Lynell, I'm a passionate Greg Olear fan. I see you're VA by way of MD&DC. I've just become VA by way of LA (Louisiana). How can we lure Greg? The flowers and trees are glorious in VA right now. I'll buy Empress if he does a book signing in DC or northern VA. I already have Dirty Rubles, but it's still back in LA.
Morning, Sharon! I have seen and cheered your various posts on Prevail. Indeed, Virginia is on the cusp of springtime blooming. It is always a sight to behold. Not that we have a corner of the market on beauty, mind you. I just have no reason to settle in any other of the available corners.
I am not much of a reader of books (long story as to why), but did buy a signed copy of Empress. Much to my surprise, it's a page-turner; a superb whodunnit wrapped in the Byzantine world; a confirmation that not much has changed when it comes to humans' total disregard for the sanctity of life, where money and power are what rules.
I was an English major, so into good, long reads. I gave that up after 9-11 because I was determined to get some understanding of why broad swaths of humanity despise my beloved country. It's been a long road. Now that I have a broader understanding thanks to scholars like Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Heather Cox Richardson, Chalmers Johnson, I do sometimes indulge in fiction. However, now that my days are numbered (I have cancer), fiction seems like an indulgence, but I will make the sacrifice for Greg who's taught me so much. I love this man.
Hmm, we must have Greg weigh in and tell us whether or not "Empress" is a fictional account of Byzantine life. Most if not all of the characters portrayed in the book are real. (I've looked them up on the internet!) I don't know what part, if any, is indeed fictional. I love Greg, too; why else would I not only buy his almost 700-page book and then read it!
Wishing it wasn't so about your cancer. An ugly disease we can all do without. Sending a bright light your way.
It's fictionalized, of course, but everything that happens happened, if that makes sense? The only character I invented was Ramwold. And I don't know who the court astrologer was, but they certainly had at least one.
We've talked about this before. I WANT to read your book, especially now that I know it's fictionalized history. My problem now is low stamina. 700 pages would be hard to get through considering my nap schedule. LOL
I loooove this. Needed it this morning. I'm so old, everything I read reminds me of something else. In this case, your post reminds me of something my daddy said years ago. Someone brought up Captain Kangaroo, and Daddy said wistfully, "That was our theme song." I was 14 when we got our first TV. We lived in an authentic tiny house and Mama and Daddy had six kids by then. The only time they got any privacy during daylight hours was when the little ones were fixed in front of Captain Kangaroo, and they could sneak away to grab some afternoon delight.
Fantastic ..I had a revelation..last night,this morning.I watched the Movie Midnight Sky.. with George Clooney on Netflix (highly recommend)It's about Apocalypse Earth....but my revelation,which I imparted to you is. Nihilism that RepJamie Raskin,spoke about on the house floor,IS A Republican evil trait,being forced on Americans.(our kids especially) Nihilism is Nazism.The antithesis of the 2 N words..is CARING...This song teaches CARING.Caring is also L❤️VE.. SPREAD the Contagion of L❤️VE.. We must love our Planet,and CARE about all living things..Thank you Greg'OH MY DEAR🥰
For our family 80’s Sesame Street was our goto. In my childhood it involved Wile E Coyote seeking a roadrunner for dinner or white hat Roy Rogers racing to kill dirtbag ranchers. Lucky you.
Brings back memories…. From when my grands were tykes. I grieve for what tv could have been. I remember a time when PBS was so wonderful with no ads, A and E, The Learning Channel, and Bravo had quality shows. Then the repubs decided that commercial meant trash. Then I heard Andy Cohen being complimented for his effort to remake A and E and Bravo programming and I heaved. Of course, CBS’ Survivor ushered in reality bull Schitt to the nauseating. After Walter died and Rupert was invited in by Ronnie, the fake human, news became a commercial rating bonanza, dumbed down and geared to entertainment of the great unwashed and the smart people who had found a propaganda organ to match Goebbels. Repubs have always done everything they could to promote the lowest common denominator. Sorry for the rant, but I get pissed all over again when I resort to watching TCM and PBS shows from the 80’s and 90’s. Good thing my memory not great, almost like the first time.
Lots of folks are repelled by the fund drives on PBS. IMO, the US should support public broadcasting so this is completely unnecessary. That would bring a lot of folks back, especially poor folks who can't afford cable and only have an antenna to pick network TV. No fund drives. No commercials.
We were just talking about “Lazytown” a few weeks ago, because it was just SO WEIRD! “Yo Gabba Gabba” was one of my oldest daughter’s favorites, along with “Wow Wow Wubbzy”. I do remember the Noggin song-they had many clever songs/skits. It was a big deal for me to allow my kids to watch anything other than PBS because I did not want them to see commercials. As for the Worm Moon - WOW! Last May I suddenly became aware of all the birds and animals in my backyard. Ever since, I have been amazed at all of the activity. The squirrels have been listening and digging this week and I assume they hear the worms. And the best thing is that the Robins have reappeared! Looking forward to Spring and all the wonders I will find in my backyard!
