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Articles by Scott Blair
Yuriko Kotani: Kaiju About
By Scott Blair | 20th Aug 2022 | ★★★★ Like Edinburgh, London is not an easy city to live in. It’s expensive, people can be rude and it can really drag you down. This very much describes the relatable experiences faced by Londoner and Japanese comedian Yuriko Kotani in her full post-pandemic return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Her perspectives on the pandemic, daily life, hobbies and self-care in her own charming, cheerful and comical way really make for a phenomenally feel-good show.
4 star review by Scott Blair
By Scott Blair | 19th Aug 2022 | ★★★★ As we come into nearly eight years of rule of the UK Government by the Conservative Party – or 12 Years depending on your feelings for the Liberal Democrats – we have seen a rise in discussion and discourse on asylum seekers.
3 star review by Scott Blair
By Scott Blair | 7th Aug 2022 | ★★★ Six Players. A menagerie of instruments. And one massive projector set up, jam packed with cartoons. This is the set-up of The Queen's Cartoonists Fringe debut at the prestigious Assembly Roxy. A musical cavalcade of animated shorts and scenes to live jazz music - but is this a snappy, electric animated masterclass in music or does it just fall flat in cartoon motion? For an animation and/or jazz fan, this show is a must.
Something in The Water
By Scott Blair | 7th Aug 2022 | ★★★★★ With a plastic fork in hand (not a preference, all part of the show), the Crains Lecture Hall of Summerhall, a former home of learning for the students of the University of Edinburgh, is a fitting place for an aquatic exploration into gender identity and queerness. This is what will certainly await you when you find Something in The Water.
Sofie Hagen: Fat Jokes
By Scott Blair | 5th Aug 2022 | ★★★★ From dealing with video testimonies of love from superfans to the vilest of far-right vitriol that can be spat in 280 characters and all whilst dealing with the life of a comedian, body positivity and a new dog... life ain't too easy for quick-witted and hilarious Sofie Hagen. From comedy to writing to TikTok, she's certainly been keeping busy and in her new show, Fat Jokes, really shines through as a highlight of this year's festival.
Opinion: Prayer in meetings causes more division
Blair The boards of Grand Traverse County, and more recently Leelanau County, passed policies whereby governmental meetings are opened with a prayer. Per the unfortunate 5 to 4 decision in Greece v.
Rethinking Your Wheel Weight Assortment
Your wheel weights could be hiding indirect costs related to them falling off or losing their adhesion, which leads to comebacks for rebalancing. There are places in your operation that may be costing you more than you think but, at the same time, could allow for increased profit margin. Your wheel weights, for example, could be hiding indirect costs related to them falling off or losing their adhesion, which leads to comebacks for rebalancing.
Rethinking Your Wheel Weight Assortment
Your wheel weights could be hiding indirect costs related to them falling off or losing their adhesion, which leads to comebacks for rebalancing. There are places in your operation that may be costing you more than you think but, at the same time, could allow for increased profit margin. Your wheel weights, for example, could be hiding indirect costs related to them falling off or losing their adhesion, which leads to comebacks for rebalancing.
3 star review by Scott Blair
In our modern world, convenience is king and Amazon wears the crown. One of the worldâs largest companies, Amazon has taken over the world of e-commerce to become one of the big four technology companies along with Google, Facebook and Apple. But has this success benefited everyone? Fulfilment seeks to highlight the true and rather frightening stories of workers within an Amazon Warehouse or, as they call it, their fulfilment centre.
4 star review by Scott Blair
Georges Méliès is often described as the inventor of cinema. Originally working in theatre and with experience in magic and special effects, he was one of the first to make use of the Lumière Brothers' invention to create narrative movies which took fantastical stories and ideas as well as develop many types of special effects in filmmaking. A magical adventure of film and music, unlike any movie-concert I have ever seen before.
John Robertson: The Dark Room
John Robertson first premiered his maniacal game show The Dark Room back in 2012. Beginning in the dark abyss of Hive Nightclub with a £50 prize and only a two star review from Broadway Baby. It is amazing to see how far itâs come. Progressing from venue to venue, this now cult classic resides in the grand dining room of Gilded Balloon Teviot Row and it is truly a comedy feast.
Isa Bonachera: The Great Emptiness
One day the earth might be so devastated that we might need to leave for a distant planet. If that ever happened and I got a choice of who joined me in my shuttle, after seeing her hour of stand-up, my first pick would be Isa Bonachera.
Sooz Kempner â Mega Drive
Sonic might not be the best video game character in the world but moving around at the speed of sound, he has touched many hearts and none more so than Sooz Kempner who brings her love for the mascot, Sega and growing up in the 90s to the forefront in a terrific hour of stand-up comedy. Takes you on a hilarious journey through her rollercoaster of a life.
