‘Moby Dick: The Radio Play’ available as e-book

TORRINGTON — BearManor Media recently released “Moby Dick: The Radio Play,” an e-book by Phil Hall. It is now available at www.bearmanormedia.com

Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” has challenged and provoked readers since its publication in 1851, and over the years it has inspired a seemingly endless stream of adaptations in the performing and visual arts. This unique interpretation brings Melville’s masterpiece to a radio drama format, where the mind’s eye envisions the bizarre odyssey that unites an unlikely collection of personalities into a harrowing hunt for a legendary white whale.

“Moby Dick: The Radio Play” was originally presented in a two-part production on the syndicated radio series Nutmeg Junction, which broadcasts on WAPJ in Torrington.

Working within the audio drama setting, this version captures the epic sweep of Melville’s seagoing adventure while offering a provocative consideration of the emotional obsessions that drive the key characters: the adventureseeking Ishmael, the mystically wise Queequeg, the morally conflicted Starbuck, the emotionally damaged Pip, the recklessly carefree Starbuck and the seething Captain Ahab who steers his ship and crew into a fatal maelstrom.

In addition to the play, this e-book includes an original essay by Phil Hall on how numerous artists have approached Melville’s work over the decades, along with an article by Hall on how the radio play came to life, an interview with Nutmeg Junction creator J. Timothy Quirk of Torrington on contemporary radio theater, and a foreword on the continued appeal of Melville's work by Jeffrey Peters, PhD, the publisher and editor of the digital magazine The News and Times and the online resource, The Encyclopedia of British Romanticism.

Hall's career covers achievements as a business journalist, public relations and marketing expert, film critic, actor, podcaster and radio talk show host. He authored the BearManor Media books “The History of Independent Cinema,” “What If They Lived?” (co-authored with Rory L. Aronsky), “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time,” “In Search of Lost Films” and “The Weirdest Movie Ever Made.” “Moby Dick: The Radio Play” marks his first effort in playwriting.

Founded in 2001, BearManor Media is an independent book publisher specializing in titles related to all aspects of the entertainment world. For more information, visit the company online at www.bearmanormedia.com

Active senior nominations wanted for calendar

Nominations are wanted for a special person to be featured as a “pin up” in the 2021 Central Connecticut 60 Strong calendar, showcasing inspirational “60 somethings” and highlighting Central Connecticut events and activities. In addition to appearing in the calendar, winners receive celebrity treatment with a virtual kick-off party, professional photo shoot and compensation for their modeling time.

Anyone age 18 or older can nominate a friend or family member, age 60 to 69, who has achieved remarkable levels of fitness, pursued a new hobby or helped those in need. The candidate might be “giving back”, fighting a chronic condition or caring for someone who is.

Central Connecticut 60 Strong candidates must be between ages of 60 and 69 on Sept. 1, 2020, and a resident of the following Connecticut counties: Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, Litchfield; and Hampden and Hampshire counties in Massachusetts.

To make a nomination, go to www.CentralCT60Strong.com and submit an application form, a 200-400-word essay, head shot and full-length photo by Monday, Aug. 10. You can also upload a smart phone video describing the candidate.

Or, download an application form at www.CentralCT60Strong.com and mail the completed form, a 200-400-word essay, head-shot and full-length photo to: Central Connecticut 60 Strong Contest, c/o Rosemary Hokanson, 1 Lake St., Door #5, 3rd Floor, New Britain, CT 06052. The entry must be postmarked by Aug. 6.

Those who nominate winners will receive a $50 gift certificate.

Celebrity judges will virtually select 12 winners who exemplify how life after sixty can be a vibrant and active time. Contestants are judged on health/fitness/ wellness, community involvement, volunteerism and why they are inspirational to others.

Winners must be available Aug. 27-29 for a virtual party and photo shoot. For information, email CentralCT60Strong@StarlingSCA.com. All proceeds from calendar sales benefit Connecticut Foodshare to support response efforts to hunger.

Starling Physicians is proud to announce the Central Connecticut 60 Strong contest in conjunction with the launch of Starling Senior Care Advantage, a program designed to provide seamless and greater coordination of care for their senior patients.

Northwestern Connecticut Community College holding safe boating, watercraft course

WINSTED – Northwestern Connecticut Community College is offering a course in Safe Boating and Personal Watercraft, 5-9 p.m. Aug. 10-11, with a Zoom online meeting format.

This Department of Energy and Environmental Protection certificate course is taught by boating professionals sponsored by the Connecticut DEEP Boating Division.

Successful completion fulfills the requirements to obtain the Connecticut Safe Boating and Personal Watercraft Certificate, which enables individuals to operate jet skis and recreational vessels up to 65 feet in length. The course fee is $25 and additional state fees are applicable.

For more information, or to register for this class, contact Jane Williams, Program Coordinator, at 860-738-6444 or at jwilliams@nwcc.edu.