I'm not sure why some people prefer the designation of "geek" versus "nerd." It's like the difference between being a "Trekkie" and a "Trekker" - the only people who care to argue about the complex differences are all watching the same episodes as Captain Kirk/Picard/Janeway do their best to implement the "main directive."
Which renders the argument moot.
Actually, and I'm not saying this to escape the moniker, but the truth is that I've always lived on the periphery of geekdom. I am the moon that orbits around the planet of Nerd. I speak geek....but, with a discernible accent.
It probably started in high school, where my circle of friends were nearly all honor students. I only took one honors class in four years and I got through it by the skin of my teeth. One of my classmates would helpfully calculate how low I could score on that day's quiz/test/assignment and still make a passing grade. For the first time in my life, I was the very bottom of the bell curve. Still, out of all my time spent in high school, it was in this class that I first embraced my place on the strata.
Senior Year. Honors Biology. I love science! Especially the earthier ones where I didn't have to work out too many math problems. Physics? Hated it. Biology rocked. But this class? To this day I don't know if I was just psyching myself out - that I had finally gotten myself into the Honors Program - or if I just wasn't applying myself enough. Either way, I had a hard time in Mr. Lake's class.
Freshman year, I crapped out in my first semester of Algebra and I was nearly failing...it's like my teacher was speaking Greek to me. But, when she had to take a personal leave for several months, we got a new teacher. Suddenly, all the problems made sense. And by the end of the quarter, I was up to a high C and by the end of the year I was scrapping up against a low A. Me, 1, Teacher Who Sucks At Teaching, 0.
On the flipside, Mr. Lake was a really good teacher. Period. So, I knew this was a different root problem. That it was something about me, about my brain, my comprehension of the material. I couldn't figure out why I was crashing so badly in his class, when I was maintaining an A-B average in my other classes.
I took the bull by the horns and approached him after class. I wasn't crying or anything, I was just completely befuddled and frustrated.
Mr. Lake, a sweet, but extremely short-statured man (who was probably not much older than I am now) turned to me and said words that impacted me almost immediately, and probably steered much of how I viewed my progress throughout my college years and beyond.
"Would you rather be the smartest kid in the dumbest class, or the dumbest kid in the smartest class?
Which is what you are."
It was literally the "light bulb" moment.
I was the dumbest kid in the smartest class. The mere idea of the reverse sounded like a fate near to hell. Who would want to be King of the Idiots? I would spend the rest of my life surrounding myself with people who were smarter or more skilled than I was in just about every facet of my world. I've always been of the mind that the only way you challenge yourself is to learn from folks who are more deft at whatever subject you are working in.
That you raise your game around smarter people. That you learn both from them and in an effort to keep up with them.
Also, wearing glasses helps.
Once again, I was reminded about this yesterday at Quiz Night. Every now and then, there is theme to a category, which, if you figure it out can help you solve other questions you're unsure of in the round. One time, all the song titles in the music round had cities in their name. (Tulsa Time, NutBush City Limits, London Calling, etc.)
Last night, when it was known that there was a theme, after a couple songs, (Take On Me, Walk Like An Egyptian, Come On Eileen), one of our team members proclaimed, "I know the theme! All the titles are command statements!"
I turned to my sister, who's visiting and joined us for the night and said, "I told you we are the geek team."
Of course, the theme was the much less cerebral, "80's Hits!"
Although, up until our team divided into two factions over the fifth song - SuperFreak vs. U Can't Touch This - I was onboard with the "command theme." The correct answer was SuperFreak and as much as one might argue the point, SuperFreak is not a command. Fortunately, saner minds prevailed and we got a perfect (double) score that round. Unfortunately, we got killed in both the Sports and Geography/History round and ultimately came in 2nd. Again.
Hmmm...maybe that's why I don't get too riled when we finish second to...ahem, the number one Quizzo team in the country. Team DSP has taken a lot of time off - we've only gone a handful of times since June - and are currently tied for 5th place nationally.
Don't get me wrong. I want to beat them. Every game. In fact, it's no small victory that we won the revered "t-shirt" round last night. (We got the most questions right in that round out of the 12 teams playing.)
I find that playing against a smart team is what makes me a hungrier player. Makes me read just one more news article or listen to a few more minutes of NPR or read some weird "did you know" fact off a beer bottle.
Smart people make me raise my game. Because of smart people, I've read more, learned more and have remained open to more experiences. That's why I like hanging out with smart people. Smart people are the reason why, at my age, I'm still looking shit up so I can keep up.
The thing is, I'll never be a true geek. I will never look at two disparate objects and say, hey, if you put these together they equal [insert awesome discovery which helps to lessen the burden of humanity - like washing your hands with soap or creating a coalition of NerdFighters.] But, I do have the ability to keep my head above water with geek talk on the whole.
All I'm saying is that, I know where and when to throw down with a Schrödinger's Cat reference.
Being the dumbest kid in the smartest class?
It's working out pretty good.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
less buzzing, more bliss
[Please read the following in that "In a world..." movie trailer voice.]
In a time of economic turmoil...
With election muckracking at full stop...
And a man would kill his neighbor for the food on his table...
I have found solace in the most unlikely of places.
Easy listening music.
After reading J's confession of her connection to the song stylings of one, Melissa Manchester, it was like the scales fell from my own eyes. Lately, I find myself drawn to less confrontational more cerebral and certainly a moony-ish type of music.
I give you the calm glory of Anne Murray.
Admittedly, I'm not solely devoted to easy listening. I can only listen to so much Carpenters before I need to kick a puppy. But while I'm flying around on the dial these days, I seem get stuck on a song I otherwise normally would spin by. Just this morning I got stuck on a song I haven't heard in ages.
Is it wrong for me to want to lock Anne and Lyle in a cabin on a hill and not let them out until they wrote me a song?
In a time of economic turmoil...
With election muckracking at full stop...
And a man would kill his neighbor for the food on his table...
I have found solace in the most unlikely of places.
Easy listening music.
After reading J's confession of her connection to the song stylings of one, Melissa Manchester, it was like the scales fell from my own eyes. Lately, I find myself drawn to less confrontational more cerebral and certainly a moony-ish type of music.
I give you the calm glory of Anne Murray.
Admittedly, I'm not solely devoted to easy listening. I can only listen to so much Carpenters before I need to kick a puppy. But while I'm flying around on the dial these days, I seem get stuck on a song I otherwise normally would spin by. Just this morning I got stuck on a song I haven't heard in ages.
Is it wrong for me to want to lock Anne and Lyle in a cabin on a hill and not let them out until they wrote me a song?
Friday, October 10, 2008
repetition is key
When my brain is tired and I can't find my words*, I fix upon just one and repeat it over and over and vary my inflection for emphasis. This seems to be happening a lot lately. Especially when I watch the news and or debates.
Honestly? Honestly?
Seriously? Seriously?!!
*I want a Threadless-style t-shirt that reads, "I can't find my words."
Get on it, creative t-shirt making types.
**An offshoot of the Apple Dumpling Gang, except that Don Knotts and Tim Conway refused to have their names associated with characters that lame-brained.
Honestly? Honestly?
Seriously? Seriously?!!
It's a horrible and annoying habit and one that constantly reminds me what a dumbass I am.
Of course...I wasn't member of the Dumb Ass Gang** who left our economy in the mine with the blasting powder and a lit match. So, I can at least hang my hat on that.
Thanks, youtuber javery1427!
I will see your shaky hand-held camera and raise you a snarky retort.
*I want a Threadless-style t-shirt that reads, "I can't find my words."
Get on it, creative t-shirt making types.
**An offshoot of the Apple Dumpling Gang, except that Don Knotts and Tim Conway refused to have their names associated with characters that lame-brained.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
eleven random facts
1. I got a haircut yesterday.
2. I have (seemingly instantly) developed an adversion to drinking out of aluminum cans. I can only drink out of actual glassware or plastic bottles. I actually poured my Fresca into an empty water bottle. It tasted much better.
3. When I talk to my father on the phone (on my drive home from work) I have started to hit the mute button just so I can punch the ceiling and yell at the top of my lungs, "OMG! Listen to me! You're driving me insane." Then I take a deep breath, hit unmute and say, "I am listening. I just don't have anything else to add to this particular topic."
4. They found a new species of crab off the coast of Tasmania. In fact, they found 85 other previously unknown species of marine life. Science rocks.
5. I think my new haircut makes me look like Grandpa Munster (less the bald monk's cap.)
6. That crab reminds me of that flaky peanut butter candy from my childhood. At least I think it was peanut butter flavored. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
7. I talk to my father almost daily. I am quite aware that I am probably one of only two people he talks to on a regular basis. It breaks my heart in two when I think about it for too long.
7. While that crab elicits happy, joyful feelings of wonderment, this picture of a giant rabbit instills fear and loathing in me. They are bred in Germany and this gent is selling them to North Korea as a possible food source. This bunny is 8.5kg...that's 18.7 lbs, American. Their max weight is around 23 pounds. Bunnies are fucking mean little shits. I can't imagine something this big being so sweet looking, but decidedly ill-tempered. It's just plain creepy.
2. I have (seemingly instantly) developed an adversion to drinking out of aluminum cans. I can only drink out of actual glassware or plastic bottles. I actually poured my Fresca into an empty water bottle. It tasted much better.
3. When I talk to my father on the phone (on my drive home from work) I have started to hit the mute button just so I can punch the ceiling and yell at the top of my lungs, "OMG! Listen to me! You're driving me insane." Then I take a deep breath, hit unmute and say, "I am listening. I just don't have anything else to add to this particular topic."
4. They found a new species of crab off the coast of Tasmania. In fact, they found 85 other previously unknown species of marine life. Science rocks.
5. I think my new haircut makes me look like Grandpa Munster (less the bald monk's cap.)
6. That crab reminds me of that flaky peanut butter candy from my childhood. At least I think it was peanut butter flavored. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
7. I talk to my father almost daily. I am quite aware that I am probably one of only two people he talks to on a regular basis. It breaks my heart in two when I think about it for too long.
7. While that crab elicits happy, joyful feelings of wonderment, this picture of a giant rabbit instills fear and loathing in me. They are bred in Germany and this gent is selling them to North Korea as a possible food source. This bunny is 8.5kg...that's 18.7 lbs, American. Their max weight is around 23 pounds. Bunnies are fucking mean little shits. I can't imagine something this big being so sweet looking, but decidedly ill-tempered. It's just plain creepy.
9. My dog is 11.8 lbs. She loves chasing squirrels and bunnies. That bunny could pop her head off like a daisy.
10. I'm going to name that new crab, Horace.
11. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a nightmare about that giant bunny at some point.
Least interesting fact: I can't sleep because my brain can't stop freaking out about the impact of the economic clusterfuck. To combat the stress, I watched Strictly Ballroom.
Question: Why does ballroom dancing make me clap my hands like the village idiot and then burst into happy tears? (This is not new. Watching people hug to a Beach Boys song has the same effect.) This movie makes has been making me burst into tears since 1992.
I highly recommend bursting into tears after watching an awesome movie as a sleep aid.
[To clairify, "Strictly Ballroom" is an awesome movie. "Love Actually" is not. Just the end part at the airport makes me cry. Because I'm a fucking pussy.]
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
analogies r us
Not sure why, but something about this reminds me of our current economic crisis...
Something to do with the vanity of this kid wanting to videotape himself working out...
Something about his attention being on making sure he's in frame, instead of paying attention to what he's actually doing...
Something about the way he yells for his mother instead of picking up the trash can himself and trying to stem the rushing flow...
Something about the box of coins right near the lens...
Something about the video ending before you know how many of the fish survive the tsunami caused by the vanity of one boy...
Maybe it has something to do with what Ravin said last week...
Something to do with the vanity of this kid wanting to videotape himself working out...
Something about his attention being on making sure he's in frame, instead of paying attention to what he's actually doing...
Something about the way he yells for his mother instead of picking up the trash can himself and trying to stem the rushing flow...
Something about the box of coins right near the lens...
Something about the video ending before you know how many of the fish survive the tsunami caused by the vanity of one boy...
Maybe it has something to do with what Ravin said last week...
Monday, October 6, 2008
pull the string
Are you registered? This is it, my friend. Not sure? Check HERE if you live in Chicago proper. Here if you live elsewhere in Illinois. It will show your active (or inactive) status and show your polling location.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IN ILLINOIS IS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH (at midnight!)
If you live outside of Illinois, use this amazing thing called "the internet" and google it up. For some states the deadline has passed to register. Get off the dime, my friends!
Early voting isn't just for breakfast any more. In Illinois, it starts NEXT WEEK on October 13th - that's Columbus Day, yo! My regular voting polling place is just over a block from my front door...but the lines can get crazy even early AM on election day. And this year, I think turnout is going to be even higher.
My prefered early voting polling place is over a dozen blocks away - but you can vote ANY DAY between October 13th thru the 30th! Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And...you can vote in any of 51 locations throughout Chicago. You just need your photo ID. Dude! On Election Day you can ONLY vote at your registered polling place. Early voting = 51 locations!!
Hell, you can even vote on Sunday in Chicago...but you'll have to go downtown to the actual Election Board Offices on Washington (9 a.m. to Noon) to do that.
But what a great way to spend a Sunday! Take the el downtown (it's pretty quiet on Sunday mornings) hit the voting booth on Washington and then enjoy this great city... grab brunch, hit a museum, visit the Lincoln Memorial (in Grant Park), walk down to the Yacht Club and watch the last of the weekend sailors, window shop along State or Michigan, take a riverboat tour...the options are endless.
In fact...I may try to rally some folks for an Early Voting Day of Hijinx! This sounds like an awesome plan!
Vote at...
- 644 W. Belmont Ave...lunch at La Creperie an indie flick at the Landmark!
- 1145 W. Wilson Ave...munch on indian food at Marigold, then catch an Annoyance Show!
- 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave...yummy fish tacos at Los Nopales and then a flick at the Davis!
- 1210 W. Elmdale Ave...catch a show at The Raven Theater (Odin's Horse by ICT)
- 7340 N. Rogers Ave...cross the city limits to Evanston and hit the CineArts.
The options are various!
