George Beres - An Independent View: Jeepers!

Moscovitz replaces Bah! Humbug! with Jeepers Creepers

By George Beres
For the Beacon

Charles Dickens would have been appalled! Jeepers Creepers instead of Bah! Humbug!? That was the new style expletive used by former Springfield city executive, Mike Moscovitz, as he played Scrooge in a mid-December production of “A Cracked Christmas Carol” at the Pleasant Hill Community Theatre.

The far-out adaptation of the Yule classic by local TV personality, Fred Crafts, was his first effort at play writing— more accurately, play adaptation. Were it to be taken seriously, the adaptation would have faultered. In the spirit of the season, and with a fine effort by a local cast of a dozen actors led by Moscovitz, it was fun shared by audiences at three performances.

As the printed program acknowledged, the work was a blend of the Scrooge theme, some jokes that were old in the days of vaudeville, and some snappy oneliners from Crafts himself. Among the latter:

•(Scrooge) I can’t take any more of this. What’s next? Waterboarding?
• I couldn’t warm up to Scrooge even if I were cremated with him.
• Tiny Tim’s baseball coach placed him on the disabled list.
• (A ghost) I’m just doing what comes supernaturally.
• The Cratchit family supper: diluted ketchup packets.
• (Scrooge) Son, buy for me the turkey in the grocery store window— the one as big as the Oregon Ducks mascot.
• Scrooge”s favorite Christmas carol: “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.”

Among the borrowed jokes Crafts used was the Jack Benny classic where he has difficulty making up his mind when a mugger says: “Your money, or your life.” It was funny again, though it had little to do with the plot.

Borrowing an idea from the recent Wildish Theatre production, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” actors had no staging to worry about. They spoke into microphones in a simulated radio drama. In the cozy comfort of the Pleasant Hill Theatre— seven tables of eight persons each— they did not need the amplification of the live mikes, which sometimes blared.

Makeup and costuming were not needed, although Moscovitz gained visual impact by wearing a long white wig that hung down to his shoulders.

Somehow, Crafts worked the Lone Ranger and a gay Tonto into the last scene, eliciting another “Jeepers Creepers” from Scrooge. That, at least, was in synch with the 1943 setting of the pretend radio show.

Maybe I was the only one old enough to remember, but a novelty hit tune of the early ‘40s was “Jeepers Creepers, where did you get those Peepers? Jeepers Creepers, where did you get those eyes?”

Our modern day Scrooge remembered.

MT Thoughts - A Christmas Memory

A Christmas Wish for Our Soldiers

By Michael Twitty
For the Beacon

As I was eating my lunch and reading the paper in a local restaurant, the song, “I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas” began playing in the background. The words were the same but the style and rhythm was not as I first learned it. A snapshot of a “White Christmas” past diverted my thoughts.

I cannot remember all the names or even their faces but I remember the Christmas.

I was serving in Korea stationed at JSA the Joint Security Area in Panmunjon, Korea. That Christmas a South Korean Soldier Sgt. Bang K.S. and I were manning Checkpoint 5. This was the security gate to The Neutral Nations Compound, home for the Swiss and Swedish officers assigned there. A similar compound existed on the North Korean side for officers from Czechoslovakia and Poland.

Part of our responsibility was to keep a log of all movement into or out of the checkpoint. Between the two compounds there was freedom of movement so it was not unusual that there were Czech and Polish officers in the Swiss and Swedish compound and vice versa. The only contact we made with each other was that of an enlisted man towards an officer. We saluted, passed them through and logged it.

That day there was quite a bit of traffic as the Swiss were hosting a holiday feast for the four nations. That evening Mr. Overle, the Swiss Warrant Officer who was also the compound Chef, approached our checkpoint. He brought with him some “leftovers” from their dinner. Not a huge portion but was it ever tasty. He came into the checkpoint and we carried on some small conversation about our homes and Christmas as we ate. After we were finished he took the plates and we thanked him. We wished each other a Merry Christmas and he left.

Shortly after, a couple of officers from Sweden appeared with some sort of holiday bread that I cannot remember the name of but was yellow and so unique in its flavor. As we ate the bread we learned that Sweden actually celebrates Christmas on the 17th of December but they also have a seasonal celebration that goes on for several days. This was traditional bread from their home.