5 star review by Scott Blair
The Girl Guide Promise, an oath taken by all Guides and Brownies, highlights how a girl guide member must always do their best, be true to themselves and develop their beliefs. In Do Our Best, these beliefs and more are achieved! A phenomenal hour of emotional, immersive, funny and gut-wrenching theatre A phenomenal hour of emotional, immersive, funny and gut-wrenching theatre.
Colt Cabana and John Hastings Do Comedy and Commentary to Bad Wrestling Matches
Colt Cabana Is a world-famous wrestler who has wrestled around the world from Dundee to Japan and back including a short, not so successful, run in the WWE as Scotty Goldman. John Hastings is⦠not a world-famous wrestler but enjoys talking about the sport on his Podcast as well as being a comedian.
3 star review by Scott Blair
Part-biographical, part-political, part-musical, part-magical. Xanthony (Aka Anthony Keigher) brings his popular Dublin Fringe show Confirmation to this year's Edinburgh Festival. Xanthony shines throughout with his incredible charisma but the music, composed by Saly ó Dúnlaing, as well as other aspects of the show are extremely hit or miss.
Yuriko Kotani: Somosomo
It is common to see stand-up comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe be either unnecessarily controversial or unimaginatively bland. Luckily however, Yuriko Kotani is neither. She returns for her 3rd Edinburgh Fringe to bring her creative perspective on Japanese and British life along with some amazingly good vibes and a sprinkle of feminism which makes to be one amazing hour of comedy in Yuriko Kotani: Somosomo. A must-see full of heart, passion and laughs.
5 star review by Scott Blair
In the past 20 to 30 years, our world has drastically change especially within the realm of politics and culture. Wound Up Theatreâs Itâll Be Alt-Right on the Night is able to capture this vast change, frames it in punk rock and shows its effects on a personal level that succeeds phenomenally in presenting an electric and immersive experience.
Beach Body Ready
In our current day and age with consuming media in whatever shape it may take, itâs not difficult to find an advert, article or commentary about the body and how we should look in society. May it be an advert or article on a diet, health supplement, app, make-up, clothes or really anything, it is usually making a statement on how we should look and how we should feel about ourselves, regardless of the negative results this can have on our mental health or body image.
4 star review by Scott Blair
A mixture of mythology, memory and music. STYX, fresh from its award-winning run at the Perth Fringe, is gig-theatre which explores the memories of writer Max Bartonâs grandmother Flora who has just been diagnosed with Alzheimerâs though a mixture of recordings, indie music, science of the mind, storytelling and Greek mythology with a large focus on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Did God want Donald Trump to become president?
Crossed By Rev. Dr. William C. Myers and Scott Blair | March 16, 2019 During a January 2019 interview, the Christian Broadcasting Network asked White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders to provide a “spiritual perspective” on the presidency of Donald Trump. In this column, Scott and Bill respond to her answer: "I think God calls all of us to fill different roles at different times, and I think that he wanted Donald Trump to become president.
To Pray or Not to Pray
Crossed By Rev. Dr. William C. Myers and Scott Blair | Feb. 9, 2019 Note to readers: The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners last month approved a motion to open its regular meetings with an invocation. (You can find the resolution in its entirety by searching "invocation” at www.grandtraverse.org.) Here, Scott and Bill respond to the issue. Scott’s Statement There should not be prayer at county board of commissioners meetings. This doesn’t mean religion is banned from the room.
How Does it End?
How Does it End? Crossed Scott’s Statement What a story we are, evolving as bipedal mammals with opposable thumbs, rising to extraordinary biological “success” on the benefits of brains capable of language and cooperation. We are often critical of ourselves as a species — focusing on our violence, selfishness, and reckless deployment of technologies. Grim views of humanity exist because we compare ourselves to visions of what we could be, but we are always resetting the scale.
What is the Soul?
Scott’s Statement I think the idea that we are each a created, non-material soul, temporarily possessing a body, is widely cherished because it suggests that death is not final. There may also be appeal in regarding oneself as an intended and lasting part of the universe rather than as a fleeting fleck of biology. The suggestion that we exist independent of our bodies is passed down to us in mythologies and is reinforced by modern-day accounts of out-of-body experiences.
When is it ok to refuse someone service?
Bill's Statement In the Disney football film Remember the Titans, Sunshine, Petey, and Blue enter a restaurant after a big win. Though the restaurant is half empty, the owner refuses to serve them. “This is my establishment,” he says. “I reserve the right to refuse service to anybody. Yeah, that means you, too, hippie boy. Now, y'all want somethin' to eat, you can take these boys out back and pick it up from the kitchen." Why were they refused service? Were they shirtless? No. Were they barefoot?
