Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for August 03, 2017

First

I think Al Grey is not going to like another scheme his nephew is cooking up.

This sounds like the start of a TJ scheme. And I suspect it will work out just as well as one.

Les still has a soft spot for Pru, I think.

Les: Know what? I might have a way to make a load of cash?

Pru: Why does this sound not right?

Answer:

1.Les is speaking but his mouth is closed.

2.The idea that Les would have a way to make a load of cash runs contrary to Prudence’s knowledge of the money the DeGroots are paying for wait staff.

3.Perhaps Pru is trying to send a message out to Evans, her creator, and say, “You know that either ‘Why does this sound wrong?’ or ‘Why doesn’t this sound right?’ would be better!”

4.Prudence’s ears are choked with grief for the theater camp.

5.Prudence is fixating on the word “load” and remembers back to her days as a drug mule and money launderer.

6.Prudence is too distracted by Les invading her personal space and touching her shoulder.

7.Possibly because she went from looking at Les to looking out into space somewhere, not quite able to figure out what direction the readers are in so she can break the fourth wall and ask us why it does sound not right.

8.Prudence has suddenly realized that you shouldn’t use baby oil to wipe down the counter of a bar.

9.Prudence is wondering what she did with that investment money, since we know she didn’t spend any of it on advertising or preregistration or any of the other things that might have made it successful.

We are already holding our nose. But Greg could really surprise us if Les actually has a legitimate viable plan. But I am not taking bets.

Could Les’s plan possibly involve Tiffany?

“Stuff just goes south sometimes.” That’s really well put (and absolutely true).

Now — from my perspective, this is all starting to get interesting for the first time since the beginning of the theater camp. This may be the main trajectory of this thread for the last couple of weeks. I’m entertained and encouraged!

Now, Les, what did you do? With the money? With the theater camp, even? Did you set up the girls? Just to get Pru lean onto you? What part of Pru’s sexual orientation you did not get? She is capable of being friends with you but you can’t force romance on her and scheme with that in mind. Even Pru’s inner alarm blared when you mentioned fast cash. When those two words are spoken, they are often associated with the underworld. If Pru is smart, she will say ‘thanks but no.’

Wondering what went wrong? It’s called marketing! I’d suggest Pru tries it.

Wondering what went wrong? It’s called marketing! I’d suggest Pru tries it.

Just so it isn’t illegal, immoral, deceptive, or unethical.

There are lots of small events that need a venue. Local artist and organizations sometimes set up in parking lots and at the local park. Why not invite them in? The stage will showcase their work and the restaurant is right there also. They may not strike it rich, but they will at least make something.

“Let’s put on a show!” (said in my Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney voice).

Les’ suggestion sounds like one of those generalized “job” ads in the paper, or online. Make some money! Work in an environment that is both ‘crazy’ and ‘fun’!… Don’t you wanna make 3 Ka-Thousand-y dollars per week?

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Come to find out, they exagerated on the ‘fun’ part….but not the ‘crazy’ part.

-

And you only make the 3 Ka-Thousand-y dollars per week, if you work the 70 hours a week, and… if …the “Manager” and his “close associates”-er, ‘workmates’, gets his cut of 5 Ka-jillion-dy, and if enough strange boxes and letters get sent out to some willing people’s doors…and, if ….enough other suckers-…I mean, people, answer the same want ads as you…and… if …the Rams, Brewers, Capitals, Brigade, Knicks, Phillies all can win championships in the same season…. and…. if …the right amount of taxes get taken out (which would at least let you know it’s just north of a legitimate job, and maybe assures that you also don’t get arrested, in the process)…

“Field Of Schemes”

“Tangled ’N Cash”

“Downtown, Friday Afternoon”

“Let’s Not Do It, Again!”

“Opportunitease”

“Buy Me A Ticket For An Airplane…” (♪)

“This Is The Story Of Leslie Knox, And Bobbie-Pru..” (♪)

“Well, I’ve Always Depended On The Kindness Of Strange People!”

“United, We Stand…Divide Up The Cash Wrong, And You Take The Fall”

“Chilly, Con Carnival”

“Economics, With A Fever Of 101”

“Stop, Collaborate And Listen..” (♪)

“Seize The Day…lights Out Of Someone’s Piggy Bank”

“Well, That’s Offer Nice, Of You!”

“The Best Mislaid Plans”

“Chewing On A Tough Stake”

or

“Caveat, Running On Empty”

“Why does this sound NOT right?” – Because it was said by a petty larsonist.

so the failure of the theater camp was a mechanism to lead to whatever this is going to be.

