Sunday, April 30, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Thirza Defoe
Thirza Defoe's website has been updated. It includes new videos, photos and news articles about her current work. (Stone Heart: Everyone Loves A Journey West) Also videos of her Native American dancing styles. Hoop Dance, Fancy Shawl, Traditional, Eagle Dance etc.
Click on Photos/Video
http://www.thirzadefoe.com/
Click on Photos/Video
http://www.thirzadefoe.com/
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Nightwatch: The meat raffle is a way of life at Minnesota bars
Tom Horgen
Last update: April 06, 2006 – 6:24 PM
Printer friendly E-mail this story
When it comes to charitable gambling at Twin Cities bars, there's only one prize other than money that gets people jumping out of their seats.
Raw meat.
Yep, raw meat does something to people. Which would explain the peculiar popularity of the meat raffle.
Huh? Well, if you haven't set foot in a neighborhood bar lately, it's exactly what the name suggests. An emcee walks around the bar selling numbered raffle tickets for $1 apiece. After all the tickets are sold, the emcee spins a paddlewheel -- like in roulette.
The person with the winning number gets to choose from various packages of meat. This is repeated for two to three hours. It keeps people's attention, though. At a recent raffle I went to, each meat package was worth about $20, with steak, ham, ribs and shrimp being among the favorites.
At that value, it's easy to see why bar-goers flock to these shindigs like lions to, well, raw meat. It doesn't cost much to play; in this case, 30 tickets were sold, so at 29-to-1 the odds weren't bad -- better than pulltabs, anyway.
Meat raffles can be found all over the Twin Cities, from their traditional hotbeds in the working-class neighborhoods of northeast Minneapolis and east St. Paul to suburban dive bars.
One of the best takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. Sundays at Tin Cup's, a homey old-school bar on Rice Street in St. Paul. Meat raffles can be a tad uneventful; mostly it's just folks staring into their beer until a number is called. Tin Cup's offers a little more.
For one, it's got polka maestro Roger Van Horn, who, um, rocks. He serenades the meat rafflers every Sunday with what he calls "funtime music." After playing polka music for 50 years in Twin Cities bars, Van Horn brings in a hefty following of old-timers looking to boogie to the sounds of his rare Cordovox accordion. Oh, and there's a clown, too.
In between polka tunes, as senior couples twirled on the small dance floor and "JR" the red-nosed clown moved from table to table with his parlor tricks, numbers were yelled out for raw meat. Winners hoisted open the creaking lid of a 4-foot long cooler, rummaging through pounds of cold meat before claiming their prize.
And it wasn't just old-timers sitting among the steaks and hams thawing out next to glasses of beer at Tin Cup's.
Young people get in on the mix, too. Besides a Goth couple in the corner, there was 25-year-old Alison Voyda, who came with her grandparents last Sunday. They played pulltabs and bought meat-raffle tickets all afternoon and into the evening. Both games are run by nearby St. Bernard's, a Catholic church and K-12 school. As with any charitable game, all proceeds go to the sponsoring charity, while the bar gets a leasing fee (and makes money off drinks, of course).
Voyda's family grew up going to St. Bernard's and hanging out at Rice Street joints like Tin Cup's.
"We go to church in the morning and gamble in the afternoon," grandfather Gene Voyda said. "See, it's all for the church."
Rise of the raffle
No one knows exactly how many meat raffles are operating in Twin Cities bars -- not even the Minnesota Gambling Board, which issues the paddle wheels and tip boards needed to play. The board only tallies how many are in use, not what they're being used for. One thing officials do know, however, is that the raffle devices are in high demand.
Minnesota is increasingly notorious for its meat raffles, said Gambling Board compliance officer Gary Danger, who cited a recent New York Times story spotlighting Minnesota's meaty obsession. We love our meat, and we aren't afraid to show it.
Jimmy Luger, a meat raffle connoisseur, was at Tin Cup's with his parents and girlfriend last Sunday. He'll usually drop $20 on a raffle night -- that's 20 plays. He won six times earlier in the week at another meat raffle, but was empty-handed this night. His girlfriend said the meat isn't that important, anyway.
"We come for the social," she said.
"What do you mean?" Luger cut in, almost flabbergasted. "I come to win the meat."
TIN CUP'S
Where: 1220 Rice St., St. Paul. 651-489-7585.
Meat raffles: 3-7 p.m. Sundays, with polka music by Roger Van Horn, plus another 4-8 p.m. Thursdays, but with no music.
thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909
Last update: April 06, 2006 – 6:24 PM
Printer friendly E-mail this story
When it comes to charitable gambling at Twin Cities bars, there's only one prize other than money that gets people jumping out of their seats.
Raw meat.
Yep, raw meat does something to people. Which would explain the peculiar popularity of the meat raffle.
Huh? Well, if you haven't set foot in a neighborhood bar lately, it's exactly what the name suggests. An emcee walks around the bar selling numbered raffle tickets for $1 apiece. After all the tickets are sold, the emcee spins a paddlewheel -- like in roulette.
The person with the winning number gets to choose from various packages of meat. This is repeated for two to three hours. It keeps people's attention, though. At a recent raffle I went to, each meat package was worth about $20, with steak, ham, ribs and shrimp being among the favorites.
At that value, it's easy to see why bar-goers flock to these shindigs like lions to, well, raw meat. It doesn't cost much to play; in this case, 30 tickets were sold, so at 29-to-1 the odds weren't bad -- better than pulltabs, anyway.
Meat raffles can be found all over the Twin Cities, from their traditional hotbeds in the working-class neighborhoods of northeast Minneapolis and east St. Paul to suburban dive bars.
One of the best takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. Sundays at Tin Cup's, a homey old-school bar on Rice Street in St. Paul. Meat raffles can be a tad uneventful; mostly it's just folks staring into their beer until a number is called. Tin Cup's offers a little more.
For one, it's got polka maestro Roger Van Horn, who, um, rocks. He serenades the meat rafflers every Sunday with what he calls "funtime music." After playing polka music for 50 years in Twin Cities bars, Van Horn brings in a hefty following of old-timers looking to boogie to the sounds of his rare Cordovox accordion. Oh, and there's a clown, too.