Another reason I'm early voting...I'm still holding out hope that I might get tapped to be an election day judge...although, this late in the game, I'm not holding my breath.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IN ILLINOIS IS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH (at midnight!)
If you live outside of Illinois, use this amazing thing called "the internet" and google it up. For some states the deadline has passed to register. Get off the dime, my friends!
Early voting isn't just for breakfast any more. In Illinois, it starts NEXT WEEK on October 13th - that's Columbus Day, yo! My regular voting polling place is just over a block from my front door...but the lines can get crazy even early AM on election day. And this year, I think turnout is going to be even higher.
My prefered early voting polling place is over a dozen blocks away - but you can vote ANY DAY between October 13th thru the 30th! Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And...you can vote in any of 51 locations throughout Chicago. You just need your photo ID. Dude! On Election Day you can ONLY vote at your registered polling place. Early voting = 51 locations!!
Hell, you can even vote on Sunday in Chicago...but you'll have to go downtown to the actual Election Board Offices on Washington (9 a.m. to Noon) to do that.
But what a great way to spend a Sunday! Take the el downtown (it's pretty quiet on Sunday mornings) hit the voting booth on Washington and then enjoy this great city... grab brunch, hit a museum, visit the Lincoln Memorial (in Grant Park), walk down to the Yacht Club and watch the last of the weekend sailors, window shop along State or Michigan, take a riverboat tour...the options are endless.
In fact...I may try to rally some folks for an Early Voting Day of Hijinx! This sounds like an awesome plan!
Vote at...
- 644 W. Belmont Ave...lunch at La Creperie an indie flick at the Landmark!
- 1145 W. Wilson Ave...munch on indian food at Marigold, then catch an Annoyance Show!
- 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave...yummy fish tacos at Los Nopales and then a flick at the Davis!
- 1210 W. Elmdale Ave...catch a show at The Raven Theater (Odin's Horse by ICT)
- 7340 N. Rogers Ave...cross the city limits to Evanston and hit the CineArts.
The options are various!
Another reason I'm early voting...I'm still holding out hope that I might get tapped to be an election day judge...although, this late in the game, I'm not holding my breath.
rudderless ship
Somebody gimme the conch! Where's the...? Ah! Alright! Listen up everybody! I got the conch! Listen up, Congress! GET THE FUCK BACK TO WORK.
SNAP.
What he said.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I just found out that I have 8 vacation days left on the books.
I feel like I just won the lottery...except, without the ability to pay off my mortgage or buy a new electric car or pet monkey.
When I look at my calendar and add them up...sure as shit! 8 days left! You know, when you're broke ass and gas is over $4 a gallon for a good part of the travel season, I guess it's hard to recall the last time you took a vacation.
Normally, I take a week off around my birthday, but I didn't this year. Just didn't feel like it. In the last couple of years, I've also traveled to more trade shows and usually tacked on a few extra days here and there. No travel...no extra travel days.
Now, I can take a week off at the end of month, or take a full week off at Thanksgiving and Christmas combined! Both options seem equally appealing.
Hmmm. I think this calls for a poll!
To celebrate this fantastic news (and to get a jump on that leaf turning) I'm going to use one precious day and take Friday off. Start digging into that belated spring cleaning I mentioned. Amend that. I'm going to SLEEP IN and then crank on some spring cleaning.
Holla.
I feel like I just won the lottery...except, without the ability to pay off my mortgage or buy a new electric car or pet monkey.
When I look at my calendar and add them up...sure as shit! 8 days left! You know, when you're broke ass and gas is over $4 a gallon for a good part of the travel season, I guess it's hard to recall the last time you took a vacation.
Normally, I take a week off around my birthday, but I didn't this year. Just didn't feel like it. In the last couple of years, I've also traveled to more trade shows and usually tacked on a few extra days here and there. No travel...no extra travel days.
Now, I can take a week off at the end of month, or take a full week off at Thanksgiving and Christmas combined! Both options seem equally appealing.
Hmmm. I think this calls for a poll!
To celebrate this fantastic news (and to get a jump on that leaf turning) I'm going to use one precious day and take Friday off. Start digging into that belated spring cleaning I mentioned. Amend that. I'm going to SLEEP IN and then crank on some spring cleaning.
Holla.
rocktober
It's October 1st. I love Autumn. I love it's colors and temperatures and turtlenecks. I love that the idea of decay can be beautiful and at the same time, be merely the next step on the journey. I love cider and squash and raking leaves. I love Black and Tans and pumpkin soup being back on the menu. I love watching old movies wrapped up in a blanket while the wind rattles the house. I love wearing scarves and knitting scarves. I love letting a hot mug of tea warm me up from the inside out.
Even though Fall officially started over a week ago...it really just showed up in the last day or two.
And because Autumn, to me, seems to hold nothing but opportunity, I have been gearing up to turn over a new leaf. Several in fact. I've been feeling super crappy of late in both mind and body. After a long embrace of denial and procrastination, I'm hitting reset and putting myself on notice.
I am now less than a year from turning 40. My goal is to feel healthier in mind and body by that time. To turn my house into a home and not just a way station. And to fucking hang those blinds I bought nearly a year ago. (You hear me, P? We're hanging the freaking blinds when you get here.)
So, leaf is mid-turn. I'm getting back on the WW wagon, eating only things that are good for me, starting a slow plan of exercise (my foot still giving me issues) and starting my spring cleaning around my homestead a mere 5 months after the fact.
With all that good choice making, I ask you...Is it wrong to already have a complaint?
I'm having a nice turkey sandwich on whole grain with mustard for lunch. It's a really good sammich. Lettuce, tomato and cucumbers...hell, it's fresh even! And I normally have a cup of chili with it, but instead I went for a cup of minestrone. It had tons of veggies floating in it and I'm all about ramping up my veggie intake.
Here's the problem. Aside from the freshly made deli sammich, most of the "entrees" our cafeteria produces all taste exactly the same. Flavorless. The minestrone tastes like they soaked the veggies until they were at full limp and served them up. It's not seasoned and really tastes like a cup of waterlogged zucchini and leftover salad bar. Every time I tell myself, "NEVER AGAIN WILL YOU BUY SOUP HERE!" it seems that a cold day comes along and I give it a shot. Always, always disappointing.
Amazingly enough, their chili isn't too bad....but it's a bean-lovers dream and in a small cubicaled environ, that poses other obstacles that I wasn't interested in traversing.
Uh. I've already said too much.
Look! What's that over there?
[climbs under desk where nobody will see]
Even though Fall officially started over a week ago...it really just showed up in the last day or two.
And because Autumn, to me, seems to hold nothing but opportunity, I have been gearing up to turn over a new leaf. Several in fact. I've been feeling super crappy of late in both mind and body. After a long embrace of denial and procrastination, I'm hitting reset and putting myself on notice.
I am now less than a year from turning 40. My goal is to feel healthier in mind and body by that time. To turn my house into a home and not just a way station. And to fucking hang those blinds I bought nearly a year ago. (You hear me, P? We're hanging the freaking blinds when you get here.)
So, leaf is mid-turn. I'm getting back on the WW wagon, eating only things that are good for me, starting a slow plan of exercise (my foot still giving me issues) and starting my spring cleaning around my homestead a mere 5 months after the fact.
With all that good choice making, I ask you...Is it wrong to already have a complaint?
I'm having a nice turkey sandwich on whole grain with mustard for lunch. It's a really good sammich. Lettuce, tomato and cucumbers...hell, it's fresh even! And I normally have a cup of chili with it, but instead I went for a cup of minestrone. It had tons of veggies floating in it and I'm all about ramping up my veggie intake.
Here's the problem. Aside from the freshly made deli sammich, most of the "entrees" our cafeteria produces all taste exactly the same. Flavorless. The minestrone tastes like they soaked the veggies until they were at full limp and served them up. It's not seasoned and really tastes like a cup of waterlogged zucchini and leftover salad bar. Every time I tell myself, "NEVER AGAIN WILL YOU BUY SOUP HERE!" it seems that a cold day comes along and I give it a shot. Always, always disappointing.
Amazingly enough, their chili isn't too bad....but it's a bean-lovers dream and in a small cubicaled environ, that poses other obstacles that I wasn't interested in traversing.
Uh. I've already said too much.
Look! What's that over there?
[climbs under desk where nobody will see]
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
you gotta believe
Tomorrow.
It begins.
The drive to the 2008 World Series.
It begins.
The drive to the 2008 World Series.
It's going to happen.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news...the reason you have friends that live overseas are threefold:
1. You have a place/sofa/floor to crash on when you visit said foreign land.
2. They know where the good bars and cheap tasty eats can be found (no travel guide required.)
3. Even you can't afford to travel to them, they send you enough stories/photos to keep you highly entertained and/or grossed out.
Our good friend, Seth sends his love from Vietnam. (WARNING...link contains semi-graphic material regarding a traditional feast. )
Ick.
Monday, September 29, 2008
the "zed" word
File last week under "familial heartburn" (and not the good kind that you get after a huge Sunday meal.)
I have one family member who is currently on "non-speaking" terms with, count them, 2 other family members. And honestly, I'm kind of avoiding conversation with her at the moment as well, although the official axe hasn't dropped...yet.
I count my nuclear family at 5 - it's not like I have 13 siblings or anything, so it's a pretty high percentage of non-communication and a lot of second hand convos relaying info to the non-speaking parties. On top of that, some stuff that happened over 20 years ago was revealed to my brain, which I haven't decided if I want to (or should) peel the scab on, but my mind keeps picking at.
Yesterday, I had a frustrating visit (some of which I take the blame for) with my Pop, to cap off the week.
Basically, my family is giving me a headache.
Add that on top of all the election muck that's starting to rear it's ugly head, I feel quite worn down today. I know that "this too shall pass," but until the storm blows off, it's all just putting me into a bit of a funk.
Cut to my drive in this morning...where I was subjected to the better side of funky. A song that took the prevailing thought out of my head and blasted it out of my factory grade speakers at me.
It was immediately followed (after a bit of dial spinning) with this...
My ever-lovin' optimism started to melt my funk laden heart and I was beginning to see a blue sky through the gray clouds...
And then I saw a billboard and immediately felt a gut punch pull the wind out of my sails.
I don't know why I have such a response to HSM and it's related crass commercialism (hmm...maybe that's it.) As a kid I LOVED movie musicals. Singing In the Rain, Sound of Music, Calamity Jane, Oliver, My Fair Lady, An American In Paris, Brigadoon, Thoroughly Modern Millie (made me want to tap dance in elevators until I turned 12), hell, I even have a soft spot for bits of Xanadu and Annie.
I would think that any type of gateway drug to get the next generation on board with musicals would be a good thing. But when the recent options are the likes of The Spice Girl Movie and the HSM series?
I long for Gene Kelly to come back to life and show them what real talent is.
I would even settle for Zombie Gene Kelly. Even dead, with a limited range of motion, he could still mop the floor with Zac Efron's ass.
I have one family member who is currently on "non-speaking" terms with, count them, 2 other family members. And honestly, I'm kind of avoiding conversation with her at the moment as well, although the official axe hasn't dropped...yet.
I count my nuclear family at 5 - it's not like I have 13 siblings or anything, so it's a pretty high percentage of non-communication and a lot of second hand convos relaying info to the non-speaking parties. On top of that, some stuff that happened over 20 years ago was revealed to my brain, which I haven't decided if I want to (or should) peel the scab on, but my mind keeps picking at.
Yesterday, I had a frustrating visit (some of which I take the blame for) with my Pop, to cap off the week.
Basically, my family is giving me a headache.
Add that on top of all the election muck that's starting to rear it's ugly head, I feel quite worn down today. I know that "this too shall pass," but until the storm blows off, it's all just putting me into a bit of a funk.
Cut to my drive in this morning...where I was subjected to the better side of funky. A song that took the prevailing thought out of my head and blasted it out of my factory grade speakers at me.
It was immediately followed (after a bit of dial spinning) with this...
My ever-lovin' optimism started to melt my funk laden heart and I was beginning to see a blue sky through the gray clouds...
And then I saw a billboard and immediately felt a gut punch pull the wind out of my sails.
I don't know why I have such a response to HSM and it's related crass commercialism (hmm...maybe that's it.) As a kid I LOVED movie musicals. Singing In the Rain, Sound of Music, Calamity Jane, Oliver, My Fair Lady, An American In Paris, Brigadoon, Thoroughly Modern Millie (made me want to tap dance in elevators until I turned 12), hell, I even have a soft spot for bits of Xanadu and Annie.
I would think that any type of gateway drug to get the next generation on board with musicals would be a good thing. But when the recent options are the likes of The Spice Girl Movie and the HSM series?
I long for Gene Kelly to come back to life and show them what real talent is.
I would even settle for Zombie Gene Kelly. Even dead, with a limited range of motion, he could still mop the floor with Zac Efron's ass.
Friday, September 26, 2008
load 15 tons
Last year about this time, I applied for another position in my office. I'd have to travel a whole lot more, but on the whole, it would be a large step into something better. Another co-worker (who had done the exact same job in another division of our company) got the job. And at the time, I even said, "Hell. Even I'd hire him. He's got the experience and can jump right in."
I worked with him during the transition and then my boss was all like, "Enough. Go back to your own corner and make yer own widgets!"
For the record, I do not make widgets. I sit on my ass in front of a computer and try to turn a dime into a dollar all day long. I just like the word widget.
Cut to today. Turns out that same co-worker "has left the building." Position is open and I'm wondering if its worth throwing my hat in the ring again. Or if I even want to throw my hat in the ring at all. The budget for that position has been cut dramatically, but I would still have to start traveling again.
The guy who worked under that co-worker should step up and take that job (and then I would be well suited to take the "underling's" job), but Mr. Underling really likes exactly what he does now - and has made it known that he does not seek any additional responsibilities that include budgets and planning.
What's likely to happen is that we won't fill that position for the rest of the year and just split the duties (thereby, possibly saving someone else from the ever-looming axe.) The housing market and related economies are killing business right now. So, I'm near positive that they won't start looking to fill the position for at least a couple months and spread the work inhouse, instead.
I'm unsure of what I should do...should the position open up.
