Daveland Challenge

In a pivotal scene from “Gone with the Wind,” Scarlett (Vivien Leigh) attempts to put the make on Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard). Both their families are starving after having lost their fortunes during the Civil War. Before he gives in to Scarlett’s charms, Ashley shares some very insightful wisdom (thanks to author Margaret Mitchell!) that is just as applicable today as it was then:

In the end what will happen will be what has happened whenever a civilization breaks up. The people who have brains and courage come through and the ones who haven't are winnowed out.

The COVID-19 situation is definitely one of those times when people either sink or swim. I challenge my readers to be among the survivors and offer some tips that you will hopefully find useful.

1. Learn a new skill. I see so many people bemoaning how bored they are. Become a DIY'er! Learn how to sketch! Pull a MacGyver and create your own home gym! Clean your house! Do some yardwork! The list could be endless!



2. Improve an old or rusty skill. I've often said I'd love to get out the saxophone or violin again and start playing again...or the paint brushes...or the sketchbook...and depending upon how long this quarantine lasts (and how long it takes me to finish my current projects!) I just may do that. What talent or skill from your past have you neglected because you don't have enough time?



3. Work on that positive attitude! Recently, a friend posted on their social media, "I'm so depressed." That was it. Where does one begin on that one? While I understand completely that these are some scary times, just what do you expect to come from dumping a message like that into the universe? Sure, you'll get the typical "Oh, you're a fabulous person!" responses from maybe fifty of your closest (social media) friends (who you've never met and probably never will). After that little hit of dopamine, that worthless puff of smoke up your ass won't even get you a cup of coffee. So...instead of feeling depressed...do something that makes you happy. And if you can’t find even one thing that makes you happy, then it’s fair to say that you are one of those people who enjoy being depressed. Yup…people like that do exist. For me, spending time with my dog always puts a smile on my face. Going for a run. Taking photos. Watching a favorite movie like “Pitch Perfect” or “It’s Complicated” (keep it funny and upbeat, people!) can do wonders, just as a classic TV comedy like “I Love Lucy.” The high I get from any of those activities lasts a lot longer than a social media zap. What’s your favorite happy activity?



4. Reinvent yourself! Remember Fagin’s song from “Oliver!” titled, “Reviewing the Situation”? If you’ve been unhappy with the cards life has dealt you (or the ones you’ve chosen), take a good solid look at yourself and make a change. You can either say, “It‘s too hard” and stay miserable, or put that brain to use and figure out a more productive fruitful path. Take the restaurant industry for example; some have closed their doors and others have reinvented themselves by providing pickup/takeout services. I saw a line two blocks long the other day for a BBQ restaurant near me. Kudos to the owner of that place for examining the current situation and figuring out how to make that proverbial lemonade!

Daveland suggestions of what to cut back on or avoid:

1. The media. Sure, everyone needs to stay on top of the news (and I use the term “news” very loosely lately), but do we really need as much as we get? Find out from reliable informed sources what you should be doing, mix in a good dose of common sense, and then go about your day. Realize that a "medical journalist” is not the same as an actual doctor or a source from the CDC. And while we are on the subject of doctors, remember that there are many different types; unless they are a specialist in the field they are discussing, their opinion may not count for squat. And finally, don’t get sucked in by the sensational and negative headlines. If it starts out with “could” or “might,” then I typically ignore it. There's a long list of coulda’ shoulda’ woulda’s out there, and if you get sucked into that rabbit hole, just about the only thing you’ll gain is a headache and depression.

2. Your computer/cellphone. Disconnect. Go back to basics. Enjoy life and reality (not the virtual one). While I don’t know that I necessarily believe the theories about 5G towers causing COVID-19 and other health issues, I do believe that having an electronic device next to your ear all day long cannot be good for you. I know I've stopped making calls while I walk my dog; instead I choose to enjoy that activity rather than attempt to multi-task. My dog and my friends/family deserve my undivided attention.

There you go. I hope you’ll take the Daveland Challenge to find something positive during what we are experiencing on this little planet together. Got any tips for staying positive lately?

See more photos at my main website.

March 1977 Flashback: Oliver!

Forty-three years ago, I was playing the title role in my junior high musical, “Oliver!” How I won the lead is still beyond my comprehension, but I sure was grateful and it was such a memorable experience. So memorable that I’m blogging about it today!



