More Great News for The Totally Mind-Blowing Show!
We’re thrilled to share that the Various Artists Independent Film Festival—based in the Windy City of Chicago—has awarded TTMBS an Honorable Mention!
Chicago, of course, is the city on Lake Michigan, famous for the Great Fire of 1871 and forever nicknamed “The Second City” by our friends in New York. I like to think New Yorkers are giving Chicago an honorable mention too.
And we are honored.
Why does this mean so much to us? Because this festival, now in its ninth year, is no small potatoes. Its judging panel has included an impressive lineup of Academy and Emmy Award–winning and nominated artists, as well as top working professionals in the industry—people like Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite), Anjul Nigam (Grey’s Anatomy), Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy), and more.
For those keeping track, this is award number 14 for The Totally Mind-Blowing Show.
So, a heartfelt thank you to the Various Artists Independent Film Festival—for the recognition, encouragement, and love.
Moshe and Mordechai sat in Starbucks, nursing their lattes and admiring the barista. Long blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes, a petite shiksa nose, and a cute little rear—she was the full package. She was the reason they crawled out of bed in the morning, the highlight of their day.
“She’s a dead ringer for Sophie Cunningham,” Moshe whispered, invoking their favorite WNBA star. From that day forward, she was simply Sophie. And Sophie was the reason two old lechers were willing to shell out five bucks for a cup of Joe.
Over the hum of milk steamers and conversation, Kenny Rogers’ 1978 classic drifted from the loudspeaker: The Gambler.
Moshe and Mordechai perked up. When the chorus came, they couldn’t help themselves.
You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em…
Their voices rose, off-key but joyous. Sophie rolled her eyes and gave the universal nod reserved for old guys doing dumb things.
…You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table…
When the song ended, Moshe leaned over. “You think Bibi knows the lyrics to The Gambler?”
Mordechai chuckled. “Of course he does. Song of his generation. And he’s been gambling his whole political life. I bet he knows every word.”
Moshe stirred his coffee. “Well, I’m starting to think he’s holding his cards way too long. Doesn’t seem to understand the cost of not folding.”
“True,” Mordechai said. “After two years, no real tactical risk-benefit analysis. Time to take his winnings, cut a final deal, and leave the table.”
“Do you think he’s breaking Kenny’s rule? Counting his money while he’s still playing?”
“He’s sitting on a mountain of chips,” Mordechai said. “If he’s smart, he cashes out now. Goes home. Counts his blessings before his luck turns.”
The two men nodded in agreement, drained the last of their lattes, and rose to leave. They took one last look at Sophie and silently prayed that Bibi, like any good gambler, knew when to walk away.
I’m shopping in downtown Davie, Florida, and I spot a Cuban cafeteria on the east side of Davie Road. I decide to give it a try.
“Why?” you ask.
“Well, I haven’t had Cuban food in quite a while. I’m craving, or as they say in Davie, ‘I gotta hankering for some grilled steak, white rice, black beans, and plantains.’”
As I enter the restaurant, the smell of the grilled steak overpowers me. It’s half grocery store and half cafeteria, with no inside seating. All its comida Cubana —picadillo con arroz, white, tostones, yuca con mojo, ropa vieja, flan, arroz con leche, white rice, fried rice, pollo, fried pork, frijoles, and plantains — rest behind a protective dome of clear glass.
I order, pay, and walk outside to the courtyard, holding my green cardboard tray. Finding a grated black iron table and chair, I sit and to my surprise observe a 24-inch, long-legged, white American ibis standing in the middle of the next table.
“Why is this wading, frog-eating Everglades bird standing on a table in a Cuban restaurant in downtown Davie?”
But this ibis acts as if he/she owns the place.
I remember calling these birds “Egyptian ibis” because when I studied their hieroglyphic images on ancient clay tablets, I learned they represented the Egyptian god Thoth.
“This ibis has chutzpah! He shows no fear in claiming this restaurant as his feeding ground. Yup, ibis are the last of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane hits, and the first to reappear once the storm has passed.
I sit next to the ibis table.
“The bird is eying my steak.”
I cut my steak, taste my rice and beans, and as I raise my steak-covered fork toward my mouth, in one fell swoop, the ibis, like an Israeli pilot flying a Phantom Jet, removes and swallows the steak. I sit in shock, thankful that the bird bill didn’t gouge my eye.
“That bird’s long, hooked beak almost cut my face!”
I quickly decide to avoid further confrontations. I pack up my meal, head to my CRV, realizing that danger lurks around every corner, even in downtown Davie.
About the Author
About the Author Florida’s Jewish short-story writer, speaker, film producer, and retired attorney. Mort is the co-editor of “Sea of Tranquility—A Literary Anthology.” The book is scheduled to land on the Moon in December of 2025 as part of the Lunar Codex Project. The Earthbound editions are now on sale on Amazon. He has also authored “A Hebraic Obsession”, “The Hanukkah Bunny,” and “The Greatest Gift.” Mort has produced an award-winning short film titled “The Stairs.” The movie is available to view for free online. ChatGPT says, “Mort is known for his works that often explore themes of love, loss, and the human connection. Laitner has published several books, including “A Hebraic Obsession.” His writing style is characterized by its emotional depth and introspection. Laitner’s works have garnered praise for their heartfelt expression and keen insight into the human experience.” Mort was the president of the South Florida Writers Association and a correspondent for the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel Jewish Journal.