I really could use a nice bump in pay - and a change of responsibilities.
But I'm not sure that "weekly travel" is what I'm looking for right now.
And if I didn't mention it, I'm really gonna miss the co-worker who left. He was a good guy and I really liked working with him. He was one of the very few people at my office who would show his appreciation for the effort one put forth.
I'm hoping he's ending up on his feet and in a better place that this widget factory. (We don't make widgets.)
I worked with him during the transition and then my boss was all like, "Enough. Go back to your own corner and make yer own widgets!"
For the record, I do not make widgets. I sit on my ass in front of a computer and try to turn a dime into a dollar all day long. I just like the word widget.
Cut to today. Turns out that same co-worker "has left the building." Position is open and I'm wondering if its worth throwing my hat in the ring again. Or if I even want to throw my hat in the ring at all. The budget for that position has been cut dramatically, but I would still have to start traveling again.
The guy who worked under that co-worker should step up and take that job (and then I would be well suited to take the "underling's" job), but Mr. Underling really likes exactly what he does now - and has made it known that he does not seek any additional responsibilities that include budgets and planning.
What's likely to happen is that we won't fill that position for the rest of the year and just split the duties (thereby, possibly saving someone else from the ever-looming axe.) The housing market and related economies are killing business right now. So, I'm near positive that they won't start looking to fill the position for at least a couple months and spread the work inhouse, instead.
I'm unsure of what I should do...should the position open up.
I really could use a nice bump in pay - and a change of responsibilities.
But I'm not sure that "weekly travel" is what I'm looking for right now.
And if I didn't mention it, I'm really gonna miss the co-worker who left. He was a good guy and I really liked working with him. He was one of the very few people at my office who would show his appreciation for the effort one put forth.
I'm hoping he's ending up on his feet and in a better place that this widget factory. (We don't make widgets.)
psyche!
Like everyone else on planet earth, I've been having a lot of financial stresses of late.
Last night I had a dream where I started freaking out about paying my bills and the mortgage and the fact that my 11 yr old beater of a car could keel over at any minute (all of which normally worry about while awake)…
When I suddenly remembered that, sitting on a table at home, I had 1.2 million dollars in cash.
In this dream, I was out with friends and just sat down all shocked liked, "Oh yeah. Wait. I totally have all of this covered. I have that 1.2 mil at home. Duh!"
And then I woke up.
Ah...my brain on stress. It likes to fuck with me.
Last night I had a dream where I started freaking out about paying my bills and the mortgage and the fact that my 11 yr old beater of a car could keel over at any minute (all of which normally worry about while awake)…
When I suddenly remembered that, sitting on a table at home, I had 1.2 million dollars in cash.
In this dream, I was out with friends and just sat down all shocked liked, "Oh yeah. Wait. I totally have all of this covered. I have that 1.2 mil at home. Duh!"
And then I woke up.
Ah...my brain on stress. It likes to fuck with me.
Monday, September 22, 2008
woot.
I almost forgot to celebrate that my favorite season is finally upon us. Happy first day of Autumn, yo.
clincher
I know I should have posted this two days ago...but I had a weekend full of thinking too much, sleeping not at all and a well-timed bout of food poisoning.
The thought that got me through it all?
CUBS CLINCH!
Congratulations, you 2008 National Central Divison Champs, you!
7 games left of regular season play...and then on to the playoffs!
The 100 years war is far from over...but a significant battle has been won.
The thought that got me through it all?
CUBS CLINCH!
Congratulations, you 2008 National Central Divison Champs, you!
7 games left of regular season play...and then on to the playoffs!
The 100 years war is far from over...but a significant battle has been won.
Friday, September 19, 2008
donate
It's neck and neck in more than a few states. While I vote and have even sported a bumper sticker or two, I've never donated to a campaign before. This year is different.
If you even have $5 to spare (skip one latte/beer/chai tea this weekend) then can I press you to donate to the Obama campaign TODAY.
And I mean today, Friday, Sept 19th.
Email from David Plouffe, Campaign Manager, Obama for America:
With just 45 days left before the election, your support will affect crucial decisions about infrastructure in key battleground states. Our fight in the battleground states is going to be tougher than a lot of you mayt hink. Take Florida, where George Bush won by just 381,000 votes in 2004. The campaign we're running there is going to cost more than $39 million.
A donation now could have a big impact on voter registration and Get Out The Vote operations -- so please don't wait if you're planning to give.
A previous donor has promised to match every dollar you donate. A matched donation of $5 becomes $10, a donation of $25 becomes $50, and a donationof $50 will become $100.
Show your support before midnight tonight and double your impact: https://donate.barackobama.com/newgoal4a
Can you afford 5 bucks? 10? More?
Take 2 minutes and donate online before midnight to double it.
Who knows...that $10 you throw down might be used in the Michigan voter reg drive I'm volunteering for in two weeks!
If you even have $5 to spare (skip one latte/beer/chai tea this weekend) then can I press you to donate to the Obama campaign TODAY.
And I mean today, Friday, Sept 19th.
Email from David Plouffe, Campaign Manager, Obama for America:
With just 45 days left before the election, your support will affect crucial decisions about infrastructure in key battleground states. Our fight in the battleground states is going to be tougher than a lot of you mayt hink. Take Florida, where George Bush won by just 381,000 votes in 2004. The campaign we're running there is going to cost more than $39 million.
A donation now could have a big impact on voter registration and Get Out The Vote operations -- so please don't wait if you're planning to give.
A previous donor has promised to match every dollar you donate. A matched donation of $5 becomes $10, a donation of $25 becomes $50, and a donationof $50 will become $100.
Show your support before midnight tonight and double your impact: https://donate.barackobama.com/newgoal4a
Can you afford 5 bucks? 10? More?
Take 2 minutes and donate online before midnight to double it.
Who knows...that $10 you throw down might be used in the Michigan voter reg drive I'm volunteering for in two weeks!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The List is Life
With the stock market in a current free fall, the daily harangues from my Republican father, Ike's death tolls, McPalin, off duty cops capping their own kids - all buzzing in my cranium, I need to focus on something positive.
Seems like lots of good stuff is actually peeping out at me today. What the hell. I'll give Oprah's methodology a shot and make a list. See if that exercise makes me appreciate the universe 8.5% more than had I not.
In no particular order (with the exception of number 1):
1. #4 - aka the Cubs magic number. Could clinch NL division this week!
2. Rachael Yamagata - This former vocalist for Chicago funk band Bumpus, is dropping her new solo album like it's hot and playing at the Lakeshore Theater on October 1st. Tix are $20. Right now, I'm a maybe for the concert, but a definite for her new album.
3. Dave Lykins - They made him put a label on it...and he named it "Subversive Country." If you like Steve Earle, you'll want to do yourself a favor and pick up Mr. Lykins' new cd, Blurry White Guy. I'm in for two copies, yo!
4. Darwin Award Nominee - SUV BMW, meet Cal-Sag Channel. Cal-Sag, meet BMW.
5. Marriage - I know have friends on every side of this coin, but two people I know who adore each other are getting hitched this weekend, and even though I won't be there to witness it, just thinking about it fills me with a large amount of happy.
6. The Forecast - After driving past the floodplain that is my hood last night, I'm ecstatic that we have dry skies and warm temps for the next week. Let the waters ebb, my brotha.
7. Improv Everywhere - Is bringing it's mp3 experiment to Chicago next month. I'm not sure if I'll have the stamina after that day long voter reg event in Michigan...but I'm putting it on my calendar.
8. Plan! - My three-tiered plan starts on Friday with Fake Lake!
9. Shirt! - I'm currently wearing my new favorite shirt. I call it "Ode to Alan Alda." While it isn't a match, it reminds me in color (blue and white) and tone (kimono style) of something I recall "Hawkeye" wearing a lot. Last weekend, I wore it with my army green khakis -which led to this Alda-related epiphany. I had to stop myself from giggling out loud and pulling people aside to tell them, "If my outfit were a tv show, it would be M*A*S*H."
10. Mad Men - Disk 3 of Season 1 should be in my mailbox when I get home. I can't wait until after the CAPS meeting to dig back into it!
Okay, I'm sure there is more, but my computer is making googley eyes and running super slow...so I'm going to post this before el-crasho-mundo.
This is an older song of Rachael's that I really love.
Click here for Rachael's new video (if you are in a maudlin mood, steer clear. )
Seems like lots of good stuff is actually peeping out at me today. What the hell. I'll give Oprah's methodology a shot and make a list. See if that exercise makes me appreciate the universe 8.5% more than had I not.
In no particular order (with the exception of number 1):
1. #4 - aka the Cubs magic number. Could clinch NL division this week!
2. Rachael Yamagata - This former vocalist for Chicago funk band Bumpus, is dropping her new solo album like it's hot and playing at the Lakeshore Theater on October 1st. Tix are $20. Right now, I'm a maybe for the concert, but a definite for her new album.
3. Dave Lykins - They made him put a label on it...and he named it "Subversive Country." If you like Steve Earle, you'll want to do yourself a favor and pick up Mr. Lykins' new cd, Blurry White Guy. I'm in for two copies, yo!
4. Darwin Award Nominee - SUV BMW, meet Cal-Sag Channel. Cal-Sag, meet BMW.
5. Marriage - I know have friends on every side of this coin, but two people I know who adore each other are getting hitched this weekend, and even though I won't be there to witness it, just thinking about it fills me with a large amount of happy.
6. The Forecast - After driving past the floodplain that is my hood last night, I'm ecstatic that we have dry skies and warm temps for the next week. Let the waters ebb, my brotha.
7. Improv Everywhere - Is bringing it's mp3 experiment to Chicago next month. I'm not sure if I'll have the stamina after that day long voter reg event in Michigan...but I'm putting it on my calendar.
8. Plan! - My three-tiered plan starts on Friday with Fake Lake!
9. Shirt! - I'm currently wearing my new favorite shirt. I call it "Ode to Alan Alda." While it isn't a match, it reminds me in color (blue and white) and tone (kimono style) of something I recall "Hawkeye" wearing a lot. Last weekend, I wore it with my army green khakis -which led to this Alda-related epiphany. I had to stop myself from giggling out loud and pulling people aside to tell them, "If my outfit were a tv show, it would be M*A*S*H."
10. Mad Men - Disk 3 of Season 1 should be in my mailbox when I get home. I can't wait until after the CAPS meeting to dig back into it!
Okay, I'm sure there is more, but my computer is making googley eyes and running super slow...so I'm going to post this before el-crasho-mundo.
This is an older song of Rachael's that I really love.
Click here for Rachael's new video (if you are in a maudlin mood, steer clear. )
Monday, September 15, 2008
HOPE: A Play In Two Acts
Act One: The 'Alaska Women Reject Palin Rally'
This rally was organized by a small group of women, talking over coffee. These women hatched the plan, printed up flyers, posted them around town, and sent notices to local media outlets. One of those media outlets was KBYR radio, home of Eddie Burke, a long-time uber-conservative Anchorage talk show host. Turns out that Eddie Burke not only announced the rally, but called the people who planned to attend the rally “a bunch of socialist baby-killing maggots”, and read the home phone numbers of the organizers aloud over the air, urging listeners to call and tell them what they thought. The women, of course, received many nasty, harassing and threatening messages.
The rally was a huge success and had a bigger turn out that the GOP plotted "Welcome Home" rally for Palin.
GOP/Asshole Talk Show Hosts 0, Mammas for Obama 1.
My mom once dressed up in a gorilla suit and came to my grade school (the other mom's were dressed up as "cute" witches and cats.) So you'll have to excuse my bias to the mom who dressed up as a polar bear. Hells, yeah.
Act Two: The No Hitter
I believe. I believe. I believe that This. Is. The. Year.
This rally was organized by a small group of women, talking over coffee. These women hatched the plan, printed up flyers, posted them around town, and sent notices to local media outlets. One of those media outlets was KBYR radio, home of Eddie Burke, a long-time uber-conservative Anchorage talk show host. Turns out that Eddie Burke not only announced the rally, but called the people who planned to attend the rally “a bunch of socialist baby-killing maggots”, and read the home phone numbers of the organizers aloud over the air, urging listeners to call and tell them what they thought. The women, of course, received many nasty, harassing and threatening messages.
The rally was a huge success and had a bigger turn out that the GOP plotted "Welcome Home" rally for Palin.
GOP/Asshole Talk Show Hosts 0, Mammas for Obama 1.
My mom once dressed up in a gorilla suit and came to my grade school (the other mom's were dressed up as "cute" witches and cats.) So you'll have to excuse my bias to the mom who dressed up as a polar bear. Hells, yeah.
Act Two: The No Hitter
I believe. I believe. I believe that This. Is. The. Year.
dumb luck
After a near record rainfall over the weekend of 8"-10" in Chicago and the surrounding areas, it was almost a flip of the coin on where the flooding would hit next.
Chicago is a city of" neighborhoods." When you live here, and folks ask you where you're from, you give your neighborhood as a point of reference. I live in Wicker Park. I live in Uptown. Well, I live in the hood that got royally swamped this weekend. I live in Albany Park.
Specifically, I live just three blocks south of the Chicago River. This far out from the lake, the river is usually pretty low and looks more like a big creek. Not even big enough to fish in...although, just a few blocks east, it's much wider and deep enough for boating, canoing and fishing. One of the routes I used to walk Olive on included an old wood walking bridge over the river. I guess Mother Nature decided to crank it up - north of the river, the land is a bit lower and they got the brunt of it...while the blocks nearest our building (while wet and swampy) didn't flood.
It's just dumb luck (and a bit of gravity) that, while I was out with some friends watching Pineapple Express (yes...for the 2nd time) on Saturday night, other folks were being evacuated from their homes just blocks away.
Man. I just wanna hug this kid. He's got his shovel and ready to get to some sandbags. I just hope he's had a tetanus shot, walking around in that sewage tainted water.
These folks live about 2 blocks north and a block over from my building.
My first thought when I saw this....(sigh)...."Renters."
Of course, none of this compares to what's going on in Galveston and other parts of Texas. Which makes me look at the picture of that young family again and think maybe they have the right idea after all, "It's all perspective....even when your glass is half empty...at least you have a freaking glass."