In between polka tunes, as senior couples twirled on the small dance floor and "JR" the red-nosed clown moved from table to table with his parlor tricks, numbers were yelled out for raw meat. Winners hoisted open the creaking lid of a 4-foot long cooler, rummaging through pounds of cold meat before claiming their prize.
And it wasn't just old-timers sitting among the steaks and hams thawing out next to glasses of beer at Tin Cup's.
Young people get in on the mix, too. Besides a Goth couple in the corner, there was 25-year-old Alison Voyda, who came with her grandparents last Sunday. They played pulltabs and bought meat-raffle tickets all afternoon and into the evening. Both games are run by nearby St. Bernard's, a Catholic church and K-12 school. As with any charitable game, all proceeds go to the sponsoring charity, while the bar gets a leasing fee (and makes money off drinks, of course).
Voyda's family grew up going to St. Bernard's and hanging out at Rice Street joints like Tin Cup's.
"We go to church in the morning and gamble in the afternoon," grandfather Gene Voyda said. "See, it's all for the church."
Rise of the raffle
No one knows exactly how many meat raffles are operating in Twin Cities bars -- not even the Minnesota Gambling Board, which issues the paddle wheels and tip boards needed to play. The board only tallies how many are in use, not what they're being used for. One thing officials do know, however, is that the raffle devices are in high demand.
Minnesota is increasingly notorious for its meat raffles, said Gambling Board compliance officer Gary Danger, who cited a recent New York Times story spotlighting Minnesota's meaty obsession. We love our meat, and we aren't afraid to show it.
Jimmy Luger, a meat raffle connoisseur, was at Tin Cup's with his parents and girlfriend last Sunday. He'll usually drop $20 on a raffle night -- that's 20 plays. He won six times earlier in the week at another meat raffle, but was empty-handed this night. His girlfriend said the meat isn't that important, anyway.
"We come for the social," she said.
"What do you mean?" Luger cut in, almost flabbergasted. "I come to win the meat."
TIN CUP'S
Where: 1220 Rice St., St. Paul. 651-489-7585.
Meat raffles: 3-7 p.m. Sundays, with polka music by Roger Van Horn, plus another 4-8 p.m. Thursdays, but with no music.
thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Rosemount High School turns to pull-tabs
Rosemount High School turns to pull-tabs:
"Rosemount High School turns to pull-tabs
Updated: 03/07/2006 11:21:29 PM
VIDEO Print Story Email to a Friend
A south Metro school is borrowing a technique from the Little League to keep arts and athletics off of the chopping block. Rosemount High School is using profits from pull-tabs to ensure that programs for their kids have sufficient funding.
McDivot�s Pub and Shenanigans Bar in Rosemount don�t seem like the most obvious places to raise money for high school athletes.
'It�s my bad habit, I play them all over the place' said Jeff Meyer.
But it may not be such a bad habit for high school athletes and artists. In recent years, the school has brought in more than $30,000 per year for students.
'We take it and we split it up, 70 percent goes to the athletic department and 30 percent goes to our fine arts department,' said Mike Manning, of Rosemount High School.
Over the last three years, the money has bought band uniforms, sound equipment, and an athletic traininer.
'If you took that money out of the budget, we would really struggle to provide some of the programs that we do,' Manning said.
Others in the community agree.
'I think anything we do to contribute to the school and to the community� is a good thing,' said Michelle Holly, manager of McDivot�s Pub.
Former Rosemount High School student Lacey Thompson was playing pull-tabs at McDivot�s on Tuesday night. She didn�t win any money.
'It�s nice to know that you�re actually gambling for something good,' said Thompson, who was involved in fine arts.
The school has averaged about $36,000 per year from the pull-tab program over the last three years and hopes to make even mor"
"Rosemount High School turns to pull-tabs
Updated: 03/07/2006 11:21:29 PM
VIDEO Print Story Email to a Friend
A south Metro school is borrowing a technique from the Little League to keep arts and athletics off of the chopping block. Rosemount High School is using profits from pull-tabs to ensure that programs for their kids have sufficient funding.
McDivot�s Pub and Shenanigans Bar in Rosemount don�t seem like the most obvious places to raise money for high school athletes.
'It�s my bad habit, I play them all over the place' said Jeff Meyer.
But it may not be such a bad habit for high school athletes and artists. In recent years, the school has brought in more than $30,000 per year for students.
'We take it and we split it up, 70 percent goes to the athletic department and 30 percent goes to our fine arts department,' said Mike Manning, of Rosemount High School.
Over the last three years, the money has bought band uniforms, sound equipment, and an athletic traininer.
'If you took that money out of the budget, we would really struggle to provide some of the programs that we do,' Manning said.
Others in the community agree.
'I think anything we do to contribute to the school and to the community� is a good thing,' said Michelle Holly, manager of McDivot�s Pub.
Former Rosemount High School student Lacey Thompson was playing pull-tabs at McDivot�s on Tuesday night. She didn�t win any money.
'It�s nice to know that you�re actually gambling for something good,' said Thompson, who was involved in fine arts.
The school has averaged about $36,000 per year from the pull-tab program over the last three years and hopes to make even mor"
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
DVD Review for Rent (2006)
Musical emotions run rampant.
When I rented the Rent DVD I was oblivious to any story, music and characters. I did know it was a Broadway show at one time. But that was about it. I sure was in for a surprise when I played this DVD.
Rent takes a one year look into New York’s East Village bohemians. These carefree artists face constant struggles during the late 1980s. The story’s focus is on these two main characters; Mark (Anthony Rapp) an aspiring filmmaker that will just about anything that is not main stream and his roommate is Roger (Adam Pascal) an aspiring songwriter. Shuffle in the many friends who are intertwined in the story of love, sex, drugs, art and friendship.
This DVD musical must be played with a Home Theatre System with Dolby Digital surround sound. The songs come alive with visual art portrayed by the actors/singers. The content hits the heart of its viewer. The dialog is crisp, clear and to the point when sung.
The surprise for me is that I actually will add this DVD to my collection because of the songs. But now I actually know the story behind the music. I will always have Mimi (Rosario Dawson) in my mind during the “Out Tonight” performance at the Catscratch Club. Wow!
Reviewers- Please stop trying to compare film and show experiences. Rentheads go to the theatre. Film enthusiasts purchase this DVD musical. Comparison is futile. Or you will be assimilated in a wash!