Is there a line between education and indoctrination?
Scott’s Statement Believers bringing children up in their faith feel they are passing down life’s most important and joyous understandings. They may also hope to impart protection to their children by enrolling them in God’s care. Parents may not view religious teaching as indoctrination or intend it to cause harm, but harm can occur (even as compassionate principles are also conveyed). Children may feel guilt over natural thoughts and behaviors.
The Youth Go to Washington - and They Won’t be Leaving
Right from the get-go, it was a magnificent mess. And complicated. In the history of our great United States, for every glorious achievement, history offers up parallel infamies. The Founding Fathers showed profound wisdom in basing our experiment in democracy on the Charters of Freedom. At the same time, they institutionalized slavery for another 89 years and restricted the right to vote for another 144.
Enough?
Had enough, yet? No? According to FactCheck.org, the President of the United States has told 2,500 lies since taking office. That seems to be quite a few, even for a Washington politician. He has other issues, as well. Let's review. As this is being written, at least 21 high-level White House staffers, agency heads, and at least one national security advisor have been fired or resigned.
Do Atheists Pray?
Bill’s Statement “Do atheists pray?” This was the question asked at our Lenten book study of Craig Groeschel’s book “The Christian Atheist: When You Believe in God But Live as if He Doesn’t Exist.” I had never thought about the question, so I emailed Scott in the middle of class. We agreed the question would make a good Crossed column. So here we are.
Young Playwrights Get a Chance to Strut (and See) Their Stuff
When writing a story, the characters come alive on the pages. For many that’s enough. But five young writers from around the area will see their characters come alive on stage April 29 at the Young Playwrights Festival at the City Opera House. The Young Playwrights Festival program is an offshoot of a similar program at the Wharton Center in East Lansing. That program has been ongoing for more than 20 years, while the local version is in its seventh year.
Safe Zone Legislation Pedaling Forward
On July 7, 2016, a man driving a pickup truck plowed into a group of bicyclists in Kalamazoo. The crash killed five cyclists and injured four others. It also became a lightning rod of controversy and activism for Michigan’s bike community, which has long criticized the state and its legislators for lax bike safety regulations. Now, lawmakers are looking at legislation that could shift the future of bike safety in the state.
Biker Girls
Norte is fighting to get more girls involved in cycling. For the past four years, the Traverse City-based organization has pushed to get more local youths on bikes. For the most part, the mission has been successful. Norte has hundreds of kids involved in its various programs, including a Youth Leadership Council that helps the organization advocate for a more walk/bike-friendly Traverse City. According to founder Ty Schmidt, though, Norte’s programs have consistently skewed heavily male.
Traverse City's Omelette Shoppe
One of 2017’s most notable food trends was “put an egg on it.” It was the year that eggs topped everything from arugula to ziti. Well, here’s a news flash: The Omelette Shoppe has been putting an egg on it — and around it, and under it, and beside it, and in it — since 1975, drawing breakfast lovers from near and far. Forty-three years later, the cozy little original Omelette Shoppe still sits at 124 Cass St. in downtown Traverse City.
Flower Power!
Grand Traverse flower fans know Derek Woodruff well. His Traverse City business, Floral Underground, is well-known for its gorgeous floral arrangements, and for Woodruff’s propensity to settle for nothing less than the best. While Woodruff regularly competes in more modest flower arranging events, he’s now entering what he called “the big kahuna” of florist competitions — the FTD America’s Cup, which could make his career blossom like never before.
Bike Trail Updates
Planning a spring or summer bike trip in northern Michigan? If so, staying aware of the latest trail closures, construction plans, and other developments is always a good idea. Not only will knowing about recent updates help you plot your route, but it will also give you something to look forward to as you survey future plans for your favorite trail. Northern Express has done the hard work for you, getting the scoop on the latest plans for many of northern Michigan’s most beloved trails.
The Benevolent Compost King … and his loyal subjects
They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. In the case of David Zaiss, Lily Culver, and the Interotten Community Compost program, that trash is turned into something that will grow into treasure all on its own … given a little time. LOCAL INSPIRATION Interotten Community Compost is a local program in Interlochen that, for a small fee, provides clients (both residences and businesses) with buckets for their food waste and other biodegradeable materials.
Parquet Courts - Wide Awake! - Rough Trade
The 13-track follow-up to its 2017 Milano teaming with Karen O and Daniele Luppi, Parquet Courts’ latest brings in yet another collaborator, this time in the form of the legendary Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton). First single “Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience” showcases the group’s first jump away from its trademark sound, as it takes its grungy rock and adds a little more profundity.
Can We Choose Our Beliefs?