Of course, none of this compares to what's going on in Galveston and other parts of Texas. Which makes me look at the picture of that young family again and think maybe they have the right idea after all, "It's all perspective....even when your glass is half empty...at least you have a freaking glass."
Sunday, September 14, 2008
media 0, late night host 1
This gent has been a US citizen for less than 8 months.
He gets it. In this monologue from last Wednesday, he cut through all the blather of the past week and calls bullshit on the media, the campaigns and the apathy of the American public.
Listen, I'm an American. This country is at war. Right now, Americans in foreign lands, wearing the uniform, representing this country are losing their lives. Americans here in this country are losing their homes. We have two patriotic candidates, right? They both love this country. They have different ideas about what do with it. Learn about them. Read about them. Question them. Listen to them. Then on Election Day, excercise your right as an American and listen to yourself.
Why is it that people who have lived here their entire lives can't get the idea through their thick skulls that voting and reading and learning about the candidates should be one of the biggest responsiblities they hold.
1. Voting is your duty.
2. Voting is your sacred right.
3. If you don't vote, you're a moron.
Most states even have early voting so if you can't cram it into your day on Tuesday, November 4th, you have several chances to knock it out early. I "early voted" in the primaries and there was no line and it took all of ten minutes out of my day.
I volunteered to be an election judge this year. We'll see if I make the cut.
He gets it. In this monologue from last Wednesday, he cut through all the blather of the past week and calls bullshit on the media, the campaigns and the apathy of the American public.
Listen, I'm an American. This country is at war. Right now, Americans in foreign lands, wearing the uniform, representing this country are losing their lives. Americans here in this country are losing their homes. We have two patriotic candidates, right? They both love this country. They have different ideas about what do with it. Learn about them. Read about them. Question them. Listen to them. Then on Election Day, excercise your right as an American and listen to yourself.
Why is it that people who have lived here their entire lives can't get the idea through their thick skulls that voting and reading and learning about the candidates should be one of the biggest responsiblities they hold.
1. Voting is your duty.
2. Voting is your sacred right.
3. If you don't vote, you're a moron.
Most states even have early voting so if you can't cram it into your day on Tuesday, November 4th, you have several chances to knock it out early. I "early voted" in the primaries and there was no line and it took all of ten minutes out of my day.
I volunteered to be an election judge this year. We'll see if I make the cut.
Friday, September 12, 2008
weekend plans? check.
Art, Food, Movies, Theater Schtuff and Netflix. Man 'o man, I've got a busy/fun weekend planned. Woot. Now I just need to figure out when I'm going to do my laundry, clean my bathroom and walk the dog.
Tonight, it's Girl Gang Night! Uh. Okay, that just hit me on several levels how funny it is that a bunch of 30/40-something women refer to themselves as "girls." Also, "girl gang" has a connotation that we might tag unsuspecting brick walls and give each other prison tatoos. And then there's the weird alliteration of "girl gang" and "gang bang" (at least in my head.) And now, I've just weirded myself and my friends out to a completely new and awkward level.
Sorry, ladies. Let's not make eye contact and pretend you never read this
Anyway, tonight the ladies are getting together for a night of nosh followed by some "Aht." We're hitting a yummy cuban place that has yet to miss a beat. It's a little off the beaten path, with authentic flavors and easy on the budget. Which is the way I like it.
Saturday morning, I'm hitting the Music Box to catch the matinee of The French Connection. I've never seen it on the big screen, and I'm overdue for some classic Hackman.
I'll be the one in the glasses shouting, "FUCK YEAH."
Saturday evening, I'm catching Pineapple Express (for the second time) with a couple friends who have yet to see it.
I'll be the one in the glasses shouting, "FUCK YEAH."
Sunday, I'm participating in the reading of the first draft of a new play. Being even a small cog in the process of new works is just darn satisfying.
Sunday night, I'll be holed up watching Disk 2 of the first season of Mad Men. I may be late to the game, but I always make it in time for the seventh inning stretch, yo.
Speaking of which....GO CUBS. 88-58. Woof. Admittedly, aside from the last couple of games, they've been playing fairly assy of late, but they are still in First Place. With 16 regular season games left. It makes a girl's head spin.
Hello? October? Keep a light on. We're headed your way, my brotha.
And a shout-out to DV...from whom I stole that sweet Obama pix.
Tonight, it's Girl Gang Night! Uh. Okay, that just hit me on several levels how funny it is that a bunch of 30/40-something women refer to themselves as "girls." Also, "girl gang" has a connotation that we might tag unsuspecting brick walls and give each other prison tatoos. And then there's the weird alliteration of "girl gang" and "gang bang" (at least in my head.) And now, I've just weirded myself and my friends out to a completely new and awkward level.
Sorry, ladies. Let's not make eye contact and pretend you never read this
Anyway, tonight the ladies are getting together for a night of nosh followed by some "Aht." We're hitting a yummy cuban place that has yet to miss a beat. It's a little off the beaten path, with authentic flavors and easy on the budget. Which is the way I like it.
Saturday morning, I'm hitting the Music Box to catch the matinee of The French Connection. I've never seen it on the big screen, and I'm overdue for some classic Hackman.
I'll be the one in the glasses shouting, "FUCK YEAH."
Saturday evening, I'm catching Pineapple Express (for the second time) with a couple friends who have yet to see it.
I'll be the one in the glasses shouting, "FUCK YEAH."
Sunday, I'm participating in the reading of the first draft of a new play. Being even a small cog in the process of new works is just darn satisfying.
Sunday night, I'll be holed up watching Disk 2 of the first season of Mad Men. I may be late to the game, but I always make it in time for the seventh inning stretch, yo.
Speaking of which....GO CUBS. 88-58. Woof. Admittedly, aside from the last couple of games, they've been playing fairly assy of late, but they are still in First Place. With 16 regular season games left. It makes a girl's head spin.
Hello? October? Keep a light on. We're headed your way, my brotha.
And a shout-out to DV...from whom I stole that sweet Obama pix.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
plan of action
I need a break from the election cycle.
For reals. I keep having the same infuritaing conversation about the most incompetent VP candidate in the history of the universe...and it's making me lose sleep. So, I've created a three-tiered solution to regain my footing in a sane world.
One) I signed up to help with a Voters Registration Drive in Michigan next month.
I have no doubt that Obama will win in Illinois (my home state), so I'm headed to a "battleground" state to help folks get signed up. I've already decided that I'm not a canvasser. My feet are on the blink and my blood pressure can barely take a civil disagreement on Palin. I think I would implode if I tried to convey my feelings and thoughts over and over and over and over and over again to folks who may or may not even be interested in the election process.
Registering folks is a non-partisan act, and one that I think is extremely worthwhile.
And, if, perchance, certain folks get up in my grill about Obama, in this scenario, I can deal with. I'm not there to convince you, just to get you registered. If you're looking for an arguement, just sign your name and get your voters reg card and then keep on walking, Mac.
Every year a little peice of me dies when I hear about the low voter turnout. The turnout this year for Super Tuesday gave me a glimmer of hope that more folks might get the lead out and pull the lever. I honestly think that every person I meet next month, no matter how they intend to vote, will fill me up with a bit of joy knowing that they are actively participating in our democracy.
The Constitution is the construct that makes me proud to be an American. The idea of "one man, one vote" makes me weak at the knees. The fact that only 60% of eligible voters voted in 2004 (the most since Reagan in 1980) and that 40% (usually more) of folks blow off that responsiblity....makes me want to take that 40% out to the woodshed and blow their heads up a la Scanners.
It's a fact that registration drives increase turnout. I'm 100% behind turnout.
Two) See more theater.
I've got a fire in my belly to see theater. Admittedly, I got a bit burned out on for a while. Constantly being broke and holed up like a hermit didn't really help...but I'm excited about a lot of shows I'm reading about, so I've been making plans and buying tickets. Hell, I'll still be broke...more ramen = more shows!
Here's some productions that I'm planning to see:
Fake Lake/The Neo-Futurists - Sept 19th (closing night)
Our Town/ The Hypocrites - Sept 27th
The People's Temple/American Theater Co - TBD...by Sept 28th
The Glass Menagerie/Shattered Globe - Sunday Matinee on Oct 19th.
Kafka on the Shore/Steppenwolf - Before 9/28 (for 2 for 1 tix!)
Ten Cent Night/Chicago Dramatists- TBD Sept/Oct
Patient #1/WNEP - October - multiply times, I suspect!
Fake Lake is set at Lake Powell, man-made reservoir in the middle of the Utah desert. It is performed in a local public (indoor) pool. The creativity and humor of the Neo-F's rarely disappoint, so I'm pretty stoked to see this show.
The Hypocrites version of Our Town is actually the remount from last season. The word of mouth on this show was YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS, IT'S FREAKING AWESOME. I've heard from more than one person that this was the finest production of this play they had seen. And if you're a theater type, who's seen or performed this show multiple times...that's saying something. Our Town is of those plays that in average hands can be the biggest snore ever...but with a strong cast and stellar direction it can be incredibly moving. Woot.
The People's Temple is the story of Jonestown from the perspective of the survivors and family members (based on actual interviews) and was created by the folks who wrote The Laramie Project. 2008 is the 30th anniversary of the Jonestown. I remain fascinated by this story. Also, there's live gospel music. Duuuude. For someone who doesn't believe in Jesus or attend church, I looooooves gospel music. ATC consistantly puts out quality productions, so I'm...crap. Why am I suddenly stuck with puns in my brain. I hate puns. I'm jonesin' to see this one as well. sigh. It's official. I hate my brain. Fie, brain!
My sister is visiting next month and I want to take her to see The Glass Menagerie. Years and years ago, we shared a Tennessee Williams evening of improv, so I think it's fitting to sink our teeth into the real deal. Also, Mr. Dave Dastmalchian is in this show (he played my son in Metaluna) and I'm excited to watch him perform (although, I suspect it'll make me want to curl up in a wheel chair next to him onstage.)
I haven't seen a mainstage Steppenwolf show since The Pillow Man (which a friend offered a freebie tix to) and for some reason, I'm drawn to this show. These tix are half price ($20 ea) until Sept 28th. Anyone want to meet up there?
Ten Cent Night is the latest from local playwright, Marisa Wegrzyn. I keep missing out on Wegrzyn's stuff, but I like the sound of her stories and characters. Also, ya gotta support the local talent, kids! (at least before they shuffle off to NY or start writing for LOST.)
Patient #1 is a rare production in that the script was not WNEP-penned. It's a political satire by Donald Freed*, set in 2009 at an elite psychiatric clinic in Florida, it revolves around a heavily sedated President Bush, after he has left the Oval Office. WNEP produces the US premiere! Uhhh. Yup. Uh...although, it would help if the home team had a web page up on it. Be right back...gotta make a call!
Most of these shows are $25 or less. Although, a couple are $35.
Lots of $20 and under options around town of equally good stuff out there.
Go see and support Off-Loop theater! It does a brain good!
Three) See Burn After Reading.
I rarely see movies on opening weekend. I want everyone to make their box office back and everything, but...I'm a loner, dude. I don't like having a crowd of strangers up in my grill (or sitting ANYwhere next to me while I sit in the dark and watch a flick.)
A couple weekends ago, my friend Rachel and I caught the opening weekend of Pineapple Express. It was fantastic and I laughed my fool ass off. But, it was also crowded and the laughter was so loud (including my own) that I missed a lot of the little throw-away dialogue that is probably the stuff that makes me laugh the hardest.
I'll admit it. I'm not good at sharing. (and) I like to pretend I'm one of those creepy eccentrics that has their own viewing theater at home.
While I'm not going to see BAR this weekend, I will see it very, very soon. This movie has my two favorite words on it in reference to the Coen Bros: "Written By." Sure they can adapt stuff well, but my favorite Coen fare is stuff they self generate. I submit the following to evidence such:
Raising Arizona
O Brother Where Art Thou
The Man Who Wasn't There
Miller's Crossing
Fargo
Barton Fink
The Big Lebowski
The Hudsucker Proxy
Blood Simple
Man. That is a pedigree with some KICK ASS WRITING.
Wild horses high on E couldn't keep me from this movie.
I'll let you know come November 1st how my three tiered plan worked out.
*according to Wikipedia, Freed had an association with Jonestown and visited there prior to the massacre. Hmmm. That's just weird.
For reals. I keep having the same infuritaing conversation about the most incompetent VP candidate in the history of the universe...and it's making me lose sleep. So, I've created a three-tiered solution to regain my footing in a sane world.
One) I signed up to help with a Voters Registration Drive in Michigan next month.
I have no doubt that Obama will win in Illinois (my home state), so I'm headed to a "battleground" state to help folks get signed up. I've already decided that I'm not a canvasser. My feet are on the blink and my blood pressure can barely take a civil disagreement on Palin. I think I would implode if I tried to convey my feelings and thoughts over and over and over and over and over again to folks who may or may not even be interested in the election process.
Registering folks is a non-partisan act, and one that I think is extremely worthwhile.
And, if, perchance, certain folks get up in my grill about Obama, in this scenario, I can deal with. I'm not there to convince you, just to get you registered. If you're looking for an arguement, just sign your name and get your voters reg card and then keep on walking, Mac.
Every year a little peice of me dies when I hear about the low voter turnout. The turnout this year for Super Tuesday gave me a glimmer of hope that more folks might get the lead out and pull the lever. I honestly think that every person I meet next month, no matter how they intend to vote, will fill me up with a bit of joy knowing that they are actively participating in our democracy.
The Constitution is the construct that makes me proud to be an American. The idea of "one man, one vote" makes me weak at the knees. The fact that only 60% of eligible voters voted in 2004 (the most since Reagan in 1980) and that 40% (usually more) of folks blow off that responsiblity....makes me want to take that 40% out to the woodshed and blow their heads up a la Scanners.
It's a fact that registration drives increase turnout. I'm 100% behind turnout.
Two) See more theater.
I've got a fire in my belly to see theater. Admittedly, I got a bit burned out on for a while. Constantly being broke and holed up like a hermit didn't really help...but I'm excited about a lot of shows I'm reading about, so I've been making plans and buying tickets. Hell, I'll still be broke...more ramen = more shows!