When I rented the Rent DVD I was oblivious to any story, music and characters. I did know it was a Broadway show at one time. But that was about it. I sure was in for a surprise when I played this DVD.
Rent takes a one year look into New York’s East Village bohemians. These carefree artists face constant struggles during the late 1980s. The story’s focus is on these two main characters; Mark (Anthony Rapp) an aspiring filmmaker that will just about anything that is not main stream and his roommate is Roger (Adam Pascal) an aspiring songwriter. Shuffle in the many friends who are intertwined in the story of love, sex, drugs, art and friendship.
This DVD musical must be played with a Home Theatre System with Dolby Digital surround sound. The songs come alive with visual art portrayed by the actors/singers. The content hits the heart of its viewer. The dialog is crisp, clear and to the point when sung.
The surprise for me is that I actually will add this DVD to my collection because of the songs. But now I actually know the story behind the music. I will always have Mimi (Rosario Dawson) in my mind during the “Out Tonight” performance at the Catscratch Club. Wow!
Reviewers- Please stop trying to compare film and show experiences. Rentheads go to the theatre. Film enthusiasts purchase this DVD musical. Comparison is futile. Or you will be assimilated in a wash!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Be safe!
Happy Anniversary and St. Patrick's Day! Today is also my 5th wedding anniversary.
How could I ever forget both days?
Happy Anniversary and St. Patrick's Day! Today is also my 5th wedding anniversary.
How could I ever forget both days?
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
DVD Review for Edge of America (2006)
Great film for everyone!
Chris Eyre (Director Smoke Signals, Skins) dribbles us onto the hard court of Three Nations woman’s Basketball. Kenny Williams (James McDaniel) is running from his past. He takes an English teaching position on the Three Nations Reservation in Utah. Unbeknownst to school administrators he is black man. This puts him as a mark for the native students.
Kenny needs some additional income so he thinks of coaching the dismal O’fer Lady Warrior’s basketball team. The interim coach Annie (Irene Bedard) is more of a mother than a coach. The local do-it-all Cuch (Wes Studi) convinces Kenny to coach the woman’s basketball team. Coach Williams soon learns that he is fighting an uphill battle with teamwork and Native family traditions especially Mother Tsosie. (Geraldine Keams)
I absolutely adored this film and totally related to this film. The woman’s balling at my old all Native high school was just as competitive with the more expensed mostly white high schools. The gym, attendance and excitement took me back to the days of playing ball for the love of it and close-knit teammates.
I try not to be a nit pick on an overall good film, but the film started off with some shaky camera angles following Kenny to the Three Nations reservation. (Personal preference) It was probably due to the handheld cameras. After a few minutes it disappeared. Filming the basketball action was comparable to other basketball films that I have seen. But I wished I would have seen the free throws.
Carla (Delanni Studi), Shirleen (Misty Upham) and Marissa (Deanna Allison) are some of the talented actresses that make up the basketball team. Leroy McKinney (Tim Daly/Producer) is the father of Carla who struggles with the loss of his wife. And the angry, outspoken Franklin (Eddie Spears) is Carla’s boyfriend plays his character outstanding. This film contains a lot of talented Native actors who are now more popular since filming.
This film was filmed in 2002 for Showtime. Maybe it’s just me but these films need to get released to the general public faster. Though, money is always at the root of the problem. I have to give kudos to Annie Humphrey’s songs that fit perfectly for this film.
Purchase this DVD for the entire family. There are not many extras on the DVD, but there is a filmography for the main actors.
Chris Eyre (Director Smoke Signals, Skins) dribbles us onto the hard court of Three Nations woman’s Basketball. Kenny Williams (James McDaniel) is running from his past. He takes an English teaching position on the Three Nations Reservation in Utah. Unbeknownst to school administrators he is black man. This puts him as a mark for the native students.
Kenny needs some additional income so he thinks of coaching the dismal O’fer Lady Warrior’s basketball team. The interim coach Annie (Irene Bedard) is more of a mother than a coach. The local do-it-all Cuch (Wes Studi) convinces Kenny to coach the woman’s basketball team. Coach Williams soon learns that he is fighting an uphill battle with teamwork and Native family traditions especially Mother Tsosie. (Geraldine Keams)
I absolutely adored this film and totally related to this film. The woman’s balling at my old all Native high school was just as competitive with the more expensed mostly white high schools. The gym, attendance and excitement took me back to the days of playing ball for the love of it and close-knit teammates.
I try not to be a nit pick on an overall good film, but the film started off with some shaky camera angles following Kenny to the Three Nations reservation. (Personal preference) It was probably due to the handheld cameras. After a few minutes it disappeared. Filming the basketball action was comparable to other basketball films that I have seen. But I wished I would have seen the free throws.
Carla (Delanni Studi), Shirleen (Misty Upham) and Marissa (Deanna Allison) are some of the talented actresses that make up the basketball team. Leroy McKinney (Tim Daly/Producer) is the father of Carla who struggles with the loss of his wife. And the angry, outspoken Franklin (Eddie Spears) is Carla’s boyfriend plays his character outstanding. This film contains a lot of talented Native actors who are now more popular since filming.
This film was filmed in 2002 for Showtime. Maybe it’s just me but these films need to get released to the general public faster. Though, money is always at the root of the problem. I have to give kudos to Annie Humphrey’s songs that fit perfectly for this film.
Purchase this DVD for the entire family. There are not many extras on the DVD, but there is a filmography for the main actors.
Monday, March 06, 2006
American Indian Airwaves Rundown 3-8-06
Tune into Listen Live. Streaming internet radio.
Wednesday, 3/8/06, on American Indian Airwaves
Part 1:__________________________________John Trudell (http://www.johntrudell.com/) and Heather Rae, Director join us to discuss the opening in Los Angeles of "Trudell: The Movie" (http://www.trudellthemovie.com/) at the Lemmele Theater starting March 10th, 2006.