Thanks, Bill! And: oh no, I just now remembered that you sent me a lovely email about a poem and I neglected to respond to it properly. Please forgive me! My brain is not what it used to be.
Thank you Greg! I have to admit I woke up kind of grumpy. I am not a fan of the “daylight savings time” time changes. Spring forward is a particular thorn in my side. But watching and listening to this turned my mood around and gave me my smile back.
Right there with you, Karen! DST is an hour STOLEN from all of us by the government, who refuses to get it together enough to get rid of this ridiculous time change every year. This goofy song brought a smile to my face too when I didn't think that'd be possible today. Greg is the best!
Greg, that is so sweet. Now as a "grammy" of a 3 year old who has cerebral palsy we watch lots of Netflix children shows. Baby Bum is his favorite and the world stops for Wheels on the Bus. He is currently non-verbal, but I'm certain his first words will be "round and round all through the town".
I stream a Philadelphia radio station at work, and every Friday evening there is a clip from the Banana Split show. It's short, but instantly I am seven, eating cold cereal and watching. Ya ya ya!
Now, that's my kind of music! Happy Sunday, Greg Olearests!
Lynell, I'm a passionate Greg Olear fan. I see you're VA by way of MD&DC. I've just become VA by way of LA (Louisiana). How can we lure Greg? The flowers and trees are glorious in VA right now. I'll buy Empress if he does a book signing in DC or northern VA. I already have Dirty Rubles, but it's still back in LA.
Morning, Sharon! I have seen and cheered your various posts on Prevail. Indeed, Virginia is on the cusp of springtime blooming. It is always a sight to behold. Not that we have a corner of the market on beauty, mind you. I just have no reason to settle in any other of the available corners.
I am not much of a reader of books (long story as to why), but did buy a signed copy of Empress. Much to my surprise, it's a page-turner; a superb whodunnit wrapped in the Byzantine world; a confirmation that not much has changed when it comes to humans' total disregard for the sanctity of life, where money and power are what rules.
I was an English major, so into good, long reads. I gave that up after 9-11 because I was determined to get some understanding of why broad swaths of humanity despise my beloved country. It's been a long road. Now that I have a broader understanding thanks to scholars like Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Heather Cox Richardson, Chalmers Johnson, I do sometimes indulge in fiction. However, now that my days are numbered (I have cancer), fiction seems like an indulgence, but I will make the sacrifice for Greg who's taught me so much. I love this man.
Hmm, we must have Greg weigh in and tell us whether or not "Empress" is a fictional account of Byzantine life. Most if not all of the characters portrayed in the book are real. (I've looked them up on the internet!) I don't know what part, if any, is indeed fictional. I love Greg, too; why else would I not only buy his almost 700-page book and then read it!
Wishing it wasn't so about your cancer. An ugly disease we can all do without. Sending a bright light your way.
Oh, Lynell. That touches me. I've made note of your excellent commentary on The Five 8. I almost feel we know each other. Thank you.
It's fictionalized, of course, but everything that happens happened, if that makes sense? The only character I invented was Ramwold. And I don't know who the court astrologer was, but they certainly had at least one.
I'm not going to tell you to do anything you don't want to do, least of all read my book. : )
We've talked about this before. I WANT to read your book, especially now that I know it's fictionalized history. My problem now is low stamina. 700 pages would be hard to get through considering my nap schedule. LOL
Besides, I ask you to read my stuff all the time. It's only fair.
Fuck cancer! I’m sorry to hear about yours Sharon!!
Greg is not only a hoot, but a great source of creativity and inspiration in an epoch where the world so lacking!
I hope all the Prevail faithful have a sublimely wonderful day!!
Thanks Patrick.
I'm so glad you liked it!
I am long overdue for a trip to DC.
Be still my foolish heart. I'm really close. Lookup Woodbridge, VA.
Ha! Thanks!
I loooove this. Needed it this morning. I'm so old, everything I read reminds me of something else. In this case, your post reminds me of something my daddy said years ago. Someone brought up Captain Kangaroo, and Daddy said wistfully, "That was our theme song." I was 14 when we got our first TV. We lived in an authentic tiny house and Mama and Daddy had six kids by then. The only time they got any privacy during daylight hours was when the little ones were fixed in front of Captain Kangaroo, and they could sneak away to grab some afternoon delight.
OMG that's a riot. I vaguely remember CK, but he was on the way out when I was a kid.
I worked for the Captain as an asst. to the producer on the show. Fun times. He was still on the air in the 80s
Thank you for bringing a huge smile to my face this morning! I haven’t heard this song in years!
Isn't it the bestiest?
Yes!!!! 😍
And thank you for being the most *interactive* writer I follow on Substack. You’re the best!
Oh, thanks for saying that. I try to be, and sometimes I fail...