I had seen (and worshipped) the 1968 film version, starring Mark Lester and Jack Wild. Jack Wild?!? From H.R. Pufnstuf? That’s right! What more did I need to like the movie?



I also loved the Lionel Bart score. So much in fact that I played my vinyl album to death. I knew every word to each song by heart, which probably didn’t hurt my chances in capturing the part.



Here’s my take on “Food, Glorious Food.” Don’t ask me why they let me use an orange plastic bowl for this scene. What was our prop department thinking?!? (note: both the bowl and the wooden spoon were from my mother’s kitchen)



All of the students in the play had the assignment of bringing in old used clothing to be made into rags for the orphanage scenes. I asked my mother last minute and she was extremely annoyed. She donated a pair of pants that my older brother had made in Home Economics. A few weeks later, they were back in my possession. The prop department liked them so much that they decided to let me wear them when I was adopted by my rich grandfather. This is what 19th century wealth looks like?!? For the musical number “Who Will Buy?”, the scene begins in my room first thing in the morning. Wearing a nightgown, I was to change on stage (discreetly of course) into my “swell” clothes. To this day I remember the embarrassment of not being able to get that damn zipper to work. Finally, just before the orchestra queued me for my first note, I was able to get that stupid thing to work. Moral of the story: don’t let your brother make your clothes. These are the pants and the scene I just described:



My dad captured almost every moment, including me getting makeup on backstage. At the time, I was mortified. Today, I am grateful. There’s that orange bowl again. Nobody was going to pry that out of my hands!



I remember the play being videotaped. If only I knew where that was; sure would be great to see it again. Anyone from Tredyffrin-Easttown Junior High know where that old tape might be?

See more photos at my main website.

Favorite Movies: The 1960's

Only in a 60's melodrama could an affair be so glamorous. In "Back Street," (1961) Susan Hayward steals the show as good-girl Rae Smith. She falls in love with a married man who has two kids, but it's ok...his wife (Vera Miles) is a wicked drunk.





For drama on a much more serious note, "Judgment at Nuremberg" (1961) is the movie to watch. Judy Garland and Montgomery Clift give riveting cameos in a movie that deals with the atrocities that occurred during World War II.



Lightening up the mood quite a few notches, "The Parent Trap" (1961) is probably my very favorite live-action Disney film. Sure, Hayley Mills is wonderful, but Maureen O'Hara is spectacular as the independent Irish woman who is still in love with her ex (Brian Keith).



"Bye Bye Birdie" (1963) is a powder-puff of a musical done on the cheap, but thanks to a memorable score, Ann-Margret, and Paul Lynde, it is a ton-o-fun to watch.



"North by Northwest" is Hitchcock to perfection, but "Marnie" (1964) is the master at his most gloriously raw and flawed self. Hitch carefully and painfully guided model Tippi Hedren into a top-notch performance as the frigid kleptomaniac who is able to resist Sean Connery.



What can be said about "Mary Poppins" (1964) that hasn't been said already? Julie Andrews proved that you don't have to be a huge name to carry a film. Walt's instincts on her were supercalifrag...you get the idea.



Often criticized as being too saccharine, "The Sound of Music" (1965) still stands the test of time. Who could ever tire of Julie Andrews going from nunnery to Captain's wife with all the gusto and bravado of a "whirling dervish"? You can't help but fall in love with the beauty of Salzburg as well, as Maria and the Von Trapp children take you through the city on a musical tour with "Do Re Mi."





Just when you think you might overdose on the sweetness of the film, Eleanor Parker comes on board to even the playing field as the quietly bitchy Baroness. Hisssssssssss...





Glamorous MGM screen siren Lana Turner lets it all hang out in "Madame X" (1966). Whether she's tying one on with Burgess Meredith in Mexico or dramatically collapsing in a bank of snow in Europe, she will tug on your heartstrings as the poor misunderstood girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Holly Parker.



"The Graduate" (1967) shows Hollywood transitioning from artifice to reality, as it shows the trouble an aimless college graduate gets into when he has an affair with a much older married woman.



"Oliver!" (1968) is the Hollywood musical of the 1960's; dirty, gritty, and a wonderful soundtrack to boot, it doesn't shy away from showing the not-so-pretty side of Charles Dickens' characters.



See more classic Movie & TV photos on my regular web page.