Part 2:__________________________________Arigon Starr (Kickapoo-Creek-Cherokee & Seneca Nations) (http://www.arigonstarr.com/) and Thirza Defoe (Lac Du Flambeau Nation) (http://www.thirzadefoe.com/) join us live in studio as they talk about their work with Native Voices at The Autry (http://autrynationalcenter.org/nativevoices.php)
American Indian Airwaves regularly broadcast every Wednesday from 3pm to 4pm (PCT) on KPFK (http://www.kpfk.org) FM 90.7 in Los Angles, FM 98.7 in Santa Barbara, and by Internet with Real Media Player, Winamp, & Itunes
Wednesday, 3/8/06, on American Indian Airwaves
Part 1:__________________________________John Trudell (http://www.johntrudell.com/) and Heather Rae, Director join us to discuss the opening in Los Angeles of "Trudell: The Movie" (http://www.trudellthemovie.com/) at the Lemmele Theater starting March 10th, 2006.
Part 2:__________________________________Arigon Starr (Kickapoo-Creek-Cherokee & Seneca Nations) (http://www.arigonstarr.com/) and Thirza Defoe (Lac Du Flambeau Nation) (http://www.thirzadefoe.com/) join us live in studio as they talk about their work with Native Voices at The Autry (http://autrynationalcenter.org/nativevoices.php)
American Indian Airwaves regularly broadcast every Wednesday from 3pm to 4pm (PCT) on KPFK (http://www.kpfk.org) FM 90.7 in Los Angles, FM 98.7 in Santa Barbara, and by Internet with Real Media Player, Winamp, & Itunes
Friday, March 03, 2006
DVD Review “Man of Faith” 2006
Be Healed!
“Man of Faith” was originally developed in 2002 as “The Calling.” The direct to DVD was released January 2006 as “Man of Faith.”
Damian Chapa is the writer/directed and portrays the main character Leroy Jenkins. The DVD is based on the true story of the flamboyant evangelist Leroy Jenkins-And how he became one of the largest ministries in the country. His followers claim he has the power to heal with his hands. Does he truly make miracles happen?
The DVD follows his orphaned childhood through his difficult adult endeavors. Leroy’s own healing experience catapults him into believing. He is taken under the wings of his healing evangelist. Leroy learns the subtle nuisances of running a healing ministry.
The power to heal with faith is a very controversial topic, but this DVD does not take sides to belief or non-belief. It covers the life experiences of a man of faith. And his surrounding cast. The wealth and celebrity status made him a marked man. Leroy has enemies from ever aspect of life trying to destroy his lifestyle.
Robert Wagner (Amos), Faye Dunaway (Mae West) and Jill St. James (Elegant Lady) have cameo appearances. This movie was written with a loose script. It does not tackle any hard facts or any follow up on the healed. It is not filmed in documentary style so don’t expect to be consumed with faith afterwards. Watch it for the moving experience.
“Man of Faith” was originally developed in 2002 as “The Calling.” The direct to DVD was released January 2006 as “Man of Faith.”
Damian Chapa is the writer/directed and portrays the main character Leroy Jenkins. The DVD is based on the true story of the flamboyant evangelist Leroy Jenkins-And how he became one of the largest ministries in the country. His followers claim he has the power to heal with his hands. Does he truly make miracles happen?
The DVD follows his orphaned childhood through his difficult adult endeavors. Leroy’s own healing experience catapults him into believing. He is taken under the wings of his healing evangelist. Leroy learns the subtle nuisances of running a healing ministry.
The power to heal with faith is a very controversial topic, but this DVD does not take sides to belief or non-belief. It covers the life experiences of a man of faith. And his surrounding cast. The wealth and celebrity status made him a marked man. Leroy has enemies from ever aspect of life trying to destroy his lifestyle.
Robert Wagner (Amos), Faye Dunaway (Mae West) and Jill St. James (Elegant Lady) have cameo appearances. This movie was written with a loose script. It does not tackle any hard facts or any follow up on the healed. It is not filmed in documentary style so don’t expect to be consumed with faith afterwards. Watch it for the moving experience.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
THIRZA DEFOE as SACAJAWEA in STONE HEART By: Diane Glancy
Autry National Center
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
____________________
Don't miss Native Voices at the Autry's World Premiere of STONE HEART by Diane Glancy (Cherokee), Directed by Randy Reinholz (Choctaw).† STONE HEART opens at The Autry National Center in Los Angeles, California on February 17, 2006 and runs through March 12, 2006 before moving to New York and Washington DC to play in the theaters at the National Museum of the American Indian April 6 through the 11, 2006.†
STONE HEART ~ At the Autry National Center
February 17 - March 12
Fridays & Saturdays - 8:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday Matinees - 2:00 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday Student Matinees - 10:30 am
Tickets: General $20, Autry Members $12
Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Call TicketWeb for reservations at 866.468.3399, www.ticketweb.com†
For group sales please call 323.667.2000, ext.391
To book the touring show of STONE HEART in your theater contact:
jeanbscott@aol.com
CHECK OUT Ã www.thirzadefoe.com
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West
Yadhira De Leon
ydeleon@autrynationalcenter.org
323.667.2000, ext. 327
Native Voices at the Autry Presents:
Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West
A play by Diane Glancy (Cherokee)
February 17 through March 12, 2006
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2pm
Tuesday and Thursday Student Matinees
Los Angeles (December 14, 2005)— SACAJAWEA: I see horses coming from the sky.
I see them change into canoes and I am rowing.
I see my oars are wings.
I hear the clouds talking.
They talk until they are shouting.
Their voices are hailstones pounding the river.
The water is turbulent and hard to row.
I shake my oars which are wings
but I do not fly.
On the beautiful afternoon of April 7, 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition depart from Fort Mandan in North Dakota on their journey up the Missouri River in search of the Pacific Ocean. With newborn in tow, the story of a young Shoshoni woman, Sacajawea, is revealed through the highly-visual, profound words of award-winning author and playwright Diane Glancy (Cherokee). York, Clark’s black slave, also has a voice, and together with Sacajawea, shed a new light on the Lewis and Clark’s 1804–1806 Corps of Discovery expedition.
YORK: I have traveled with this expedition as a man unlike others— My grandfathers came on a slave ship across the ocean. I rowed a canoe across a continent.
This full Equity production of Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West is about betrayal and choice. Based on Glancy’s novel, Stone Heart: A Novel of Sacajawea, it exposes the courage of these two enigmatic individuals who traveled to the sea and back on a perilous journey of the heart.