Here's some productions that I'm planning to see:
Fake Lake/The Neo-Futurists - Sept 19th (closing night)
Our Town/ The Hypocrites - Sept 27th
The People's Temple/American Theater Co - TBD...by Sept 28th
The Glass Menagerie/Shattered Globe - Sunday Matinee on Oct 19th.
Kafka on the Shore/Steppenwolf - Before 9/28 (for 2 for 1 tix!)
Ten Cent Night/Chicago Dramatists- TBD Sept/Oct
Patient #1/WNEP - October - multiply times, I suspect!
Fake Lake is set at Lake Powell, man-made reservoir in the middle of the Utah desert. It is performed in a local public (indoor) pool. The creativity and humor of the Neo-F's rarely disappoint, so I'm pretty stoked to see this show.
The Hypocrites version of Our Town is actually the remount from last season. The word of mouth on this show was YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS, IT'S FREAKING AWESOME. I've heard from more than one person that this was the finest production of this play they had seen. And if you're a theater type, who's seen or performed this show multiple times...that's saying something. Our Town is of those plays that in average hands can be the biggest snore ever...but with a strong cast and stellar direction it can be incredibly moving. Woot.
The People's Temple is the story of Jonestown from the perspective of the survivors and family members (based on actual interviews) and was created by the folks who wrote The Laramie Project. 2008 is the 30th anniversary of the Jonestown. I remain fascinated by this story. Also, there's live gospel music. Duuuude. For someone who doesn't believe in Jesus or attend church, I looooooves gospel music. ATC consistantly puts out quality productions, so I'm...crap. Why am I suddenly stuck with puns in my brain. I hate puns. I'm jonesin' to see this one as well. sigh. It's official. I hate my brain. Fie, brain!
My sister is visiting next month and I want to take her to see The Glass Menagerie. Years and years ago, we shared a Tennessee Williams evening of improv, so I think it's fitting to sink our teeth into the real deal. Also, Mr. Dave Dastmalchian is in this show (he played my son in Metaluna) and I'm excited to watch him perform (although, I suspect it'll make me want to curl up in a wheel chair next to him onstage.)
I haven't seen a mainstage Steppenwolf show since The Pillow Man (which a friend offered a freebie tix to) and for some reason, I'm drawn to this show. These tix are half price ($20 ea) until Sept 28th. Anyone want to meet up there?
Ten Cent Night is the latest from local playwright, Marisa Wegrzyn. I keep missing out on Wegrzyn's stuff, but I like the sound of her stories and characters. Also, ya gotta support the local talent, kids! (at least before they shuffle off to NY or start writing for LOST.)
Patient #1 is a rare production in that the script was not WNEP-penned. It's a political satire by Donald Freed*, set in 2009 at an elite psychiatric clinic in Florida, it revolves around a heavily sedated President Bush, after he has left the Oval Office. WNEP produces the US premiere! Uhhh. Yup. Uh...although, it would help if the home team had a web page up on it. Be right back...gotta make a call!
Most of these shows are $25 or less. Although, a couple are $35.
Lots of $20 and under options around town of equally good stuff out there.
Go see and support Off-Loop theater! It does a brain good!
Three) See Burn After Reading.
I rarely see movies on opening weekend. I want everyone to make their box office back and everything, but...I'm a loner, dude. I don't like having a crowd of strangers up in my grill (or sitting ANYwhere next to me while I sit in the dark and watch a flick.)
A couple weekends ago, my friend Rachel and I caught the opening weekend of Pineapple Express. It was fantastic and I laughed my fool ass off. But, it was also crowded and the laughter was so loud (including my own) that I missed a lot of the little throw-away dialogue that is probably the stuff that makes me laugh the hardest.
I'll admit it. I'm not good at sharing. (and) I like to pretend I'm one of those creepy eccentrics that has their own viewing theater at home.
While I'm not going to see BAR this weekend, I will see it very, very soon. This movie has my two favorite words on it in reference to the Coen Bros: "Written By." Sure they can adapt stuff well, but my favorite Coen fare is stuff they self generate. I submit the following to evidence such:
Raising Arizona
O Brother Where Art Thou
The Man Who Wasn't There
Miller's Crossing
Fargo
Barton Fink
The Big Lebowski
The Hudsucker Proxy
Blood Simple
Man. That is a pedigree with some KICK ASS WRITING.
Wild horses high on E couldn't keep me from this movie.
I'll let you know come November 1st how my three tiered plan worked out.
*according to Wikipedia, Freed had an association with Jonestown and visited there prior to the massacre. Hmmm. That's just weird.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
don't be afraid
One of my friends living in a southern state who was supporting Clinton fervently and who is now supporting Obama just as strongly, sent me (and a bunch of folks) a rallying cry of an email which mentioned his fear that many folks in the red states that surround him (and even in his blue state of MD) won't vote for him because of race.
He's not the only one down south that I've heard this from.
My mom retired to rural Tennessee and within the past decade has become quite the thumper of bibles. In 2000, she voted for Bush. By 2004 she was not only against Bush and the war in Iraq (she felt so lied to by Bush and the whole WOMD bullshit), that she actively joined the Democratic organization in her county and campaigned for Kerry in 2004, and now, has been campaigning for Obama in 2008.
And this is a county where I lost count of how many confederate flags I saw flying in her home town when I visited in Easter last year.
Prior to his winning the nomination, she was only one of two people in her group who were for Obama from the start. Everyone else was rooting for Clinton. Once Obama won the nom, the rest of the group began supporting him begrudgingly...and her fear is that in the privacy of the polling place, they may vote McCain solely based on the fact that they are afraid to vote for a black man. In things she has witnesses, both subtle and overt, she is truly concerned that this is a real issue in her county.
It's a horrible idea, but this is America. And if we ignore the underbelly of racism that still brews, even as an African-American stands as a candidate for presidency...we'd be obtuse and unrealistic.
What we need to do to combat this fear that some folks may have, is to shine the light of truth on the nomination of Sarah Palin and expose and expose and expose how completely irresponsible McCain was to choose Palin. That while she might sound like your really nice neighbor running the bakesale - she is a loyaly oath demanding, book wanna-be banning, earmark junkie of the first degree. She has lied about her position on the Bridge to Nowhere among other issues and her lack of experience and knowledge about anything outside the state line of Alaska is more than foreboding.
And that while McCain may talk the talk of the maverick reformer, he's been in step with Bush for the last eight years. The fight we have is to reveal the truth to voters. That is the fight.
Although, I think I found a group...that if they need a donation, I might be convinced to send one to these gents.
Rock on Rolla, MO Rednecks! You give me hope!
He's not the only one down south that I've heard this from.
My mom retired to rural Tennessee and within the past decade has become quite the thumper of bibles. In 2000, she voted for Bush. By 2004 she was not only against Bush and the war in Iraq (she felt so lied to by Bush and the whole WOMD bullshit), that she actively joined the Democratic organization in her county and campaigned for Kerry in 2004, and now, has been campaigning for Obama in 2008.
And this is a county where I lost count of how many confederate flags I saw flying in her home town when I visited in Easter last year.
Prior to his winning the nomination, she was only one of two people in her group who were for Obama from the start. Everyone else was rooting for Clinton. Once Obama won the nom, the rest of the group began supporting him begrudgingly...and her fear is that in the privacy of the polling place, they may vote McCain solely based on the fact that they are afraid to vote for a black man. In things she has witnesses, both subtle and overt, she is truly concerned that this is a real issue in her county.
It's a horrible idea, but this is America. And if we ignore the underbelly of racism that still brews, even as an African-American stands as a candidate for presidency...we'd be obtuse and unrealistic.
What we need to do to combat this fear that some folks may have, is to shine the light of truth on the nomination of Sarah Palin and expose and expose and expose how completely irresponsible McCain was to choose Palin. That while she might sound like your really nice neighbor running the bakesale - she is a loyaly oath demanding, book wanna-be banning, earmark junkie of the first degree. She has lied about her position on the Bridge to Nowhere among other issues and her lack of experience and knowledge about anything outside the state line of Alaska is more than foreboding.
And that while McCain may talk the talk of the maverick reformer, he's been in step with Bush for the last eight years. The fight we have is to reveal the truth to voters. That is the fight.
Although, I think I found a group...that if they need a donation, I might be convinced to send one to these gents.
Rock on Rolla, MO Rednecks! You give me hope!
Friday, September 5, 2008
sounds
I wasn't ever the musicphile of my group. I've never been one to be the first to find that unknown band that's about to blow up or that rarified dusty that inspired ten other bands to greatness.
[With the exceptions of Fiona Apple, the Mighty Blue Kings and Rodrigo y Gabriela (not new to you, oh so wiser than me reader, but newer to at least a few folks in my circle.) And let me tell you, Fiona's the bittersweet one. I freaking love her music, I truly think she's like a savant with the piano and orchestration, but that girl is fucking batshit crazy. I'll never see her in concert again because I had to restrain myself from walking on stage and slapping the snot out of her. Twice.]
This song has been in and out of my cranium for several weeks. I'm not sure why it's implanted itself, but I suppose that might mean that I like it. I can't decide. It's catchy in it's way. And oddly hopeful while still remaining kinda mournful, so...it's got that going for it.
Mainly, I just think the video is so simple and in a way, elegant, that it makes me cry with glee.
The colors, the lovely little details, that choreography that reminds me of the stuff you did when you were in 7th grade and nobody was watching you act a fool.
If I could get a print of the shot with him sitting in the ice machine (around 1:47 min...or 3:05...or 4:10...I can't pick!) I would plaster it over my bed, so every morning when I woke up, I'd see this fantasic picture and know that the world is a glorious place of contradictions and humor.
Mr. Greg Laswell
And yeah, that's Elijah Wood.
What? Like Frodo can't show up in a video once in a while?
[With the exceptions of Fiona Apple, the Mighty Blue Kings and Rodrigo y Gabriela (not new to you, oh so wiser than me reader, but newer to at least a few folks in my circle.) And let me tell you, Fiona's the bittersweet one. I freaking love her music, I truly think she's like a savant with the piano and orchestration, but that girl is fucking batshit crazy. I'll never see her in concert again because I had to restrain myself from walking on stage and slapping the snot out of her. Twice.]
This song has been in and out of my cranium for several weeks. I'm not sure why it's implanted itself, but I suppose that might mean that I like it. I can't decide. It's catchy in it's way. And oddly hopeful while still remaining kinda mournful, so...it's got that going for it.
Mainly, I just think the video is so simple and in a way, elegant, that it makes me cry with glee.
The colors, the lovely little details, that choreography that reminds me of the stuff you did when you were in 7th grade and nobody was watching you act a fool.
If I could get a print of the shot with him sitting in the ice machine (around 1:47 min...or 3:05...or 4:10...I can't pick!) I would plaster it over my bed, so every morning when I woke up, I'd see this fantasic picture and know that the world is a glorious place of contradictions and humor.
Mr. Greg Laswell
And yeah, that's Elijah Wood.
What? Like Frodo can't show up in a video once in a while?
everyone's not-so-secret boyfriend
This is why all the ladies I know draw little hearts on their "i"s whenever they see Jon Stewart.
Why can't the mainstream media outlets show the public how hypocritical and willing to change their tune to suit their agenda these pundits are, in such a CRYSTAL CLEAR MANNER?
Why, Baby Jesus? Why?
Why can't the mainstream media outlets show the public how hypocritical and willing to change their tune to suit their agenda these pundits are, in such a CRYSTAL CLEAR MANNER?
Why, Baby Jesus? Why?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
humped
I just watched McCain. Yesterday I watched Palin. After 2000 and 2004 it's hard not to get a knot in your stomach concerned that a certain portion of my fellow Americans might buy into this malarky* wholesale.
Watching this made me feel a whole bunch better.
*That's right, Snrub. I've used "malarky" twice in about a week. I shall now put it back in my thesaurus until November.
Watching this made me feel a whole bunch better.
*That's right, Snrub. I've used "malarky" twice in about a week. I shall now put it back in my thesaurus until November.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
research
My dad has this vintage tandem bike in his garage that he's looking to sell.
(this is not the bike, but the same model...thanks youtube!)
Pretty sweet, huh? I'm attempting to help him sell it (he lives off the grid) was looking at it over the weekend. While it needs some cleaning and mild adjustments, it seems to still be in pretty good shape. It's a "vintage" bike, circa late 60's-early 70's and yes, I rode this as a youngster.
Point in fact, we grew up riding this bike all over town. What they don't tell you is that nobody really rides a tandem. I mean, most folks might try it once or twice, say on a vacation or on a dare...but as a usual mode of transport? You don't ride a tandem to work...or to work out for that matter.
It does get a lot of attention. It was like riding one of those turn-of-the-century bikes with the giant wheel. Everyone looked at you like the circus was in town when you rode by. They really do have an yesteryear feel to them.
One of my all-time favorite movies is The Quiet Man. There is a scene where John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara jump on a tandem bike and escape the watchful eye of their chaperone. It seemed romantic and daring and probably kept me on that bike longer than had I not wished on my 9th birthday to be transported into that film for a day (something akin to Brigadoon.)
As I was pretty young at the time, I got stuck riding in back which had it's good points - not pedaling if my sibling cheesed me off - and it's bad points - no steering ability equaled no control - which led to being cheesed off, which led to no pedaling. It was quite the vicious circle.
Ours hasn't been ridden in ages and really, it's a bit sad when a bike doesn't get ridden. It's like when you look at an abandoned swingset in someone's backyard. It has all this potential to give someone a bit of joy, but it just sits, untouched and motionless.
So, it's for sale.
In that vein, I've been going online to suss out a fair asking price for a vintage tandem. I've checked out a vintage bike forum (they are more about trading than selling) and I finally had an excuse to go on Craig's List . Honest. I've never tooled around on it before.
Not too much there regarding vintage bike enthusiaists, but I fell prey to the siren's call of odd and weird postings...the ones that I've always heard of, but had never witnessed.
Looking for a Cooking Buddy (Chicago, IL)
My partner is an excellent cook but he doesn't have the patience to teach me and I'm not allowed in his kitchen. I really want to learn how to cook and it would be great if I can meet someone once a week and have cooking sessions, nice chats, and start a friendship. Someone who also enjoys a good mystery, foreign movies, short walks, nice wines, and needlework.