During this season Sgt. Bang and I had received various Christmas treats cookies and fudge from home. Whatever we still had we had brought with us to the checkpoint to eat. We offered these homemade treats to our visitors and told them about our traditional holiday snacks. For the next two hours officers in groups of two or three from all four countries stopped and wished us a holiday greeting and offered us a sample of their home. Until we ran out we offered the same.

To say it seemed a little awkward the first time I found myself conversing with an officer from Poland or Czechoslovakia is an understatement. After all, according to doctrine at the time they represented a communist country. Yet, each conversation was about home and the holidays. We were wearing different uniforms but we shared the same duty, and that duty had sent us far from home at a time of family gatherings. We all shared the feeling that the source of this duty was the love of our home. Sharing some memory or tidbit from a past Christmas brought smiles to both the teller and the listener.

When we were relieved and returned to the main guardhouse Armed Forces Radio was playing Christmas carols. One song that I had heard many times before came on just as I was lying down to catch some sleep.

“I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love…Even more than I usually do…And although it is a long road back I promise you… I'll be home for Christmas… You can count on me… Please have snow and mistletoe… And presents on the tree… Christmas Eve will find me… Where the love light gleams… I'll be home for Christmas… If only in my dreams”.

I remember thinking how true. I thought of all the memories of Christmas I had just shared at the checkpoint. I had also listened to many other stories of the holidays from every other member of my platoon. I dropped off with a smile.

Today we have gotten involved here at home with all sorts of political bickering about holiday wishes and what is a proper greeting or display. It appears to me we are too busy taking offense at some action or thinking we are being targeted by some special interest that we fail to remember the meaning of the holiday season.

Over thirty years ago soldiers wearing the uniform of six different countries celebrated a “White Christmas”. We were not looking at motive. We just shared the wish that this would be the last one away from home. Not just for ourselves but for every one of us. To this day I still wish that no soldier should have to spend Christmas away from home. Unfortunately that is not the reality of world politics.

To all of us here at home I wish you peace on earth and goodwill toward all men. To our soldiers around the world I wish you sweet dreams.

Letters to the Editor - Dec. 26, 2007

America is in a deep crisis

I am proud to be an American. That sounds like a cliché, however, I am proud of America’s overall record of defending freedom and its long-standing conservative use of its power and influence. An unbiased, honest survey of American history will indicate that America has made some errors, however, the preponderance of evidence will demonstrate America’s tradition of benevolence among the nations

That being said, it is evident that America is in deep crisis. America’s current congress is corrupt, and deeply and disgracefully divided. The factions are so deep within congress that it does not even appear to be a viable organization. Has any current congressional leaders stepped forward and produced any productive legislation in the last two or three years? Is there any recent legislation that would bring about reconciliation and unity in congress?

America’s leadership is so fragmented that the government is paralyzed. The politicians do not even trust each other. Billions of dollars are wasted as one politician attempts to bring down another politician. A great deal of congress’ time is wasted on endless investigations. The only discernable pattern in congress is the continual effort to handcuff the United States on national defense, and homeland security.

Democracy at this point in time in America is not working. The citizens of the United States have an opportunity to correct this current disgraceful situation. It is extremely important that all citizens take the presidential elections seriously and study carefully the candidates’ positions, put aside biases, petty projects and keep in mind the future generations of America. Determine what we want for our children and grandchildren. Get rid of the do nothing politicians and determine that we want to continue on our path of democracy. We do not want socialism, fascism, Islamic religious rule or a myriad of other undesirable governments! The choice of president in 08 will go a long way in determining America’s future.

Arvid Freiberg
Springfield


Keep up the good work

I was glad to see that George Beres has joined the Springfield Beacon and I enjoyed his thought-provoking column, "An Independent View."

Also, I really am enjoying the 50 weeks, 50 artists series - I am impressed with the talent and variety we have in our community that I actually had no idea about before the series began.

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Charlotte Behm
Springfield

George Beres - An Independent View: At the Wildish Theater

Creative sounds evoke Christmases past in Springfield

By George Beres
For the Beacon

Half-a-century whizzed by in an instant when the curtain rose on “Playhouse of the Air” at Springfield’s shiny new Wildish Theatre in early December. Actually, there was no curtain for the Lord Leebrick production. Only a group of actors standing behind radio microphones, and in front of a table stocked with tools used by a creative pair of sound effects men. The visual starkness in no way detracted from a marvelous sound replay of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The time warp for me came from memories this novel production evoked of when I long ago sat in studio audiences for 1940s radio broadcasts in Chicago. That was before the TV picture replaced imagery that sound alone stirred in the mind of a listener. An example was “The Chicago Theatre of the Air,” which used to originate musical drama from the studios of that city’s super station, WGN.