SACAJAWEA: In the end, my oars were wings. In the end, I am Bird Woman who knew how to fly.
Cast
Sacajawea- Thirza Defoe (Ojibwe, Oneida)
York- Jed Reynolds
Lewis and Clark- Tim Glenn
Director- Randy Reinholz (Choctaw)
Dramaturg- Bryan Davidson
Lighting Director- Craig Wolf
Music Composer/Performer- Patrick Shendo-Mirabal (Jemes, Taos Pueblo)
Biographies and images available upon request.
Stone Heart runs February 17 through March 12, 2006. Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 2 p.m. Tuesday & Wednesday Student Matinees: 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $20 / Members $12. Groups of 10 or more save 20%. Group leaders and schools: please call 323.667.2000, ext. 257. For reservations, call TicketWeb at 866.468.3399 or visit www.ticketweb.com.
Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West will begin a nationwide tour starting at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City and Washington DC in April 2006.
Panel Discussion for Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West
Sunday, February 19
2 – 5 pm
Sacajawea’s Voice
A conversation with award-winning author and playwright Diane Glancy (Cherokee) and Virginia Scharff, Professor of History, University of New Mexico, and Women of the West Chair, Autry National Center. In conjunction with Diane Glancy’s play, Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West, which begins at 2 p.m. Meet the cast and producers at a reception and join the panel immediately following. To RSVP, call 323.667.2000, ext. 354.
About the Playwright
Diane Glancy (Cherokee) is a celebrated author and playwright. Her quest to discover the real story of Sacajawea has turned into a five-year labor of love, visiting the rivers and camps where Sacajawea traversed and slept. Authoring a novel and now a play based on countless hours of research and viewing copies of the original Lewis and Clark journals, her desire to tell the true story of Sacajawea is being fulfilled.
“At the banks of the Missouri River, I found a small stone in the shape of a beaver, and as I held it, the phrase ‘stone heart’ came to me. Here was the permission I sought from the land and the river to write the voices they held. This stone was the token for the book, and it appears on the cover.” Diane Glancy
Glancy is currently on a four-year sabbatical from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she taught Native American Literature and Creative Writing. Glancy’s latest books are Rooms, a collection of new and selected poems; In-between Places, a collection of essays; and The Dance Partner: Stories of the Late-19th-century Ghost Dance. In addition, she has published two books of plays, War Cries and American Gypsy. Glancy is the recipient of the 2005 Envision Fellowship in Playwriting from Bard College and Voice and Vision Theater in New York. She is also the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts Award and a Minnesota Book Award.
About Native Voices at the Autry
In 2000, the Autry National Center launched Native Voices at the Autry, a theater company devoted to developing and producing new works for the stage by Native American playwrights. This project brings established, mid-career, and/or emerging Native writers to the Autry to workshop material with professional directors, dramaturges, and actors.
Native Voices at the Autry is a Constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theater.
Native Voices at the Autry is an Organizational Member of LA Stage Alliance, Los Angeles's non-profit organization dedicated to building awareness, appreciation and support for the performing arts.
About the Autry National Center
The Autry National Center is composed of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of the American West (formerly the Autry Museum of Western Heritage), and the Institute for the Study of the American West in Los Angeles. For more information about the Autry, visit www.autrynationalcenter.org or call 323.667.2000.
###
ydeleon@autrynationalcenter.org
323.667.2000, ext. 327
Native Voices at the Autry Presents:
Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West
A play by Diane Glancy (Cherokee)
February 17 through March 12, 2006
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2pm
Tuesday and Thursday Student Matinees
Los Angeles (December 14, 2005)— SACAJAWEA: I see horses coming from the sky.
I see them change into canoes and I am rowing.
I see my oars are wings.
I hear the clouds talking.
They talk until they are shouting.
Their voices are hailstones pounding the river.
The water is turbulent and hard to row.
I shake my oars which are wings
but I do not fly.
On the beautiful afternoon of April 7, 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition depart from Fort Mandan in North Dakota on their journey up the Missouri River in search of the Pacific Ocean. With newborn in tow, the story of a young Shoshoni woman, Sacajawea, is revealed through the highly-visual, profound words of award-winning author and playwright Diane Glancy (Cherokee). York, Clark’s black slave, also has a voice, and together with Sacajawea, shed a new light on the Lewis and Clark’s 1804–1806 Corps of Discovery expedition.
YORK: I have traveled with this expedition as a man unlike others— My grandfathers came on a slave ship across the ocean. I rowed a canoe across a continent.
This full Equity production of Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West is about betrayal and choice. Based on Glancy’s novel, Stone Heart: A Novel of Sacajawea, it exposes the courage of these two enigmatic individuals who traveled to the sea and back on a perilous journey of the heart.
SACAJAWEA: In the end, my oars were wings. In the end, I am Bird Woman who knew how to fly.
Cast
Sacajawea- Thirza Defoe (Ojibwe, Oneida)
York- Jed Reynolds
Lewis and Clark- Tim Glenn
Director- Randy Reinholz (Choctaw)
Dramaturg- Bryan Davidson
Lighting Director- Craig Wolf
Music Composer/Performer- Patrick Shendo-Mirabal (Jemes, Taos Pueblo)
Biographies and images available upon request.
Stone Heart runs February 17 through March 12, 2006. Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 2 p.m. Tuesday & Wednesday Student Matinees: 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $20 / Members $12. Groups of 10 or more save 20%. Group leaders and schools: please call 323.667.2000, ext. 257. For reservations, call TicketWeb at 866.468.3399 or visit www.ticketweb.com.
Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West will begin a nationwide tour starting at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City and Washington DC in April 2006.
Panel Discussion for Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West
Sunday, February 19
2 – 5 pm
Sacajawea’s Voice
A conversation with award-winning author and playwright Diane Glancy (Cherokee) and Virginia Scharff, Professor of History, University of New Mexico, and Women of the West Chair, Autry National Center. In conjunction with Diane Glancy’s play, Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West, which begins at 2 p.m. Meet the cast and producers at a reception and join the panel immediately following. To RSVP, call 323.667.2000, ext. 354.
