It's mid-February, which means it's finally the New Year!

Waitaminute.

Actually, though, it's true. The 2010 seasons are either just barely underway: Oregon Stage Works is currently running Agatha Christie's The MouseTrap (through February 28th), Oregon Cabaret Theatre ran out Red, White and Tuna on February 12th (through March 28th), and previews at some other theater in town begin in a week. On the heels of a hugely successful season which saw ticket sales growth despite the economic climate we're in, anticipation for the 75th Anniversary season is sky high. Rather than ducking the pressure, artistic director Bill Rauch (I'll give him the credit for now...) headlines the season with long-time favorite Dan Donohue as Hamlet. A couple of years ago I would've said that this was a led-pipe cinch for greatness, but I had that kind of anticipation for last year's Macbeth and was more disappointed than I probably should've been as a result. (Peter Macon and Robin Goodrin Nordli, flat? Who'da thunk?) So for now, call me cautiously optimistic.

As for Ashland Link - I've decided this is my put up or shut up year. In 2008, I had a neat idea (sez me) and decided to put up the site. In 2009 I got some technical proficiency under my fingers, and it was the first year that I actually saw everything that OSF put on. Still, portions of the site have lagged behind, and being a little gun shy has resulted in me not trying very hard to tell people that the site exists. So, 2010 is the year that I  get the word out and, at the same time, figure out which portions of the site I can get into useable shape and which I should jettison. For example, I think the City Guide could be useful - I know there's things like Yelp and such, but covering all types of businesses in one spot might (might!) be more valuable. Forums have been tricky to execute in a way that lets people in and keeps spammers out. I've also got an amazing trove of information thanks to the archivist at OSF that I think would be a fantastic foundation for a wiki. Just how much data entry does a hobby merit, though? Soooo.. yeah. I welcome any and all feedback as I apply a spitshine to my little culture corner - email me if you'd like: john (at) ashlandlink (dot) com. Or, even better, drop your comments and reviews on the site as applicable. :)