What does foreign film and needlework have to do with learning how to cook? Why do I suspect that Craig's List has become the Men's Rest Stop Bathroom for the "aughts"?
Oy. Fuck it.
Anybody want to buy a bike?
(this is not the bike, but the same model...thanks youtube!)
Pretty sweet, huh? I'm attempting to help him sell it (he lives off the grid) was looking at it over the weekend. While it needs some cleaning and mild adjustments, it seems to still be in pretty good shape. It's a "vintage" bike, circa late 60's-early 70's and yes, I rode this as a youngster.
Point in fact, we grew up riding this bike all over town. What they don't tell you is that nobody really rides a tandem. I mean, most folks might try it once or twice, say on a vacation or on a dare...but as a usual mode of transport? You don't ride a tandem to work...or to work out for that matter.
It does get a lot of attention. It was like riding one of those turn-of-the-century bikes with the giant wheel. Everyone looked at you like the circus was in town when you rode by. They really do have an yesteryear feel to them.
One of my all-time favorite movies is The Quiet Man. There is a scene where John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara jump on a tandem bike and escape the watchful eye of their chaperone. It seemed romantic and daring and probably kept me on that bike longer than had I not wished on my 9th birthday to be transported into that film for a day (something akin to Brigadoon.)
As I was pretty young at the time, I got stuck riding in back which had it's good points - not pedaling if my sibling cheesed me off - and it's bad points - no steering ability equaled no control - which led to being cheesed off, which led to no pedaling. It was quite the vicious circle.
Ours hasn't been ridden in ages and really, it's a bit sad when a bike doesn't get ridden. It's like when you look at an abandoned swingset in someone's backyard. It has all this potential to give someone a bit of joy, but it just sits, untouched and motionless.
So, it's for sale.
In that vein, I've been going online to suss out a fair asking price for a vintage tandem. I've checked out a vintage bike forum (they are more about trading than selling) and I finally had an excuse to go on Craig's List . Honest. I've never tooled around on it before.
Not too much there regarding vintage bike enthusiaists, but I fell prey to the siren's call of odd and weird postings...the ones that I've always heard of, but had never witnessed.
Looking for a Cooking Buddy (Chicago, IL)
My partner is an excellent cook but he doesn't have the patience to teach me and I'm not allowed in his kitchen. I really want to learn how to cook and it would be great if I can meet someone once a week and have cooking sessions, nice chats, and start a friendship. Someone who also enjoys a good mystery, foreign movies, short walks, nice wines, and needlework.
What does foreign film and needlework have to do with learning how to cook? Why do I suspect that Craig's List has become the Men's Rest Stop Bathroom for the "aughts"?
Oy. Fuck it.
Anybody want to buy a bike?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
open bar
Who likes KARAOKE? (hand raised)
Who likes COCKTAILS? (BOTH HANDS RAISED!!)
WNEP is hosting a night of song and suds this Wednesday, August 27th at The Spot on Broadway. $15 gets you all the karaoke action you can handle without setting yourself on fire! And did we mention? Open bar from 8:30pm - 10:00pm!
Sure it's a school night. Yeah, you have that presentation the next morning...but this is your night to get your groove on, baby! Step out ofthat shower and show us what your mama gave you! Rock out to "Forever inBlue Jeans" the way Neil Diamond could only dream of kicking it!
Or sit back, relax and listen to the WNEPeeps croon out a lyric or two. Come on out and mingle with the folks of WNEP. A portion of your $15 cover charge goes into our coffers which goes towards our upcoming productions!
- Want to know what WNEP's working on next?
- Longing to ask about something that's stuck in your brain since you sawMetaluna and the Amazing Science of the Mind Revue?
This is your chance, brother!
The Spot on Broadway - 4437 N Broadway St
Wednesday, August 27th
$15 cover gets you OPEN BAR from 8:30pm - 10:00pm!
Hope to see you there!
Friday, August 15, 2008
auf wiedersehen
Two more nights of Metaluna...and then...she's a'history.
I'll miss her.
I'll miss her.
Friday, Aug 15 at 8pm
Saturday Aug 16 at 8pm - CLOSING NIGHT!
Metaluna and the Amazing Science of the Mind
A Red Orchid Theatre - 1531 N Wells St
Tickets: $15 (Thu); $20 (Fri/Sat)
Call 773.661.3195 for reservations or go to Brown Paper Tickets
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
fickle fortune
It's my birfdaye.
I was born on Wednesday, August 13th in the year of our lord 1969. For reals.
This ode has been stuck in my head for a few days now. There are many variations of "Monday's Child" - the fortune telling rhyme of old - but this is the version I grew up with.
Monday's child is fair of face.
Tuesday's child is full of grace.
Wednesday's child is full of woe.
Thursday's child has far to go.
Friday's child is loving and giving.
Saturday's child works hard for a living,
But the child who is born on the Sabbath Day
Is bonny and blithe and good and gay.
While I currently am not full of woe, there are times when I am one with the woe. Until last year, I thought I was born on a Saturday (which also blows...who wants to be told as a child that they'll have to spend their life working hard? I call bullshit, Anon!)
Still, I love words that are considered "olde timey" and not used often in the general vernacular of today. Which means that while I think this poem should have it's ass kicked, I also secretly love that I am linked to "woe." Especially in this case, since I embrace the hyperbolic like Lenny loved his rabbit.
I am not sad. I am not depressed. I am full of woe.
Deal with it.
Okay. I just sat here and tried to think of a way of wittily squeezing the use of "calamity" in this post. It's one of my favorite words. Calamity. If I had to name a town or if I ever got a companion for Olive, I would name it/he/she, Calamity.
Wait. That's not true. If it was a town, I would name it Calamity. If it was another dog, I would name it Elia Frumpkin. If it was a blue goldfish, I would name it Calamity...or Monroe. And if it was a pygmy hedgehog, I would name it Pai Mei. Because, Pai Mei has much to teach and will kick your ass if provoked.
And if anyone ever gave me a pygmy hedgehog for my birfdaye?...well, after Olive killed it, I would send them a heartfelt, tear-stained thank you card with poloriods of the bloody remains.
Note to self: pen rap lyric that contains, "...like Lenny loved his rabbit."
I was born on Wednesday, August 13th in the year of our lord 1969. For reals.
This ode has been stuck in my head for a few days now. There are many variations of "Monday's Child" - the fortune telling rhyme of old - but this is the version I grew up with.
Monday's child is fair of face.
Tuesday's child is full of grace.
Wednesday's child is full of woe.
Thursday's child has far to go.
Friday's child is loving and giving.
Saturday's child works hard for a living,
But the child who is born on the Sabbath Day
Is bonny and blithe and good and gay.
While I currently am not full of woe, there are times when I am one with the woe. Until last year, I thought I was born on a Saturday (which also blows...who wants to be told as a child that they'll have to spend their life working hard? I call bullshit, Anon!)
Still, I love words that are considered "olde timey" and not used often in the general vernacular of today. Which means that while I think this poem should have it's ass kicked, I also secretly love that I am linked to "woe." Especially in this case, since I embrace the hyperbolic like Lenny loved his rabbit.
I am not sad. I am not depressed. I am full of woe.
Deal with it.
Okay. I just sat here and tried to think of a way of wittily squeezing the use of "calamity" in this post. It's one of my favorite words. Calamity. If I had to name a town or if I ever got a companion for Olive, I would name it/he/she, Calamity.
Wait. That's not true. If it was a town, I would name it Calamity. If it was another dog, I would name it Elia Frumpkin. If it was a blue goldfish, I would name it Calamity...or Monroe. And if it was a pygmy hedgehog, I would name it Pai Mei. Because, Pai Mei has much to teach and will kick your ass if provoked.
And if anyone ever gave me a pygmy hedgehog for my birfdaye?...well, after Olive killed it, I would send them a heartfelt, tear-stained thank you card with poloriods of the bloody remains.
Note to self: pen rap lyric that contains, "...like Lenny loved his rabbit."
Monday, August 11, 2008
surprise
My family came to see Metaluna this weekend.
- My father, who's nearly blind in the one good eye he has left.
- His sister/my sweet (and only) aunt, who is a firm believer that foul language is never funny and that songs should not be written about your father's kidney cancer...no matter how healing (and humorous) it might be.
- Her two daughters/my cousins, who are more into Gray's Anatomy than August Osage County....in fact, I'm pretty sure they've never even heard of Tracy Letts, much less AOC.
I was fairly sure they would politely sit through it, tell me I was "wonderful" ...and then we'd silently agree to never speak of it again.
I was completely wrong. They really loved it. My aunt and cousins were the most reactive, engaged and vocal audience members of the evening. Metaluna is an enigma of a play. It's challenging and crazy and makes no sense for the majority of the show. And my role comes very late in the show, which I try to let folks know, so they can relax and enjoy the play without wondering when the hell I'm showing up.
They was very impressed by the entire cast and the commitment and intensity each actor brought to their role. The ladies were very excited to meet Joe (the playwright.) As fortune would favor me, they sat in the front row, directly across from where I am "placed" on stage. (I'm wheeled in on an antique wheelchair and there I sit for the remaining 25 minutes of the show.) Fortunately, since I really am blind without my glasses, it was easier than I thought to stay focused on the play, even though they were mere inches away from me.
One cousin, after seeing the show, was a bit annoyed with me, "Why is this the first time I've see you perform?!" To be honest, they never seemed that interested (both exist in that suburban sphere of kids, soccer, etc.) ...and I'm long past the point of trying to twist the arms of friends and family to see me onstage.*
The best part of the evening was when, as she handed me a bouquet of flowers, my cousin said, "We probably should have gotten you something different. These flowers aren't very dada." Dude. That made my night.
I'm embarrassed that I gave them so little credit.
Anyway, I'm glad I was wrong. Metaluna is a show that I'm immensely proud to be a part of and am extremely thankful that my family came out to share it with me.
I'm also thankful that afterwards, Joe drank two beers, which somehow led to this grand show-stopper:
Ah, yes. We theater folk are so incredibly elitist. If only folks knew how often backstage banter is comprised of who farted, things we read/watched on the news/youtube/itunes, how gross a spit valve is, who grabbed whose balls, glue guns, how much caffiene one consumed, old tv commercials and sandwiches.
Now dance, monkeys. Dance.
Three shows left. Holla back.
*Except you, Miro. You've got three chances left to see it.
- My father, who's nearly blind in the one good eye he has left.
- His sister/my sweet (and only) aunt, who is a firm believer that foul language is never funny and that songs should not be written about your father's kidney cancer...no matter how healing (and humorous) it might be.
- Her two daughters/my cousins, who are more into Gray's Anatomy than August Osage County....in fact, I'm pretty sure they've never even heard of Tracy Letts, much less AOC.
I was fairly sure they would politely sit through it, tell me I was "wonderful" ...and then we'd silently agree to never speak of it again.
I was completely wrong. They really loved it. My aunt and cousins were the most reactive, engaged and vocal audience members of the evening. Metaluna is an enigma of a play. It's challenging and crazy and makes no sense for the majority of the show. And my role comes very late in the show, which I try to let folks know, so they can relax and enjoy the play without wondering when the hell I'm showing up.
They was very impressed by the entire cast and the commitment and intensity each actor brought to their role. The ladies were very excited to meet Joe (the playwright.) As fortune would favor me, they sat in the front row, directly across from where I am "placed" on stage. (I'm wheeled in on an antique wheelchair and there I sit for the remaining 25 minutes of the show.) Fortunately, since I really am blind without my glasses, it was easier than I thought to stay focused on the play, even though they were mere inches away from me.
One cousin, after seeing the show, was a bit annoyed with me, "Why is this the first time I've see you perform?!" To be honest, they never seemed that interested (both exist in that suburban sphere of kids, soccer, etc.) ...and I'm long past the point of trying to twist the arms of friends and family to see me onstage.*
The best part of the evening was when, as she handed me a bouquet of flowers, my cousin said, "We probably should have gotten you something different. These flowers aren't very dada." Dude. That made my night.
I'm embarrassed that I gave them so little credit.
Anyway, I'm glad I was wrong. Metaluna is a show that I'm immensely proud to be a part of and am extremely thankful that my family came out to share it with me.
I'm also thankful that afterwards, Joe drank two beers, which somehow led to this grand show-stopper:
Ah, yes. We theater folk are so incredibly elitist. If only folks knew how often backstage banter is comprised of who farted, things we read/watched on the news/youtube/itunes, how gross a spit valve is, who grabbed whose balls, glue guns, how much caffiene one consumed, old tv commercials and sandwiches.
Now dance, monkeys. Dance.
Three shows left. Holla back.
*Except you, Miro. You've got three chances left to see it.
Friday, August 8, 2008
buzz
100 years war
I've been meaning to post about the Cubs sweep of Milwaukee last week...but I've been too high from the sheer joy of it. And the last two games against Houston? It's was like watching Lupus catch that fly ball! You just want to jump up and down with glee! 69-46! Such. Lovely. Numbers.
Here's the odd thing though. Normally, I would be sharing all the ups and downs of the season with my grandmother Wanda. I can hear telling me how good her boys were today...and how those lousy bums need to learn how to field already! Her voice is like a song that gets stuck in your head. It fades in and out, but it's constantly swimming around in there.
Wanda passed away just over 3 years ago and in her absence I've been calling my Pop (her son) to commiserate and celebrate accordingly. It's not the same. First off, my Pop is more a Bears fan than a Cubs fan. Sure, you can be both, but in this case, I think he'd end our season early, if it meant getting to football season faster.
Also, I don't know which my father is more frustrated with, my support of Obama (he's for McCain and still can't figure how he raised "such a freaking liberal")...or for my complete and utter optimism for the Cubs going all the way this season.
Instead of enjoying what a phenonmenal year it continues to be, he watches games and reports back to me with nothing but contempt and the assurity that they are going to blow it out their old wazoos....any day now. It's like he won't allow himself be hopeful on any level.
Just you watch. They'll blow it yet.