About the Playwright
Diane Glancy (Cherokee) is a celebrated author and playwright. Her quest to discover the real story of Sacajawea has turned into a five-year labor of love, visiting the rivers and camps where Sacajawea traversed and slept. Authoring a novel and now a play based on countless hours of research and viewing copies of the original Lewis and Clark journals, her desire to tell the true story of Sacajawea is being fulfilled.
“At the banks of the Missouri River, I found a small stone in the shape of a beaver, and as I held it, the phrase ‘stone heart’ came to me. Here was the permission I sought from the land and the river to write the voices they held. This stone was the token for the book, and it appears on the cover.” Diane Glancy
Glancy is currently on a four-year sabbatical from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she taught Native American Literature and Creative Writing. Glancy’s latest books are Rooms, a collection of new and selected poems; In-between Places, a collection of essays; and The Dance Partner: Stories of the Late-19th-century Ghost Dance. In addition, she has published two books of plays, War Cries and American Gypsy. Glancy is the recipient of the 2005 Envision Fellowship in Playwriting from Bard College and Voice and Vision Theater in New York. She is also the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts Award and a Minnesota Book Award.
About Native Voices at the Autry
In 2000, the Autry National Center launched Native Voices at the Autry, a theater company devoted to developing and producing new works for the stage by Native American playwrights. This project brings established, mid-career, and/or emerging Native writers to the Autry to workshop material with professional directors, dramaturges, and actors.
Native Voices at the Autry is a Constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theater.
Native Voices at the Autry is an Organizational Member of LA Stage Alliance, Los Angeles's non-profit organization dedicated to building awareness, appreciation and support for the performing arts.
About the Autry National Center
The Autry National Center is composed of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of the American West (formerly the Autry Museum of Western Heritage), and the Institute for the Study of the American West in Los Angeles. For more information about the Autry, visit www.autrynationalcenter.org or call 323.667.2000.
###
Saturday, January 14, 2006
DVD review for Serenity (2005)
A great sci-fi movie!
Serenity rebukes the traditional Hollywood system for making TV series into movies. A successful TV series gets its niche viewers established and then a movie deal is struck. Serenity was based on the 2002 Firefly TV series. This series was pulled after its first year. It was not allowed to age and prosper.
After Firefly gets cancelled, Director and writer Joss Whedon decides to make a movie based on his television show Firefly. To build movie hype, He says to his viewers to get the word out utilized unconventional means. First of all he pleads with Firefly viewers to spread the word about his upcoming Serenity movie using internet blogs and chat rooms. The word of the movie Serenity starts running rampant with his new sci-fi thriller.
Serenity stands by itself as a great movie. The viewer can quickly catch on to the feel of the movie. Firefly TV series followers will not be disappointed as Joss Whedon stays the course of the TV series. Humor and action is still utilized along with modern day innuendos which give this movie some repeat viewing.
Capt. Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) commands his lady (Serenity ship) and its crew of personalities. Second command Zoë (Gina Torres), Pilot Wash (Alan Tudyk), Muscle Jayne (Adam Baldwin), Engineer Kaylee (Jewel Straite) and Mal’s flame Inara (Morena Baccarin). When Mal picks up Doctor Simon’s (Sean Maher) sister River (Summer Glau) strange things happen. Everyone is suddenly after them. It could be the Reavers (crazy human cannibals), Alliance assassins and/or possibly his own crew.
I give this DVD a must buy for Sci-Fi thrillers. If you have not seen the Firefly series play the Joss Whedon introduction first. And spread the word.
Serenity rebukes the traditional Hollywood system for making TV series into movies. A successful TV series gets its niche viewers established and then a movie deal is struck. Serenity was based on the 2002 Firefly TV series. This series was pulled after its first year. It was not allowed to age and prosper.
After Firefly gets cancelled, Director and writer Joss Whedon decides to make a movie based on his television show Firefly. To build movie hype, He says to his viewers to get the word out utilized unconventional means. First of all he pleads with Firefly viewers to spread the word about his upcoming Serenity movie using internet blogs and chat rooms. The word of the movie Serenity starts running rampant with his new sci-fi thriller.
Serenity stands by itself as a great movie. The viewer can quickly catch on to the feel of the movie. Firefly TV series followers will not be disappointed as Joss Whedon stays the course of the TV series. Humor and action is still utilized along with modern day innuendos which give this movie some repeat viewing.
Capt. Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) commands his lady (Serenity ship) and its crew of personalities. Second command Zoë (Gina Torres), Pilot Wash (Alan Tudyk), Muscle Jayne (Adam Baldwin), Engineer Kaylee (Jewel Straite) and Mal’s flame Inara (Morena Baccarin). When Mal picks up Doctor Simon’s (Sean Maher) sister River (Summer Glau) strange things happen. Everyone is suddenly after them. It could be the Reavers (crazy human cannibals), Alliance assassins and/or possibly his own crew.
I give this DVD a must buy for Sci-Fi thrillers. If you have not seen the Firefly series play the Joss Whedon introduction first. And spread the word.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Pull tabs store robbed
EMAIL ARTICLE LINK TO ARTICLE PRINT ARTICLE
Article Published: Sunday, January 08, 2006
By AMANDA BOHMAN, Staff Writer
A man with a gun robbed an Emerald Isle Pull Tabs store on Saturday in what was the third holdup of a Fairbanks business in 15 days.
The man is described as white, of medium height and slender build with blue eyes, said pull tabs store owner Dave Lambert.
The robber donned a ski mask before entering the store in the Washington Plaza off Airport Way about 4 p.m., Lambert said.
He pointed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol at the clerk on duty and a customer, the only two people occupying the store, and demanded money, Lambert said.
The robber placed the cash inside a bag with a drawstring and left the store on foot, the owner said.
"He went off running down toward the Klondike Inn," Lambert said.
The robbery, which transpired in less than a minute, netted the gunman less than $100, Lambert said.
As in a previous pull tabs store robbery, the man was caught on videotape.
A reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robber, Lambert said. The reward amount is yet to be determined.
The suspect in two other robberies remains at large.
A man with a gun robbed the Lions Choice Pull Tabs the afternoon of Dec. 23 before disappearing into a swarm of Christmas shoppers at the Bentley Mall. A unidentified man robbed Tahiti Tans on College Road the evening of Jan. 2.
In all three robberies, the man, described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall, covered his face and head and fled the scene on foot. The same weapon seems to have been used in the two pull tabs store robberies.