Fantastic ..I had a revelation..last night,this morning.I watched the Movie Midnight Sky.. with George Clooney on Netflix (highly recommend)It's about Apocalypse Earth....but my revelation,which I imparted to you is. Nihilism that RepJamie Raskin,spoke about on the house floor,IS A Republican evil trait,being forced on Americans.(our kids especially) Nihilism is Nazism.The antithesis of the 2 N words..is CARING...This song teaches CARING.Caring is also L❤️VE.. SPREAD the Contagion of L❤️VE.. We must love our Planet,and CARE about all living things..Thank you Greg'OH MY DEAR🥰
Amen Sister.
Nihilism IS Nazism. Well put, yes yes!
For our family 80’s Sesame Street was our goto. In my childhood it involved Wile E Coyote seeking a roadrunner for dinner or white hat Roy Rogers racing to kill dirtbag ranchers. Lucky you.
My mother insists that I learned to read by watching Sesame Street.
Brings back memories…. From when my grands were tykes. I grieve for what tv could have been. I remember a time when PBS was so wonderful with no ads, A and E, The Learning Channel, and Bravo had quality shows. Then the repubs decided that commercial meant trash. Then I heard Andy Cohen being complimented for his effort to remake A and E and Bravo programming and I heaved. Of course, CBS’ Survivor ushered in reality bull Schitt to the nauseating. After Walter died and Rupert was invited in by Ronnie, the fake human, news became a commercial rating bonanza, dumbed down and geared to entertainment of the great unwashed and the smart people who had found a propaganda organ to match Goebbels. Repubs have always done everything they could to promote the lowest common denominator. Sorry for the rant, but I get pissed all over again when I resort to watching TCM and PBS shows from the 80’s and 90’s. Good thing my memory not great, almost like the first time.
PBS, like the NEA, has been the target of lots of rightwing attack over the years. It's all vile.
Lots of folks are repelled by the fund drives on PBS. IMO, the US should support public broadcasting so this is completely unnecessary. That would bring a lot of folks back, especially poor folks who can't afford cable and only have an antenna to pick network TV. No fund drives. No commercials.
We were just talking about “Lazytown” a few weeks ago, because it was just SO WEIRD! “Yo Gabba Gabba” was one of my oldest daughter’s favorites, along with “Wow Wow Wubbzy”. I do remember the Noggin song-they had many clever songs/skits. It was a big deal for me to allow my kids to watch anything other than PBS because I did not want them to see commercials. As for the Worm Moon - WOW! Last May I suddenly became aware of all the birds and animals in my backyard. Ever since, I have been amazed at all of the activity. The squirrels have been listening and digging this week and I assume they hear the worms. And the best thing is that the Robins have reappeared! Looking forward to Spring and all the wonders I will find in my backyard!
I love watching birds, a new fascination since the pandemic.
LazyTown is sneaky funny, and Yo Gabba Gabba is AMAZING.
Glad I'm a subscriber. Loved your essay on poetry several months ago. Visit billserle.com
😀
Thanks, Bill! And: oh no, I just now remembered that you sent me a lovely email about a poem and I neglected to respond to it properly. Please forgive me! My brain is not what it used to be.
Thank you Greg! I have to admit I woke up kind of grumpy. I am not a fan of the “daylight savings time” time changes. Spring forward is a particular thorn in my side. But watching and listening to this turned my mood around and gave me my smile back.
Right there with you, Karen! DST is an hour STOLEN from all of us by the government, who refuses to get it together enough to get rid of this ridiculous time change every year. This goofy song brought a smile to my face too when I didn't think that'd be possible today. Greg is the best!
One year I flew back to NY from LA on my birthday. My birthday was THREE HOURS SHORTER and I'm never getting that back!
And, also: thank you!
I like spring forward, now that I'm middle-aged, because when I wake up at five, it's six!
I'm a night owl. It just means an extra hour before I can get out of my coffin for the evening. Ugh!
Greg, that is so sweet. Now as a "grammy" of a 3 year old who has cerebral palsy we watch lots of Netflix children shows. Baby Bum is his favorite and the world stops for Wheels on the Bus. He is currently non-verbal, but I'm certain his first words will be "round and round all through the town".
Thanks for sharing. I'm sure there are a lot of really good shows. "Little Bear" was always the nicest...the calmest, the kindest, IMO.
Sometimes we just need something unrelated to anything else. This is that.
Yes! Today is a fuckery-free zone!
Delightful! It should be the national anthem, since the old one isn't serving us so well these days.
The banner yet waves on the back of some asshole's pickup, right beneath the LET'S GO BRANDON flag...
Cute and clever! I think that bird got a job at Twitter.
I created Moose A. Moose and his little pal, Z Bird, for Noggin. Also wrote their opening and closing songs. I'm glad they made you happy!
They did! They are wonderful! Thank you so much!!! (And thanks for subscribing.)
Wow! I AM impressed.
I stream a Philadelphia radio station at work, and every Friday evening there is a clip from the Banana Split show. It's short, but instantly I am seven, eating cold cereal and watching. Ya ya ya!
Ah, nostalgia, sweeter than cold cereal. : )