At one corner of the WGN stage were microphones used by actors to speak operetta dialogue. At the other, microphones were used by vocalists who sang in place of the actors. As in the Springfield production, there were no costumes nor sets, so the audience still had to turn to imagination used when one listened at home over a radio speaker.

Voice versatility enabled the Springfield production of the Frank Capra movie classic to need only six actors on stage to play a dozen different personalities, as well as the effects of crowd noise. Best example was that of Bary Shaw. With one set of vocal inflections, he was the announcer who spoke to the vast radio audience, and also to those sitting raptly in the Wildish Theatre. With another, he portrayed the villain of the piece, the selfish and wealthy Mr. Potter.

Lead role of the self-sacrificing George Bailey was played by Jeff Pierce, who was happily positive under all conditions until he and his town, Bedford Falls, whose finances he managed, faced bankruptcy. That led him to the edge of suicide, resulting in the fairy tale involvement of the angel, Clarence, to save him from death and enable townsfolk to come to his rescue, putting Potter in his place, and saving the day.

In the only nod given costuming, the two sound effects men wore bright red suspenders to go with the seasonal setting of the production, Christmas. Bells, whistles, doors opening and shutting, feet crunching in snow (breakfast cereal) were among tools used by Dale Jestice and Bob Welch to create a sound environment that was real. Welch, in a cameo appearance, probably has the name best known to the audience at the Wildish because of his regular column for the Register-Guard of Eugene.

The live audience was captivated by a performance whose sound effects never allowed it to drag despite the static appearance of the actors. A smack to the jaw of Bailey lost none of its impact even for those of us who saw the sound was produced by Jestice striking his palm with his fist. One exception to the static stances of the actors was a scene in which the soundmen played a boogie woogie record of the ‘40s, and Bailey and his wife jitterbugged in a corner.

Another musical moment came when actors joined in a singing commercial for the show’s sponsor, a hair tonic. The original words were sung to the tune of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” a song not yet written when “It’s a Wonderful Life” first was staged. But the setting was Christmastime, so it fit— as did everything else in a marvelous evocation of a bygone time.

Letters to the Editor - Dec. 19, 2007

Wildish event a memorial treat

A Slug Queen, Newscaster, Champagne and chocolate appeared to be an odd mix but did get my curiosity going. The Springfield Chamber of Commerce promoted it as an evening with Leigh Ann Jasheway-Bryant the 2007 Eugene Slug Queen, Rick Dancer a KEZI 9 Newscaster and champagne and chocolate at the Wildish Theater located on Main Street in Springfield.

Rarely do I experience such a joyful, fun and entertaining evening to add to my memory tapes. What a valuable treasure the Wildish Theater is. A special treat was the Eugene Opera opening the evening with a sample performance.

Rick Dancer in a matter of minutes set the crowd off on an emotional roller coaster that had me going from tears to laughter and back to tears. Rick Dancer stood on the stage and shared a “risk taker” part of himself that was motivating and encouraging as he personally challenged the audience to step outside the box and their personal comfort zones.

Leigh Ann Jasheway-Bryant, “The Accidental Comic” in her lime green attire and flamingo hat wasted no time in requiring us to reach for tissues to wipe away the tears from laughing. Exchanging her flamingo hat for a Slug Queen tiara she signed books at the end of her performance.

If you missed this wonderful evening stay tuned as the Springfield Chamber of Commerce announced they will be hosting another Chamber Presents event March 12.

Thank you Northwest Community Credit Union and McKenzie River Broadcasting for sponsoring such an incredibly fun and memorable evening.

Shirley Gauthier
Springfield


Show support for Springfield

I never seem to be in the right place at the right time when you are conducting “Springfield Speaks Out” so I thought I would have my own say. The last one was if I or others planned on shopping, using the Internet this year? After speaking to six others, the resounding answer was No! We want to shop and support our local retailers and crafts persons.