Scott’s Statement Why is it about belief? Christianity calls on people to believe in Jesus, to accept and revere the narrative that Jesus is divine yet suffered death as a human. And the event is said to somehow provide a path to being accepted by God and living eternally with him in paradise. But we must believe the story to participate in this. Why would the ability to believe an implausible story be the central criteria in determining who is fit to know God?
What is Marriage Apart from God?
Are we on a fool’s errand? Scott and I are addressing the question “What is marriage apart from God?” Broadly understood, marriage is a cultural universal. Yet, a cursory search of the internet reveals the cultural, historical, theological, political, and economic complexity of marriage. Even among Christians there is disagreement over the sacramental nature of marriage and who may embrace the bonds of holy matrimony.
In the Image of God?
Scott’s Statement John Keats accused Isaac Newton of “unweaving the rainbow” by revealing that all colors are contained in white light, which separates when shone through a prism. To Keats, explaining a rainbow with physics takes the poetry out of it. I find that the sensual experience of a rainbow is not diminished by understanding; rather, additional layers of unseen beauty are revealed.
Getting Over It | Opinion | Northern Express
The president says the removal of Confederate statues and monuments is erasing history and destroying the cultural heritage of the South. He openly asks if there is any difference between George Washington or Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee. Others believe those protesting neo-Nazis, the Ku KluxKlan, and replicas of Columbus' ships should just get over “it.” Let's take a look. We'll start with the obvious.
Should faith be a private matter?
Bill’s Statement Sex, politics, and religion … the unholy trinity of forbidden subjects for public discussion. Most “polite” Americans have been ingrained with this mantra. Even in this age of social media self-exploitation, where nothing is left to the imagination, there is still a sense we must take care when expressing personal opinions, especially on religion. The question is should faith be a private matter? Many would say yes.
Tastemaker: Pour’s Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad
Pour’s executive chef Jarod Kirby has a way with watercress. And he’s using it as the base for the wine bar and restaurant’s newest salad, an end-of-summer menu addition that makes the very best of local flavors and features a bombshell presentation.
Harbor Springs’ Rodrigo’s Serves up Authentic Mexican Food
The husband and wife team of Sara Gaydan and Rodrigo Sandoval took the long route to northern Michigan. Both were born in Brownsville, Texas, a city at the southernmost tip of the state, just across the border from Mexico, on the banks of the Rio Grande. They eventually traveled east and spent several years living in Vero Beach, Florida, before making their way north to live closer to some of their friends.
Truckers and Tractors to Roll Across the Mackinac Bridge in September
If your fandoms run toward the vehicular end of things, there are two upcoming events happening the Mackinac Bridge that you shouldn’t miss: Annual Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing Sept. 8 The nationally syndicated TV show Small Town Big Deal covered it last year. In 2015, when cable network RFD-TV featured Mackinac Bridge’s annual antique tractor crossing on its program Classic Tractor, about 1,000 tractors made the trek.
Refurbishing a Jewel: How to Paint the Mackinac Bridge
If you think painting your fence is a tough summer project, imagine repainting the entire Mackinac Bridge. The suspension bridge, which connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, stretches nearly 5 miles, across the Straits of Mackinac. “Every component of the bridge has an expected life cycle in the case of its paint,” said Bob Sweeney, CEO and executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
Fighting a Felony - and Michigan Marijuana Laws
Scientific consensus increasingly recognizes there’s no way to determine the level of impairment in a driver who uses marijuana. So why is a woman who smoked marijuana 10 hours before an accident that killed her mother facing a 15-year felony for impaired driving? A Benzonia lawyer seeks to overturn the impracticable laws currently in place in Michigan.
Downstate Destinations: Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum — named after the late Marvin Yagoda (pictured), who founded the place back in 1979 — is exactly as remarkable as its name would indicate. Try to win against the Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken! Get your fortune told by The Brain! Watch Old King Cole and his puppets put on their big show! Pose for the earliest version of a selfie in the vintage photo booth! There’s really no end to what you can do at Marvin’s.
The Great Lakes’ Longtime Nemesis is Going Down
When it comes to invasive species in the Great Lakes, efforts to halt the spread of the Asian Carp have generated a lot of buzz. But there’s been an ongoing, persistent, under-the-radar effort to control an old nemesis — the fish-killing sea lamprey — that’s proven to be stunningly successful.
Mackinac Bridge Walk Breaks Tradition
Summer 2017 marks 60 years of the Mackinac Bridge Walk and one major break in tradition. “Because of threats happening across the country … We met with Homeland Security and the Michigan State Police, and it was decided that for the first time, we will not be allowing public [vehicle] traffic to drive across the bridge during the walk, for everyone’s safety and security,” said Bob Sweeney, executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA).
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