about it. You forget it, let us get it.  You give us the how or what  and forget it.  We will give you back the why, for a modest hourly fee.  It is cheaper than using that hour to think for yourself, even if you had the tools. 

When you have a project, product, service, book, screenplay, theatrical event, live performance or a simple toast to the married couple to conceive; You have to ask yourself...

What is my time worth? How many hours will I have to waste trying to be "creative"?  Do I have the time to sit around daydreaming? Of course you don't. At Jaysons Imagination we do. 

At Jaysons Imagination our business is daydreaming for you. Not only does it take that time demand off your calendar, Jaysons Imagination excels at daydreaming 24 hours a day, and we have been doing it for decades.  Over the years no one has wasted more time in creativity than the founder of Jaysons Imagination. 

Here are some of the words clients have used after subcontracting their imagination needs to Jaysons Imagination, Inc.: 

"Really?" 

"That idea worked great. Don't let on it was not mine. LOL"

"I had no 'creative' worries. I just let them (Jaysons) imagine for me."

"I looked like a hero when I used your imagination for hire.  Thank you Jaysons Imagination, Inc."

"I have found in my business there is a lot of wasted time in creating and creativity. I was never that 'artsy fartsy' anyway.  It used to stress me out. No more. Now I just let Jaysons Imagination, Inc. waste all that creative time for me."

"The price was reasonable for the imagination I needed. If anyone can imagine how it is, Jaysons Imagination can. "

 (Of course we can not revel the names of the famous clients that wrote these words, but you can imagine how big they are in the corporate and show business world.  If you can't imagine how famous these clients are then you could be in need of some "imagination for hire". call Jaysons Imagination, Inc for a free quote. )  

Don't waste another minute trying to imagine how it will be.  Let our imagination make it so. 

This was a paid advertisement. World is a Stage takes no responsibility for the claims made by Jaysons Imagination, Inc. However we have used their services and have found them to be excellent. 

As you were,

Jay