In a way, I think my Pop has taken a lot of hits in the past few years - his health, his ability to work and care for himself and in general, just being a bit lonely. Because of these things, he really doesn't want to have any more hopes dashed. I can't blame him, but I wish he could just allow himself to enjoy the moment.
More importantly, he's totally killing my buzz, yo.
Go Cubs! Kick some Cardinal ASS this weekend! For Wanda, kids. For Wanda.
There are only SIX peformances of Metaluna left! That's the thing about short runs...they are muthascratchin'...short! I'm going to enjoy every minute left of these folks...even with this stupid sinus cold that will not jump ship.
If you haven't seen it, you only have a few more chances:
Tonight! Friday, Aug 8 - 8:00pm
Saturday, Aug 9 - 8:00pm
Sunday, Aug 10 - 7:00pm
Thursday, Aug 14 - 8:00pm
Friday, Aug 15 - 8:00pm
Saturday, Aug 15 - 8:00pm - CLOSING NIGHT
I've been meaning to post about the Cubs sweep of Milwaukee last week...but I've been too high from the sheer joy of it. And the last two games against Houston? It's was like watching Lupus catch that fly ball! You just want to jump up and down with glee! 69-46! Such. Lovely. Numbers.
Here's the odd thing though. Normally, I would be sharing all the ups and downs of the season with my grandmother Wanda. I can hear telling me how good her boys were today...and how those lousy bums need to learn how to field already! Her voice is like a song that gets stuck in your head. It fades in and out, but it's constantly swimming around in there.
Wanda passed away just over 3 years ago and in her absence I've been calling my Pop (her son) to commiserate and celebrate accordingly. It's not the same. First off, my Pop is more a Bears fan than a Cubs fan. Sure, you can be both, but in this case, I think he'd end our season early, if it meant getting to football season faster.
Also, I don't know which my father is more frustrated with, my support of Obama (he's for McCain and still can't figure how he raised "such a freaking liberal")...or for my complete and utter optimism for the Cubs going all the way this season.
Instead of enjoying what a phenonmenal year it continues to be, he watches games and reports back to me with nothing but contempt and the assurity that they are going to blow it out their old wazoos....any day now. It's like he won't allow himself be hopeful on any level.
Just you watch. They'll blow it yet.
In a way, I think my Pop has taken a lot of hits in the past few years - his health, his ability to work and care for himself and in general, just being a bit lonely. Because of these things, he really doesn't want to have any more hopes dashed. I can't blame him, but I wish he could just allow himself to enjoy the moment.
More importantly, he's totally killing my buzz, yo.
Go Cubs! Kick some Cardinal ASS this weekend! For Wanda, kids. For Wanda.
There are only SIX peformances of Metaluna left! That's the thing about short runs...they are muthascratchin'...short! I'm going to enjoy every minute left of these folks...even with this stupid sinus cold that will not jump ship.
If you haven't seen it, you only have a few more chances:
Tonight! Friday, Aug 8 - 8:00pm
Saturday, Aug 9 - 8:00pm
Sunday, Aug 10 - 7:00pm
Thursday, Aug 14 - 8:00pm
Friday, Aug 15 - 8:00pm
Saturday, Aug 15 - 8:00pm - CLOSING NIGHT
I'm gonna miss these fools and foolishness.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
bah-orde
I'm having a hard time concentrating today. Still on those antihistamines...and to be honest, I need a break from a project I'm working on. A friend sent one of those emails where - instead of them telling you 20 thing about themselves, you had to fill in the blank and return it. Ah...time killers, how we adore thee!
Odd. I seem to be at a loss on my friend's eye color. Pah! And when did we meet/became friends? Seriously? Haven't you just always been there? In that corner? Sipping your cocktail?
The best question was the following: If you and I were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing that I would bring?
The best response was from Sir Dennis who wrote back: [You would bring] the entire script of some god awful movie (....hmmm.....what would that movie be.......well I will let you bring it and surprise me) so we could turn it into a hip hop new broadway musical. I think you can take shit and turn it into gold!!! I want to be there to reap the harvest.
Well, I don't know about you, but I heard a gauntlet drop.
[execute difficulty level 3 hip hop stance]
Here is my Top 10 List (Letterman style) of Scripts to turn into the Hottest Hip Hop Musical to Ever Hit Broadway:
10. TREMORS
If Phantom can have that huge chandellier crashing into the stage, we can have giant worms lunging out of it (and performing as a breakdancing chorus line)
9. MEN AT WORK
The catch? We get a different B or C list celebrity to play the "dead politician" each week.
8. OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE
But only if WE star in it. Me in Bette's role, Sir Dennis in Shelly Long's.
7. TO EACH HIS OWN
My fav Olivia De Haviland flick. Set in WWI, she throws down a one-night stand with an aviator (who I believe is later tragically killed), has his illigitimate baby for which she devises a scheme to "adopt" while still protecting her family's good name. Scheme backfires and she spends her entire life forced to watch another family in town raise him and later, send him off to WW II. I can hear the beatbox even now....
6. THE OUTSIDERS
The entire cast made up of trannies and cross dressers. With the exception of Ralph Macchio reprising his role as Johnny! "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold."*
5. WEDDING BELL BLUES
This will be waaaaaay bigger than Mamma Mia. A rallying cry for all the 30/40-something women who remain single and/or get dumped at the alter/knocked up by their lout of a boyfriend. There's even a sub-plot on "trapping a rich man into marriage...or having an abortion!" Plus, it's set in VEGAS! VEGAS!!!
4. SIX PACK
Cashing in on all the NASCAR lovers - and with six raggamuffins in this, it will be the next Annie!!
3. LITTLE DARLINGS
Who doesn't want to hear a musical about pre-teens gettin' it on at camp? Also, we'll have Kristy MacNichol in a cameo role as the camp counselor.
2. VAMP
Four words. Singing. Dancing. Vampire. Strippers.
And my number one script to turn into the hottest hip hop musical to ever hit broadway.........
1. RED DAWN
I'm pitching it as The Breakfast Club meets Les Miz!
Okay. Back to the grind I go.
*Confession. "Stay Gold" - the theme to The Outsiders was voted by my HS class to be our "class song." Granted, we voted for it our freshman year..and what 14 year old in 1983 wasn't completely rocking out to this Stevie Wonder classic? Uh. Well. It seems like the thing to do at the time. (Oh, and you'll want to click to the the youtube vid. It's even more painful and sacchrine than I remember. "Life is but a twinkling of an eye...Yet filled with sorrow and compassion...") Yeah. I think we all just wantedEmilio Estevez Matt Dillon C.Thomas Howell to make out with us. And this was the next best thing. Word.
Odd. I seem to be at a loss on my friend's eye color. Pah! And when did we meet/became friends? Seriously? Haven't you just always been there? In that corner? Sipping your cocktail?
The best question was the following: If you and I were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing that I would bring?
The best response was from Sir Dennis who wrote back: [You would bring] the entire script of some god awful movie (....hmmm.....what would that movie be.......well I will let you bring it and surprise me) so we could turn it into a hip hop new broadway musical. I think you can take shit and turn it into gold!!! I want to be there to reap the harvest.
Well, I don't know about you, but I heard a gauntlet drop.
[execute difficulty level 3 hip hop stance]
Here is my Top 10 List (Letterman style) of Scripts to turn into the Hottest Hip Hop Musical to Ever Hit Broadway:
10. TREMORS
If Phantom can have that huge chandellier crashing into the stage, we can have giant worms lunging out of it (and performing as a breakdancing chorus line)
9. MEN AT WORK
The catch? We get a different B or C list celebrity to play the "dead politician" each week.
8. OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE
But only if WE star in it. Me in Bette's role, Sir Dennis in Shelly Long's.
7. TO EACH HIS OWN
My fav Olivia De Haviland flick. Set in WWI, she throws down a one-night stand with an aviator (who I believe is later tragically killed), has his illigitimate baby for which she devises a scheme to "adopt" while still protecting her family's good name. Scheme backfires and she spends her entire life forced to watch another family in town raise him and later, send him off to WW II. I can hear the beatbox even now....
6. THE OUTSIDERS
The entire cast made up of trannies and cross dressers. With the exception of Ralph Macchio reprising his role as Johnny! "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold."*
5. WEDDING BELL BLUES
This will be waaaaaay bigger than Mamma Mia. A rallying cry for all the 30/40-something women who remain single and/or get dumped at the alter/knocked up by their lout of a boyfriend. There's even a sub-plot on "trapping a rich man into marriage...or having an abortion!" Plus, it's set in VEGAS! VEGAS!!!
4. SIX PACK
Cashing in on all the NASCAR lovers - and with six raggamuffins in this, it will be the next Annie!!
3. LITTLE DARLINGS
Who doesn't want to hear a musical about pre-teens gettin' it on at camp? Also, we'll have Kristy MacNichol in a cameo role as the camp counselor.
2. VAMP
Four words. Singing. Dancing. Vampire. Strippers.
And my number one script to turn into the hottest hip hop musical to ever hit broadway.........
1. RED DAWN
I'm pitching it as The Breakfast Club meets Les Miz!
Okay. Back to the grind I go.
*Confession. "Stay Gold" - the theme to The Outsiders was voted by my HS class to be our "class song." Granted, we voted for it our freshman year..and what 14 year old in 1983 wasn't completely rocking out to this Stevie Wonder classic? Uh. Well. It seems like the thing to do at the time. (Oh, and you'll want to click to the the youtube vid. It's even more painful and sacchrine than I remember. "Life is but a twinkling of an eye...Yet filled with sorrow and compassion...") Yeah. I think we all just wanted
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
this wards off spells
If I didn't know better, I'd think this was straight out of The Chappelle Show.
I mean, that "amateur sketch"? Genius.
Thanks to dooce for this gem. That, my friend, is journalism at it's finest.
I mean, that "amateur sketch"? Genius.
Thanks to dooce for this gem. That, my friend, is journalism at it's finest.
Friday, August 1, 2008
shooting blancs
There is very little improvisation in Metaluna. Joe Janes wrote a fantastic script...but as most actors are wont to do (even Joe), a line or two gets added here and there - especially when the direction is for there to be hub-bub or some emotional reaction from the other actors/ensemble.
Our man Tiger, played my Michael Johnson, often leaves the audience cracking up with such gems as, "That was awful. Your mother should be ashamed for birthing you." And, "That was terrible. I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and kill your mother before she birthed you. And then I would kill myself."
It's in the delivery, I swear.
But last night, I had some co-workers in the audience (who totally dug the show) and near the very top of the show, they heard someone exclaim, "Good day to you, sir. I said GOOD DAY."
Now, that line is not in the script and I was a bit preoccupied last night back stage, so I'm not sure who dropped that gem. But that line (as well as being classic comic gold) has been a staple of our shop talk at work. So, when said co-workers heard it, they peed a little with joy and then embraced the rest of the show wholeheartedly.
Of course, that's all I've heard around the office today. When pressed as to where this quote came from, we've been racking our brains and searching the internets.
This is my presentation.
While the phrase, "Good day, sir. I said GOOD DAY!" has been used in many films and tv shows over the years, including NewsRadio, the Simpsons, Seinfeld, King of the Hill, and That 70s Show, Tootsie and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory…I believe I have found the source of it's original parsing.
I present, Mr. Foghorn Leghorn, circa 1946.
http://www.barbneal.com/wav/ltunes/foghorn/fogleg32.wav
http://www.barbneal.com/wav/ltunes/foghorn/fogleg21.wav
http://www.barbneal.com/wav/ltunes/foghorn/fogleg65.wav
Yeah..I can' t find a wav file of him actually saying it…but I'm 99.9% sure that he was the first one. At least as far back as my little pea-brain can recall.
In other news...there are only 10 performances of Metaluna left to be had!
Don't be the last on your block to see it!
Our man Tiger, played my Michael Johnson, often leaves the audience cracking up with such gems as, "That was awful. Your mother should be ashamed for birthing you." And, "That was terrible. I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and kill your mother before she birthed you. And then I would kill myself."
It's in the delivery, I swear.
But last night, I had some co-workers in the audience (who totally dug the show) and near the very top of the show, they heard someone exclaim, "Good day to you, sir. I said GOOD DAY."
Now, that line is not in the script and I was a bit preoccupied last night back stage, so I'm not sure who dropped that gem. But that line (as well as being classic comic gold) has been a staple of our shop talk at work. So, when said co-workers heard it, they peed a little with joy and then embraced the rest of the show wholeheartedly.
Of course, that's all I've heard around the office today. When pressed as to where this quote came from, we've been racking our brains and searching the internets.
This is my presentation.
While the phrase, "Good day, sir. I said GOOD DAY!" has been used in many films and tv shows over the years, including NewsRadio, the Simpsons, Seinfeld, King of the Hill, and That 70s Show, Tootsie and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory…I believe I have found the source of it's original parsing.
I present, Mr. Foghorn Leghorn, circa 1946.
http://www.barbneal.com/wav/ltunes/foghorn/fogleg32.wav
http://www.barbneal.com/wav/ltunes/foghorn/fogleg21.wav
http://www.barbneal.com/wav/ltunes/foghorn/fogleg65.wav
Yeah..I can' t find a wav file of him actually saying it…but I'm 99.9% sure that he was the first one. At least as far back as my little pea-brain can recall.
In other news...there are only 10 performances of Metaluna left to be had!
Don't be the last on your block to see it!
Monday, July 28, 2008
tie me up
Working with a small non-profit theater, you do what you can to turn a dime into a dollar.
Along with presenting a kick-ass theatrical experience, we offer the chance to buy a one-of-a-kind (extremely affordable) piece of art/handy dandy dada souvenier. It gives the audience a chance to take a small piece of "dada" home with them, and isn't a bad calling card for WNEP...all while raising a few bucks to suppliment our production costs.
Dada Ties. (man, I wish I had a picture of them to give you an idea of how marvelous they are...Brownie...D-Ray...a little help?) And they are a steal at $10 a pop.
Basically, we create take your standard tie. (Obtained from a thrift store)
We add things to them. (words, bits of paper, random objects)
We deconstruct them. (Cut them, burn them, shred them, etc.)
We take found objects and turn them into wearable (or displayable) three dimensional dada poems.