Mary Clancy (Hayley Mills in “Trouble with Angels”}: I’ve got the most scathingly brilliant idea!

LUCY, you got some ‘splainin’ to do.

And Pru managed to not split any infinitives!

What did you do wrong? Hmmmm. Let’s see. You have no real skills or talent and you trying to sell something that no one wants. Let’s start with that …

What if Pru had entrusted Leslie with the advertising money for the theatre camp and asked him to go buy ad space and print and distribute flyers (none of which he did, of course)? That would explain some of her surprise that there was such a low turnout.

Les- "Here’s My Plan, Pru! Let’s Put on a Show using that Stage! One that Stars Tiffany! No Wait, Hear Me Out! Tiff’s a Great and Talented Actress that just needs a Big Break! And this Show would give Folks to a chance to see How Great She Is! Not to mention it would give ME a chance to Finally get into Her Pants, plus SUCKER the Rest of You Trusting Saps into thinking I’ve “changed” while I Gleefully Clean out the Cash Register, Pilfer Your Smart-Phones, Sift Though Your Wallets and Purses, and “Liberate” Your Jewelry! And……,"

“Oh SH*T!! Did I just Say THAT, Out Loud?!!?”

Pru is wondering what went wrong? If she had been accepting reservations ahead of opening, like almost every other summer camp everywhere, she would have known that things were going wrong, long ago. Then she either could have fixed them (by more advertising, maybe), or called the whole thing off before spending any more money (apparently on hot dogs, because there’s no evidence of any other expenditures).

Will Le’s quick-cash scheme involve insurance fraud? Kafe Kablooie goes Kablooie, as one would expect it to do sooner or later, with TJ as manager. Mr. Gray probably has some accelerant in his basement to help out.

I’ll trust Les when he comes clean about rgemoney he stole from the fuse… (insert rolling eyes emoji here)

4

Hmm. Lunch time analysis with my food, then a coffee and a pipe:

The story always turns worrisome when Les is in play with an “idea” or “scheme”. But, the more worrisome aspect for me today is concerning Prudence. As we get to know her personality more fully, she is quite a bit different from original impressions:

1. Initially, she seemed to be a “really together” sort of person, who had a significant background arsenal of theater “ins-and-outs” and seemed the perfect fit for operating the stage aspects related to the use of The Fuse.

2. But, as we have come to see…. she is a) much less self-assured, b) somewhat less focused, c) quite a bit more gullible, and d) less knowledgeable about “theater-y” things (at least theater camp things) than anticipated.

Now, in the greater scheme of things, I think this change to being more, shall we say, vulnerable and imperfect really does flesh her out as a character. But, with all this “fleshing out” of her character being somewhat on the negative side… I still have concerns that she may “heading to the volcano”.

The BIG worry… if Les’s scheme is as problematic/near illegal/illegal as it may be…. is Prudence going to have enough cognizance to recognize the risks and not go along with Les…. or will she NOT recognize the risks and end up having further harm done to her “reputation” and be one step closer to the volcano?

Lunch is finished, coffee consumed, and pipe enjoyed. Back to work for me.

Because Les is a slimeball.

Les knows that Pru is honest so he will not suggest any illegal schemes to her. I think he will have a great idea that will help her a lot.

Today the “wind up”; tomorrow “the pitch”. Saturday: base hit or strike out?

His weasel face troubles me too. Pru(ne) has got a negative feeling and she may be right.

from yesterday"

JPUZZLEWHIZ ABOUT 17 HOURS AGO@TrilogyWhy, if you disagree with someone, do you feel you have to insult them?

When somenody says soething REPREHENSIBLE I call them out on it. Calling social workers out for serving the ‘DREGS’ is reprehensible. That anad many other comments made from that same person.

Step 1) Open a food truck business. Step 2) Insure it.

Lets hope this will not end up being the Luann version of American Greed. Some of the best money makers are con men at heart, but if they can do an honest “con” which is both ethical and honest, then that is something that old Adam Smith said about “rational self-interest”.

Hmm… What if he’s considering returning the money he stole?

Run Pru, run! Don’t look back, because EVIL (Les) might be gaining on you!

Leslie (don’t call me Leslie!) Knox seems still more than routinely interested in Pru, lesbian or no. But he is willing to involve her in some probably nefarious scheme.

Pru, you are a smart NYC girl; don’t let this petty con/thief get you into trouble!

Perhaps I’m overly suspicious. But when Les says he has a way to make fast cash I would walk the other way very quickly.