The suspect in the first pull tabs store robbery reportedly loitered outside the store front for about an hour before entering the store and pointing a gun at the clerk and her son.
The robbery gained the man about $880, and a $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
A man with a face mask and hooded sweatshirt entered Tahiti Tans as the daughter of the owner was cleaning up. The business was closed, but the front door was left unlocked.
The robber kept his hands in his pockets and demanded the woman open the safe. She didn't have the combination, so she directed him to the cash register where there was less than $200.
Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call Fairbanks police at 459-6500 or Fairbanks Crime Stoppers at 456-CLUE.
Reporter Amanda Bohman can be reached at abohman@newsminer.com or 459-7544.
Article Published: Sunday, January 08, 2006
By AMANDA BOHMAN, Staff Writer
A man with a gun robbed an Emerald Isle Pull Tabs store on Saturday in what was the third holdup of a Fairbanks business in 15 days.
The man is described as white, of medium height and slender build with blue eyes, said pull tabs store owner Dave Lambert.
The robber donned a ski mask before entering the store in the Washington Plaza off Airport Way about 4 p.m., Lambert said.
He pointed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol at the clerk on duty and a customer, the only two people occupying the store, and demanded money, Lambert said.
The robber placed the cash inside a bag with a drawstring and left the store on foot, the owner said.
"He went off running down toward the Klondike Inn," Lambert said.
The robbery, which transpired in less than a minute, netted the gunman less than $100, Lambert said.
As in a previous pull tabs store robbery, the man was caught on videotape.
A reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robber, Lambert said. The reward amount is yet to be determined.
The suspect in two other robberies remains at large.
A man with a gun robbed the Lions Choice Pull Tabs the afternoon of Dec. 23 before disappearing into a swarm of Christmas shoppers at the Bentley Mall. A unidentified man robbed Tahiti Tans on College Road the evening of Jan. 2.
In all three robberies, the man, described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall, covered his face and head and fled the scene on foot. The same weapon seems to have been used in the two pull tabs store robberies.
The suspect in the first pull tabs store robbery reportedly loitered outside the store front for about an hour before entering the store and pointing a gun at the clerk and her son.
The robbery gained the man about $880, and a $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
A man with a face mask and hooded sweatshirt entered Tahiti Tans as the daughter of the owner was cleaning up. The business was closed, but the front door was left unlocked.
The robber kept his hands in his pockets and demanded the woman open the safe. She didn't have the combination, so she directed him to the cash register where there was less than $200.
Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call Fairbanks police at 459-6500 or Fairbanks Crime Stoppers at 456-CLUE.
Reporter Amanda Bohman can be reached at abohman@newsminer.com or 459-7544.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
2006
Hope everyone made it through the New Year's Eve hustle and bustle. I worked for half the night, so I was servicing. With smiles.
Now the New Year resolutions!
Hmmm, What will it be this year? Weight? Fitness? How about finishing my novel? Yes I think that is it.
Now the New Year resolutions!
Hmmm, What will it be this year? Weight? Fitness? How about finishing my novel? Yes I think that is it.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Happy New Year 2006
Happy New Year everyone! 2006 is here!
Be Safe and Drive Safe!
Bid farewell to 2005 and look forward to 2006.
Thanks for the memories.
Don
Be Safe and Drive Safe!
Bid farewell to 2005 and look forward to 2006.
Thanks for the memories.
Don
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Eye Spy LA Event - Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West in Griffith Park
Eye Spy LA Event - Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West in Griffith Park: "SACAJAWEA �In the end, my oars were wings. In the end, I am Bird Woman who knew how to fly.�
February 17 through March 12, 2006
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Saturdays and Sundays Matinees at 2pm
Tuesday and Thursday Student Matinees
Cast
Sacajawea- Thirza Defoe (Ojibwe, Oneida)
York- Jed Reynolds
Lewis and Clark- Tim Glenn
Director- Randy Reinholz (Choctaw)
Dramaturg- Bryan Davidson
Lighting Director- Craig Wolf
Music Composer/Performer- Patrick Shendo-Mirabal (Jemes, Taos Pueblo)
Biographies and images available upon request.
Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West will begin a nationwide tour starting at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City and Washington DC in April 2006.
Panel Discussion for Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West
Sunday, February 19
2 � 5 pm
Sacajawea�s Voice
A conversation with award-winning author and playwright Diane Glancy (Cherokee) and Virginia Scharff, Professor of History, University of New Mexico, and Women of the West Chair, Autry National Center. In conjunction with Diane Glancy�s play, Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West, which begins at 2 p.m. Meet the cast and producers at a reception and join the panel immediately following. To RSVP, call 323.667.2000, ext. 354.
About the Playwright
Diane Glancy (Cherokee) is a celebrated author and playwright. Her quest to discover the real story of Sacajawea has turned into a five-year labor of love, visiting the rivers and camps where Sacajawea traversed and slept. Authoring a novel and now a play based on countless hours of research and viewing copies of the original Lewis and "
February 17 through March 12, 2006
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Saturdays and Sundays Matinees at 2pm
Tuesday and Thursday Student Matinees
Cast
Sacajawea- Thirza Defoe (Ojibwe, Oneida)
York- Jed Reynolds
Lewis and Clark- Tim Glenn
Director- Randy Reinholz (Choctaw)
Dramaturg- Bryan Davidson
Lighting Director- Craig Wolf
Music Composer/Performer- Patrick Shendo-Mirabal (Jemes, Taos Pueblo)
Biographies and images available upon request.
Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West will begin a nationwide tour starting at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City and Washington DC in April 2006.
Panel Discussion for Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West
Sunday, February 19
2 � 5 pm
Sacajawea�s Voice
A conversation with award-winning author and playwright Diane Glancy (Cherokee) and Virginia Scharff, Professor of History, University of New Mexico, and Women of the West Chair, Autry National Center. In conjunction with Diane Glancy�s play, Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West, which begins at 2 p.m. Meet the cast and producers at a reception and join the panel immediately following. To RSVP, call 323.667.2000, ext. 354.