The other question was what we liked about Springfield. Answer: It is such a pleasure and joy to go to the stores, gas stations, restaurants, churches and be greeted pleasantly and with a smile instead of a frown and rudeness which we receive from Eugene.

Our newspaper (Springfield Beacon), states that it is fair and impartial in reporting the news. It is about Springfield's community. And that is all true. Kudos to all the staff and a big warm thank you to the publisher and editors for your vision and your perseverance in bringing us our own paper, so that we have a choice of reading the unscrupelous rag next door or one that is truly an unbiased community paper.

They have tried to put a section of paper for Springfield, but they have failed to attract our community with their cheap tricks. You are the best and are growing and I know that you will continue to do so. Our business community is starting to take notice that not everyone reads and shops in Eugene.

Your new columnist George Beres shows that it is truly an independent view and impartial reporting that gave him the scoop, which the Oregonian and Register-Guard didn't show up because it wasn't fair or partial in their favor.

One last word or words. Come on Springfield, let's stand together & show what it means to be from Springfield, Ore. Let’s support our businesses and especially our newspaper and finally each other. Keep smiling and greeting each other with love and respect. Just look at what our schools and children are doing. You, their parents, deserve a round of applause for caring and raising them.

Bob Ashburn
Springfield

MT Thoughts - A Fair Exchange

Sharing: The True Spirit of The Pioneers

By Michael Twitty
Springfield Beacon

Robert E. Lee turned down command of the Union Forces because he could not bear arms against his beloved home state of Virginia. I understand his sentiment.

Stories of the hardships and obstacles our ancestors faced have always been a source of pride. Our state did not become a state because of prospectors seeking to get rich quick. We became a state because of families making Oregon their home. The determination with which they met the obstacles placed in front of them we honor as the “Pioneer Spirit.”

When we became a state we only had limited communication with the rest of the country. We were independent, self-reliant and proud of it. The fact that half the country can’t even pronounce our state is ample proof of our uniqueness. I have heard people say the pioneer spirit is one of independence. I believe the true spirit of the pioneer was sharing. They shared the hardships of the Oregon Trail, the long voyages around Cape Horn. They shared the building of homes, churches, and communities. They shared celebrations and tragedy. As a result we became the state we are today.

I have always been fiercely proud of Oregon and my fellow Oregonians. I believe there is no place quite as beautiful or livable as our state. Events of the last week have confirmed that pride is well founded.

I have heard the lament that it requires adversity to bring us together. About how sad it is that it takes a disaster to unite us. I contend the efforts following a disaster just push this spirit to the front. The bond of community is there, it is not something we always call on. But, when we do, it is ready.

All you need for proof of this was to be among the thousands of smiles, the squeals of laughter, the spreading of joy that so many of us experienced at our Christmas Parade Saturday. How many felt they were sharing something in common with your neighbors as you stood or sat and watched? How many in our community united to give us this pleasure? Surely they did not do so out of adversity. They did so because they have pride in Springfield, our home. They wanted to celebrate our community and the season. They wanted to share this celebration. We marched, we watched and we cheered in agreement.

Last week our State was hit with a major storm. We have all seen the amazing pictures and heard of the loss suffered. We at the Springfield Beacon decided it would be of interest to our neighbors here, to relay how you could help our fellow Oregonians that suffered the brunt of the storm.

I contacted the local emergency centers for Columbia, Clatsop, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties. I asked how things were progressing and if there was a way we could assist. As I talked back and forth with Vicki, Janet, Mary, Brandy, Tom, Gregg, and others, I was reminded time and time again of what the “Oregon Spirit” is. “You know how it is around here,” Mary at Lincoln County stated. "Everyone has a chainsaw that lives out of the cities."

Stories were told to me of neighbors helping neighbors in so many ways. The word “stranger” was gone from conversation, everyone was a neighbor. The cheery confidence in their voices convinced me that they are on their way back. The spirit of their town is intact.

In Vernonia, one of the hardest hit areas. Work parties for all those willing, gather each morning.

They welcome volunteers to help. They ask you come prepared with work gloves, boots and protective eyewear. They caution however, that at present they do not have the facilities to handle a large influx of people which could place further strain on resources. They ask that those who are willing to help come self-reliant. They can use help in many areas, cleaning up flooded homes and businesses, repairing damage and just getting their community back to normal. If you are interested, contact (503) 397-7255 ext 2286 to volunteer.