While WNEP is largely influenced by equal parts dadaism and improv, I, unlike some of my counterparts, while inspired by dada, do not consider myself a "dadaist." That said, it was an enormous compliment from Jen when this weekend, after surveying my latest Dada Tie, called me a "savant" when it comes to these creations.
Here are some descriptions of the abstractions I've created recently.
Pigs and Babies I (a series) : a completely henious greenish tie which I covered with tiny (think dollhouse tiny or smaller) pigs. SOLD.
Wearable Pet: A rubber koi fish floating mid-way on a blueish/grayish tie...at the bottom, various iridescient buttons. SOLD.
Pigs and Babies II : a completely henious gray tie which I covered with tiny (think dollhouse tiny or smaller) babies. Lisa said it looked like a fertility tie. SOLD.
Telegram: Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to gray and gold tie. At the bottom was the "message." Available as of 7/28.
Vurds, Vurds and more Vurds I (a series): Blue and red striped tie, with a big, black rubber fly sewn on, with the words, "Go Back." Available as of 7/28.
Madonna/Whore Cliche I (a series): Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to deconstructed tie. A lusty woman looks as though she is escaping or climbing out of the tie. Higher on the tie is a cross with a plastic lusty woman being crucified on it. SOLD
Madonna/Whore Cliche II (a series): Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to deconstructed tie. An angry woman looks as though she is escaping or climbing out of the tie. Higher on the tie is a cross with a plastic lusty woman being crucified on it. Available as of 7/28.
Metal/Mettle: About a dozen or so small oddly shaped keys sewn to a maroon tie. In the midst is a small picture of a frame of art. Available as of 7/28.
Life Is...: Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to deconstructed tie. An frighted man looks as though he is escaping or climbing out of the tie. He was missing a foot in the image, so I added a giant foot. Above him reads, "Life. Is. Here." SOLD
Vurds, Vurds and more Vurds II: A rosary is attached to a tie. Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to tie. A woman whispers into a man's ear and looks cautiously to her right. Next to them are letters that spell out "Moist." SOLD (I think.)
Eureka: A black and gray and red gorgeous tie with a b&w illustration of a man (circa 1920/30) crying from the shoulders up - sewn to tie. I took a small piece of fake hair and gave him a three dimensional chin-beard. Overhead, a small, burnt out light bulb. Underneath, in german, Krieg ist Hölle. Translation: War is Hell. SOLD (honestly, I think this one was my favorite and part of me wishes I had bought it for myself.)
Bolo: Folks were joking about a bolo tie one night, so I made an attempt at a dada version of a bolo tie. It's braided from the twine that is used during the show (if you've seen the show, think about the "life-sized marionette." The twine that is cut to release the marionette is what I used to create this bolo tie.)
I'm sure there are a couple others that are escaping my brain...
And, I'm not the only tie maker Many of the other cast/crew are creating ties too.
Jen's are utterly badass. Dude. She burns holes in them and shit. They are 10x more badass than mine. Joel created a couple that are subtle genius. He took two ties, cut out a matching peice from each in the shape of a jigsaw puzzle peice and then sewed them onto each opposing tie. (I believe they both sold!) Erin made one that another cast member snapped up before the citizenry even had a chance to peep at it! Mary Jo...man, she spent the most time on hers...she deconstructed two ties and then sewed them back together by hand...they look awesome and she must have spent hours putting those together.
While I do some work on the ties at home, I mainly try to work on them when I'm backstage. during the performance. I have a few smallish walk-ons early in the first act, then help a couple times with props issues, but for the most part, I have a lot of free time until I go on late in the second act. In a way, it keeps me listening even more to what's happening onstage. Part of it is being inspired by the play itself. Part of it is an odd obessession to inhale as much dada as I can during this brief run.
Normally, I try to complete one tie per show...At Sunday's show, I brought two partially finished ties (which I finished prior to starting the show) and then finished three more ties (two in the first act, one in the second.) Mainly, I've figured out my m.o. in creating these, and spend less time judging my decisions and more time just creating them.
Honestly, I don't expect to ever be that prolific again. One tie a show is plenty.
Along with presenting a kick-ass theatrical experience, we offer the chance to buy a one-of-a-kind (extremely affordable) piece of art/handy dandy dada souvenier. It gives the audience a chance to take a small piece of "dada" home with them, and isn't a bad calling card for WNEP...all while raising a few bucks to suppliment our production costs.
Dada Ties. (man, I wish I had a picture of them to give you an idea of how marvelous they are...Brownie...D-Ray...a little help?) And they are a steal at $10 a pop.
Basically, we create take your standard tie. (Obtained from a thrift store)
We add things to them. (words, bits of paper, random objects)
We deconstruct them. (Cut them, burn them, shred them, etc.)
We take found objects and turn them into wearable (or displayable) three dimensional dada poems.
While WNEP is largely influenced by equal parts dadaism and improv, I, unlike some of my counterparts, while inspired by dada, do not consider myself a "dadaist." That said, it was an enormous compliment from Jen when this weekend, after surveying my latest Dada Tie, called me a "savant" when it comes to these creations.
Here are some descriptions of the abstractions I've created recently.
Pigs and Babies I (a series) : a completely henious greenish tie which I covered with tiny (think dollhouse tiny or smaller) pigs. SOLD.
Wearable Pet: A rubber koi fish floating mid-way on a blueish/grayish tie...at the bottom, various iridescient buttons. SOLD.
Pigs and Babies II : a completely henious gray tie which I covered with tiny (think dollhouse tiny or smaller) babies. Lisa said it looked like a fertility tie. SOLD.
Telegram: Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to gray and gold tie. At the bottom was the "message." Available as of 7/28.
Vurds, Vurds and more Vurds I (a series): Blue and red striped tie, with a big, black rubber fly sewn on, with the words, "Go Back." Available as of 7/28.
Madonna/Whore Cliche I (a series): Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to deconstructed tie. A lusty woman looks as though she is escaping or climbing out of the tie. Higher on the tie is a cross with a plastic lusty woman being crucified on it. SOLD
Madonna/Whore Cliche II (a series): Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to deconstructed tie. An angry woman looks as though she is escaping or climbing out of the tie. Higher on the tie is a cross with a plastic lusty woman being crucified on it. Available as of 7/28.
Metal/Mettle: About a dozen or so small oddly shaped keys sewn to a maroon tie. In the midst is a small picture of a frame of art. Available as of 7/28.
Life Is...: Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to deconstructed tie. An frighted man looks as though he is escaping or climbing out of the tie. He was missing a foot in the image, so I added a giant foot. Above him reads, "Life. Is. Here." SOLD
Vurds, Vurds and more Vurds II: A rosary is attached to a tie. Vintage inspired postcard pieces cut out and "sewn" to tie. A woman whispers into a man's ear and looks cautiously to her right. Next to them are letters that spell out "Moist." SOLD (I think.)
Eureka: A black and gray and red gorgeous tie with a b&w illustration of a man (circa 1920/30) crying from the shoulders up - sewn to tie. I took a small piece of fake hair and gave him a three dimensional chin-beard. Overhead, a small, burnt out light bulb. Underneath, in german, Krieg ist Hölle. Translation: War is Hell. SOLD (honestly, I think this one was my favorite and part of me wishes I had bought it for myself.)
Bolo: Folks were joking about a bolo tie one night, so I made an attempt at a dada version of a bolo tie. It's braided from the twine that is used during the show (if you've seen the show, think about the "life-sized marionette." The twine that is cut to release the marionette is what I used to create this bolo tie.)
I'm sure there are a couple others that are escaping my brain...
And, I'm not the only tie maker Many of the other cast/crew are creating ties too.
Jen's are utterly badass. Dude. She burns holes in them and shit. They are 10x more badass than mine. Joel created a couple that are subtle genius. He took two ties, cut out a matching peice from each in the shape of a jigsaw puzzle peice and then sewed them onto each opposing tie. (I believe they both sold!) Erin made one that another cast member snapped up before the citizenry even had a chance to peep at it! Mary Jo...man, she spent the most time on hers...she deconstructed two ties and then sewed them back together by hand...they look awesome and she must have spent hours putting those together.
While I do some work on the ties at home, I mainly try to work on them when I'm backstage. during the performance. I have a few smallish walk-ons early in the first act, then help a couple times with props issues, but for the most part, I have a lot of free time until I go on late in the second act. In a way, it keeps me listening even more to what's happening onstage. Part of it is being inspired by the play itself. Part of it is an odd obessession to inhale as much dada as I can during this brief run.
Normally, I try to complete one tie per show...At Sunday's show, I brought two partially finished ties (which I finished prior to starting the show) and then finished three more ties (two in the first act, one in the second.) Mainly, I've figured out my m.o. in creating these, and spend less time judging my decisions and more time just creating them.
Honestly, I don't expect to ever be that prolific again. One tie a show is plenty.
Friday, July 25, 2008
keep hope alive
The Cubs are hanging onto their lead over Milwaukee...next week's four game series looks to be a pretty exciting match-up. This is usually about the time of the season when the Cubs start tanking and making sure we're on a path to be mathmatically eliminated...or so my father keeps reminding me.
It's just hard for some folks to hang onto that hope...but what else is there, but to hope! Especially when they've been delivering since spring.
The only pill I have to swallow (constantly) is my complete disregard for Zambrano as a person. As a pitcher and player, he's immensely skilled, no doubt. But, to quote a nasally delivered line from a favorite movie, "I can't STAND 'im!" I try to look past his oafish, annoying qualities and try to think of him solely as a player who is working hard to take the team all the way to the playoffs. We need his consistancy more that I need to like him off the field.
It's funny to discuss being positive and hopeful about this season, when we've been at the top of the heap all season long. How we have to keep ourselves in check...just in case. Well I call bullshit. They are going to defend (and win) the National League pennant and we'll be playing ball in October. You just gotta believe.
Bottom of the 8th against the Marlins...2-2.
Let's Go Cubs!!
It's just hard for some folks to hang onto that hope...but what else is there, but to hope! Especially when they've been delivering since spring.
The only pill I have to swallow (constantly) is my complete disregard for Zambrano as a person. As a pitcher and player, he's immensely skilled, no doubt. But, to quote a nasally delivered line from a favorite movie, "I can't STAND 'im!" I try to look past his oafish, annoying qualities and try to think of him solely as a player who is working hard to take the team all the way to the playoffs. We need his consistancy more that I need to like him off the field.
It's funny to discuss being positive and hopeful about this season, when we've been at the top of the heap all season long. How we have to keep ourselves in check...just in case. Well I call bullshit. They are going to defend (and win) the National League pennant and we'll be playing ball in October. You just gotta believe.
Bottom of the 8th against the Marlins...2-2.
Let's Go Cubs!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
message in a video shaped bottle
A good PSA only needs to accomplish one goal. Clearly communicate its message in a way that sticks in your brain. Reading is Fundamental. Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Stop, Drop and Roll.
Admittedly, I have a special place in my heart for all the ones on drinking and drug abuse.
Back to the point...30 or 60 seconds isn't a lot of time to get your point across...it's an art.
Healthcare for America Now put together a great satirical look at the state of today's heathcare/insurance issue. (It's also nice to see some ex-pat Chicagoans in this vid.) And while it's funny, it's actually pretty dead on.
Okay...just this last one and I'm done. While I want every child to grow up safe and secure and happy....this is one PSA that just doesn't cut the mustard. Sorry, Fonz.
Admittedly, I have a special place in my heart for all the ones on drinking and drug abuse.
Back to the point...30 or 60 seconds isn't a lot of time to get your point across...it's an art.
Healthcare for America Now put together a great satirical look at the state of today's heathcare/insurance issue. (It's also nice to see some ex-pat Chicagoans in this vid.) And while it's funny, it's actually pretty dead on.
Okay...just this last one and I'm done. While I want every child to grow up safe and secure and happy....this is one PSA that just doesn't cut the mustard. Sorry, Fonz.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
WTF
My blood is boiling right now. Boiling.
WTF, Senate? This is smelling more and more like when you idiots voted for us to go to war with Iraq...even though most of you didn't even read the fucking 9-11 Commission Report. You granted immunity when you don't even know which laws they broke or how many times they did it?
Dick Nixon just came back from the grave demanding to know where you fucksticks were during Watergate? I mean, that's the whole point, they just made what he did, LEGAL. Lucky the law's not retroactive to the 70's or we'd have to cannonize him.
I'm so angry I could spit. Unfortunately, it doesn't help.
The long fight on Capitol Hill centered on one main question: whether to protect from civil lawsuits any telecommunications companies that helped the government eavesdrop on American phone and computer lines without the permission or knowledge of a secret court created by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
The White House had threatened to veto the bill unless it immunized companies such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. from wiretapping lawsuits. About 40 such lawsuits have been filed, and all are pending before a single U.S. District court.
Numerous lawmakers had spoken out strongly against the no-warrants eavesdropping on Americans, but the Senate voted its approval
after rejecting amendments that would have watered down, delayed or stripped away the immunity provision.The lawsuits center on allegations that the White House circumvented U.S. law by going around the FISA court, which was created 30 years ago to prevent the government from abusing its surveillance powers for political purposes, as was done in the Vietnam War and Watergate eras. The court is meant to approve all wiretaps placed inside the U.S. for intelligence-gathering purposes. The law has been interpreted to include international e-mail records stored on servers inside the U.S.
"This president broke the law," declared Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis.
The Bush administration brought the wiretapping back under the FISA court's authority only after The New York Times revealed the existence of the secret program. A handful of members of Congress knew about the program from top secret briefings. Most members are still forbidden to know the details of the classified effort, and some objected that they were being asked to grant immunity to the telecoms without first knowing what they did.
WTF, Senate? This is smelling more and more like when you idiots voted for us to go to war with Iraq...even though most of you didn't even read the fucking 9-11 Commission Report. You granted immunity when you don't even know which laws they broke or how many times they did it?
Dick Nixon just came back from the grave demanding to know where you fucksticks were during Watergate? I mean, that's the whole point, they just made what he did, LEGAL. Lucky the law's not retroactive to the 70's or we'd have to cannonize him.
I'm so angry I could spit. Unfortunately, it doesn't help.
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