About the Playwright
Diane Glancy (Cherokee) is a celebrated author and playwright. Her quest to discover the real story of Sacajawea has turned into a five-year labor of love, visiting the rivers and camps where Sacajawea traversed and slept. Authoring a novel and now a play based on countless hours of research and viewing copies of the original Lewis and "
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
DVD Review The Polar Express (2004)
Touching story!
The Polar Express will be a Holiday classic. Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis hit a homerun with this all digital film. The story will hit the hearts of every child and adult.
You will believe after watching this classic.
Basically the plot is about a boy who questions whether Santa Claus is real. He hops aboard the Polar express to the North Pole to find Santa Claus’s home on Christmas Eve. A cast of categorized kids are along for the ride of their life.
I watched this movie with my kids. (Nine, seven and two) I was skeptical of the all digital characters at first, but that quickly faded as the story developed. The nine year old questioned the funny looking kids too, but I said it was a movie magic and that was the end of the questions. They were hooked. I especially was surprised by my two year old who sat through the entire film. Now that is movie magic.
I got hood winked into feeling the emotions of the kids on the train. Before long I was shedding a tear along with my kids. I BELIEVE I have to give this DVD a must buy.
The Polar Express will be a Holiday classic. Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis hit a homerun with this all digital film. The story will hit the hearts of every child and adult.
You will believe after watching this classic.
Basically the plot is about a boy who questions whether Santa Claus is real. He hops aboard the Polar express to the North Pole to find Santa Claus’s home on Christmas Eve. A cast of categorized kids are along for the ride of their life.
I watched this movie with my kids. (Nine, seven and two) I was skeptical of the all digital characters at first, but that quickly faded as the story developed. The nine year old questioned the funny looking kids too, but I said it was a movie magic and that was the end of the questions. They were hooked. I especially was surprised by my two year old who sat through the entire film. Now that is movie magic.
I got hood winked into feeling the emotions of the kids on the train. Before long I was shedding a tear along with my kids. I BELIEVE I have to give this DVD a must buy.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
DVD Review for Nate and the Colonel (2003)
Improving with experience! 4 of 5 stars.
Canyon Press Entertainment’s second full length feature is positive step forward from their previous release Red Blood. Nate and the Colonel was written and directed by Paul Winters (Colonel Ben “Bloody” Loftin) Paul is also the producer for Canyon Press. This film received the “Best Feature Film” from the 2004 American Indian L.A. Film & Television Awards.
Nate and the Colonel stars; Paul Winters, Ricco Ross (Nate), Mark S. Brien (Hunting Thunder), Al Harrington (Standing Elk), Carlos Milano (Maj. JJ. Haskell), and David Midthunder (Kills the Enemy). When Confederate Colonel Loftin steals a huge gold shipment from the Union Cavalry headed by Major Haskell all bets are off trying to retrieve it. Maj. Haskell makes the gold retrieval his life long retirement after the Revolutionary war is over.
Major Haskell kills the wife of Colonel Loftin looking for the gold. The Colonel and his lifelong slave Nate head out west to look for revenge. Along the way they save an Ojibwe elder Standing Elk which will help them in the end of there conquest.
This visual stunning film is focused with positive energy and understanding of Native American traditions. I felt it could have been shorten in time length. Ricco Ross does an outstanding acting job with his character Nate. The dress and Native American teepees could have been better constructed. I am betting because of budget concerns that certain items get cut. If this film had backing by a big Hollywood production company it could have made more impact at the cash register.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Lottery Program For Problem Gamblers
Problem gamblers can now ban themselves from hitting the jackpot. The Iowa Lottery Board approved a lifelong "self ban" policy on Tuesday. If players sign up, they're saying no to winning in Iowa....forever. But not everyone thinks it's a good idea.
Judd Saul is a former gambling addict and says, "Everyday you wake up and you think about it. It's a habit. It's as dangerous as drugs are." It's been four years since Judd Saul kicked his gambling problem. He's the type of person the Iowa Lottery Board hopes to reach with its new policy. The idea is to sign a contract banning yourself from future jackpots. It's a life-long ban on the big wins. Those signing the contracts would still be able to collect prize money, as long as it isn't over $600.
"Let's have somebody sign a piece of paper saying they don't win $600, but let's put slot machines in everybody's faces in every gas station in Iowa," Saul says. "This is the biggest oxymoron I've ever seen put out by a government organization, it's terrible."
Jewel Cooper is a counselor at the gambling treatment center at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. "I'm glad that they're trying to put a policy into affect to help detour the people who really have problems gambling," she says. But, she says it's only a baby step in the right direction. "Compulsive gamblers will tell you, 'I knew I wasn't going to win and if I was going to win I'd put it all back in. I was there to be in action and that's the dangerous part of this."
Iowa lottery officials say no other U.S. lottery has such a policy. The ban includes all lotto products, like instant scratch games, pull tabs, and touch play games. It's all about taking away the incentives. But the question is...will anyone sign up?
The contracts should be available on the Iowa Lottery's website in a couple of weeks. The hope is to have them in retail stores too. The signed agreements have to be notarized.
Judd Saul is a former gambling addict and says, "Everyday you wake up and you think about it. It's a habit. It's as dangerous as drugs are." It's been four years since Judd Saul kicked his gambling problem. He's the type of person the Iowa Lottery Board hopes to reach with its new policy. The idea is to sign a contract banning yourself from future jackpots. It's a life-long ban on the big wins. Those signing the contracts would still be able to collect prize money, as long as it isn't over $600.
"Let's have somebody sign a piece of paper saying they don't win $600, but let's put slot machines in everybody's faces in every gas station in Iowa," Saul says. "This is the biggest oxymoron I've ever seen put out by a government organization, it's terrible."
Jewel Cooper is a counselor at the gambling treatment center at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. "I'm glad that they're trying to put a policy into affect to help detour the people who really have problems gambling," she says. But, she says it's only a baby step in the right direction. "Compulsive gamblers will tell you, 'I knew I wasn't going to win and if I was going to win I'd put it all back in. I was there to be in action and that's the dangerous part of this."
Iowa lottery officials say no other U.S. lottery has such a policy. The ban includes all lotto products, like instant scratch games, pull tabs, and touch play games. It's all about taking away the incentives. But the question is...will anyone sign up?
The contracts should be available on the Iowa Lottery's website in a couple of weeks. The hope is to have them in retail stores too. The signed agreements have to be notarized.
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