Great songs, fine singing and dancing, nifty special effects, beautiful scenery: What else could you ask from a Broadway musical?

Well, other than a story you actually care about. Aladdin falls short in that respect, especially compared to other Disney musicals like The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast. But for most folks who caught the touring show Thursday at the Ohio Theatre, the production’s other attributes were more than enough.

Based on the 1992 animated film and boasting catchy Alan Menken tunes such as “Friend Like Me” and “Whole New World,” Aladdin arrived on Broadway in 2014. There it was nominated for five Tony Awards but won only for James Monroe Iglehart’s performance in the showiest role, the Genie.

In the touring production, much of the attention also is grabbed by the Genie portrayer, Michael James Scott, who leaves no stone unturned in his quest for laughter and applause. Equally committed, if less showy, performances are turned in by other cast members.

Simply Living, The Columbus Community Bill of Rights, and the Columbus Free Press are co-sponsoring a screening of We The People 2.0 Tuesday, October 30, 7 PM at the Drexel Theatre, 2254 E Main St in Bexley 43209. 

The film offers a framework to understand why a successful ballot initiative to let voters decide whether to ban oil and gas operations in Columbus was approved by the Columbus City Council, but later rejected and removed from the November 6 election by the Franklin County Board of Elections.

A special Q&A discussion after the film will be led by Tish O'Dell, the Ohio Community Organizer for the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF). The local leaders of the Columbus Community Bill of Rights initiative will participate and shed further light on continuing efforts to protect our water, air, and soil in central Ohio.

Treasonous “October Surprises” gave Republicans the presidency in 1968 and 1980. A staged 1933 Reichstag fire gave Hitler his dictatorship. 

This year’s likeliest pretext for a Trump coup could be that “terror caravan” to the south. 

Amidst yet another automatic weapons slaughter (this time aimed at the Jewish people), mail bombs, silenced media, rapist judges, dead and dissected journalists, threats to “lock up” liberals, internet chaos, stripped voter rolls and flipped vote counts, Trump will predictably escalate his goose-step chorus during this time of horror. 

The corporate media will spread the last-minute “Red Shift” Big Lie while a tsunami of Koch/Adelman/Bezos-funded attack ads spew blatant racism and fascist hate.

The deal is to be sealed with an intimidated electorate, stripped voting rights and flipped ballot tallies.

That march through Mexico is the perfect October “crisis” to trigger the coup.

In 1980 Reagan treasonously took power by making sure US hostages stayed in Iran. In 1968 Nixon treasonously sabotaged the peace that did not come to Vietnam. In 1933 Hitler burned the Reichstag. 

The Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, on the northeast corner of East Broad Street and Cleveland Avenue, is touted as the first park in the nation dedicated to the theme of social justice. The park is small but includes as "interpretive path, relaxing water feature, and large-scale art project serving as the backdrop of the park." The park's website reads "Over time as the park grows, programs tied to social justice will be launched that will be held at the park and in the community." Dozens of people turned out on a wet gray afternoon to witness the dedication of the park today, Sunday, October 18. https://www.socialjusticepark.org/

BANGKOK, Thailand -- The army's new commander-in-chief in a veiled
threat warned he may unleash a coup if people "create riots" against
the results of next February's promised elections.

The polls are expected to won by the current putsch-installed military
regime's allies but a surprise victory could be achieved by their
civilian enemies.

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Apirat Kongsompong's remarks coincided
with the first visit to Thailand by Admiral Phil Davidson, Commander
of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

The U.S. commander's October 16-17 meetings included 2014 coup leader
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, his powerful Defense Minister Prawit
Wongsuwan, and newly appointed Supreme Commander Gen. Ponpipaat
Benyasri.

"The U.S. remains committed, as a long-time friend and ally, to
working with Thailand in advancing regional security and prosperity,"
Adm. Davidson said.

Asked during a news conference if the highly politicized U.S.-trained
army which was placed under Gen. Apirat's command on October 1 would