Journey to Jordan – New release date

My debut novel, Journey to Jordan, is being released in April 2009!

Preview copies will be available in February; interviews and reviews will be done in February and March leading up the launch in April.

Wahoo!!!

The Jackson 5 Redux

So, it’s being reported that Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. has been working with the feds to nail Hot Rod on his pay-to-play scheme. Apparently, Hot Rod ticked off JJJ when he wouldn’t appoint Sandy Jackson (JJJ’s wife) to head the Illinois Lottery unless JJJ raised major loot. Also, it’s reported that Hot Rod pulled out support for the Peotone airport (JJJ’s pet project since he went to Congress) because JJJ wouldn’t cough up cash to Hot Rod’s campaign.

Hmmm…

If this is indeed true – and I really hope it is – Hot Rod is really in the hot seat.

God Save the People!

Saturday, I had a blast from my very distant past. I watched Godspell. I remember watching it as a first-grader. Aside from the music, I found the movie rather disturbing. I think it was the imagery; seeing the Gospel played out by clown-like hippies – especially the scene where Jesus is crucified – freaked me out as a 5-year-old.

The film is 35 years old and I decided to watch it again to see how I would react to it. And again, I was disturbed, but not for the reasons listed above. But before I get to those, I have to say I had some interesting surprises. The first were two of the actors: the late Lynne Thigpen (who had a beautiful singing voice) and as Jesus, Victor Garber (Mr. Andrews in Titanic, Alias, Eli Stone). I knew he could sing (I saw him in the remake of Annie), but as “Jesus,” he was barely recognizable. He was so young and thin and his voice didn’t have that slight British accent that I love. (I don’t know if his accent is really British, but that’s the way it comes across.)

The second surprise was the Biblical accuracy within the music and dialogue. Though it doesn’t completely follow the chronological account of the Gospels, it does stay fairly close to Scripture. Also, the beautiful theme of “Day by Day” should be everyone’s prayer:

Day by day, day by day,

Oh, dear Lord, three things I pray:

To see thee more clearly

To love thee more dearly

To follow thee more nearly

Day by day.

But here’s the one part that disturbed me. The movie’s climax is, of course, the crucifixion (“Oh God, I’m dying”). As the disciples carry Christ from the “cross” into the deserted streets, they disappear around a corner, only to have the hustle and bustle of the streets to resume without any resolution. The reason this disturbed me is because Christ’s story is incomplete. Without the resurrection, there is no hope of salvation. So when the movie ends in a chorus of “God Save the People” and “Day by Day,” I felt the real message had been lost – and that was the real tragedy.

Still, I’d take Godspell over most of the other movies made about the Gospel of Christ (The Passion of the Christ being the exception). At least in this version, Christ’s disciples were made up of all colors and genders – and none of them had a British accent.

It’s a Jackson 5!

The newest story out of the Hot Rod story is that Jesse Jackson Jr. is allegedly Candidate #5 in the list of those involved with the “pay-to-play” charge.

From all the current evidence, JJJ is not actually accused of anything, but there were alleged conversations by an “emissary” who hoped that JJJ would raise funds for Blago.

I’m a fan of JJJ, and I really hoped he would run for mayor. He chose to stay in Congress and with the new Senate seat in play, I thought he’d make a great choice.

But as much as I admire him, I don’t think – under this cloud – he would be the best choice. I don’t necessarily think he’s guilty, but it certainly doesn’t look good.

Hot Rod in the City

Last week, Rod Blagojevich stated that he thought George Ryan should be set free from prison.

Two days ago, Rod Blagojevich stated that there was nothing but sunshine over his head and dared the Feds or anyone else to tape him.

Apparently, they took him up on his offer.

Yesterday, Rod Blagojevich was arrested and charged (I prefer indicted) with trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat, among other things.

I’m sure he’s hoping that someone will ask President Obama to set him free in a couple of years.

But I doubt it.

Wonder if those are storm clouds over his head.