I played Botvinnik in the Madison Repertory Theatre's production of this wonderful play a few years ago. We had an excellent director in C. Michael Wright, and John Mossman was perfect as Honeyman. I would recommend reading or seeing this play to anyone who is interested in interpersonal (as well as inter-political) relations. I am sorry some have seen this as some sort of litmus test of ideologies or of capitalism vs. communism. Approaching Lee Blessing's story from that point of view would surely blind the observer to its fine interplay and the growth of the characters as they meet four times: in summer, fall, winter, and finally spring. Both learn something about themselves and about each other. And just as with the Cold War, there is no "winner" nor "loser." Both sides have lost lives, money, and dignity--as with any war, cold or hot.
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Mark Twain tries Tesla's "Electrotherapeutic Device"
9 December 2004
Tesla also applied his resonance engines in bizarre forms of physical therapy. He created machines that flooded the human body with electrical currents and strong vibrations, intended to soothe aches and promote healing. And Tesla wasn't just the inventor of the "electrotherapeutic" device -- he was also a client. He reportedly became somewhat addicted to administering the treatment to himself, insisting that a session with the machine rejuvenated him on his long stretches of work without food or sleep. Tesla once let his friend Samuel Clemens try out the healing machine. The author is said to have enjoyed the experience tremendously -- until the vibrations brought him a case of spontaneous diarrhea. Tesla marketed this invention, and the Tesla Electrotherapeutic Company was one of the few commercial enterprises of his old age that was marginally successful.
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