Many families and businesses throughout the region lost everything. A complete assessment of the loss will take a while. Red Cross donation sites for Oregon flood relief are set up at every US Bank. There is also a need for non-perishable food items, furniture and clothing. The Columbia Pacific Food Bank in St Helens is accepting food their phone is (503) 397-9708. Clothing and furniture they ask you to drop off at the Lincoln grade school in Vernonia or contact Charlie Ray at (503) 791-0675.

The “Oregon Spirit,” the “Pioneer Spirit,” the “Christmas Spirit.” They all thrive on sharing. We share the joys of a parade. We share the sorrow of loss. We share the love of our home. Every time we share we can come away from it stronger. The rewards that come back to you if you are willing are immeasurable.

I, like many, have fished the Nehalem River. I have traveled and enjoyed the areas that were hit hardest. They are part of our state, part of our home. They need our help.

All they can offer in return is the opportunity to share in the rebuilding and the thanks of our fellow Oregonians. I think it is more than a fair exchange.

George Beres - An Independent View: Major Scoop

Oregonian choice to ignore a story gives Beacon a major scoop

By George Beres
For the Beacon

It's rare the Springfield Beacon could get a story that is a national scoop over the Oregon daily press especially The Oregonian and Register-Guard of Eugene. But it can happen, and this column is proof.

Back on Oct. 24, two distinguished and controversial authors in the nation spoke at the Hilton Hotel in Portland. Professors John Mearsheimer of Chicago and Stephen Walt of Harvard made a one day-stop on their tour of the nation. They spoke about their new book that has brought them attention worldwide: "The Israeli Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy."

I got an invitation to the news conference that preceded the talk, and battled rush hour traffic to get there. I walked in just in time-- and was stunned. The guests were seated at a table, and I was the only reporter there. The Oregonian did not show. No TV nor radio reporters were there. The guests were courteous to me in the half-hour before their ballroom talk for the World Affairs Council of Oregon. They answered my questions at length.

But for the big question – where was everybody else – there was no answer.

The next day I called the lead columnist at the Oregonian, an old friend, Steve Duin, to ask if he knew why his paper did not cover the story.

"I'm not the right person to ask," said Steve. "I know you realize the paper can't cover all stories."

That last comment was tongue-in-cheek. Steve knew this was the big story in Portland that day. Outside of a terrorist attack, nothing would have kept the major media from being there. There was no other competing story, especially for a paper that has dozens of reporters.
The incident was nothing new to the speakers. Mearsheimer said their talk a few weeks earlier for the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs had been cancelled at almost the last minute. The Council told him it was reacting to complaints from several Jewish and Zionist groups, mainly AIPAC, that objected to the talk. The explanation, he implied, was in the title of his book, a subject the Israeli lobby nationwide has gone to great lengths to silence.

They are not alone as lobby targets. It succeeded in having an invitation to Archbishop Tutu withdrawn before he was to speak in Minnesota. President Jimmy Carter has been taken to task by Israel apologists because his book referred to Apartheid in Palestine. These are significant people facing efforts to prevent them from freely expressing themselves.
Here is part of what Mearsheimer and Walt told me at my "private" news conference:

"AIPAC has boasted – and it's true – that it defeated for re-election candidates who raised any kind of question about Israel. They include prominent Illinois Senators Charles Percy and Adlai Stevenson, a Republican and a Democrat. That was enough to strike terror into the hearts of senators who were reconsidering their Middle East votes in behalf of Israel. Party backers of Stevenson wilted under pressure. One-time AIPAC executive director, Tom Dine, said: "American politicians got the message."

The AIPAC lobby's muscle has been flexed in Oregon, too. Former Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to Oregon to stump in behalf of Sen. Gordon Smith when he made his successful run for the Senate. Smith did not need Israeli money. But the visit was a clear message about the importance of his votes for Israel.

Its efforts paid unexpected dividends for a former Oregonian, the late Illinois Sen. Paul Simon. Simon was a big underdog running against Percy in the mid-1980s. Simon, a long-time friend, told me: "My campaign manager was astounded by the unexpected flow of money my effort was getting. It was coming from Jewish groups I'd never encountered. Their point, I guess, was to teach Sen. Percy a lesson about loyalty."

The lesson, Simon told me in private, was learned by many elected officials. Unfortunately, it was that loyalty went to a foreign nation instead of to the United States.