June 2005 Archives

Here's a few paragraphs on what's going on.

Last weekend went well starting with a gathering at Tim and Bruce's place in the PRAA. It was 85 degrees at 9PM, and they had a 5,000 gallon bucket of Sangria: Can I really be blamed for overindulging? I think it's society's fault. Played some poker, met some new people, had a good time. It was planned as a stopover on my way across the state to Sid's place, but the stopover seemed to have lasted 14 hours. Ah well, a good time was had until I woke up with the worst red wine hangover of this century. Which meant of course, driving to Kalamazoo in 90 degree weather (no AC in my car) with previously mentioned hangover. If you're keeping score at home, this is not recommended.

The trip west was to work with Sid on a soundtrack for a local indie horror film. The director had heard some of Sid's music and wanted him to put something together. So we gathered up a ridiculous collection of instruments, bleeps and bloops, and locked ourselves in his living room for 3 days. You can hear the results here.

It was a great time. I love collaboration, especially musical collaboration. When its working and things are clicking it really is the greatest feeling in the world. Unfortunately, I don't get the opportunity as much as I'd like. Sid and I work well together, which I remembered, but it was nice to get back into the swing of things. It is kind of funny to watch him break out in hives when anyone suggests doing anything conventional. He really wants to sell out, but he's allergic. Anyway, hopefully we'll get the chance to get together and do it again soon.

Went to the fireworks (International Freedom Festival) last night and it was incredible. Being there is just unreal. You start out watching and you say "How will we know when the finale' happens?" Because the first 5 minutes is like a finale' at any other fireworks show you've seen. But then they start it and fill the sky 5 times over and the whole building shakes, and then you know. Da and I just kept laughing at how amazing and ridiculous it all was at the same time.

Also, official announcement coming out tomorrow, so stay tuned. Thanks for coming.

Still a great comedy writer capturing the apoplectic liberal zeitgeist of the mind.

From the Huffington Post

(Which is rarely this good)

I've been a Stratford festival fan for many years now. This season looks awesome. First is "As You Like It" Summer-Of-Love style with BNL soundtrack. And then William Hutt, who is incredible and still formidable in his 70s playing Prospero in "The Tempest". Any of my extended family theatre friends want to go on a trip with me? Early August?

SC4 Drama Ass, this means you, Dottie and Alfie and Chuck and Kerry!
Tech STA, this means you Andy and Lenny and Kristin and Karen and Laura!
Troupe, all of ya!
Sid and Z, come on down!
Hell, anyone who knows me and digs The Bard, join the caravan!

Sometimes books can change your mind, sometimes they can tell you what you already knew, sometime they can make you question everything. And sometimes, they can do all three, and change your life as a result.

Here are 3 books I recommend without qualification, that together have helped to form (or at least self-clarify) much of my world view. Much of it was something I already knew somewhere inside me, but like magic, the act of reading it in these books concretized what I knew in my head into something solid and real. And so ....

There's no language with words enough to truly describe Glenn Schultz. There's no tribute that can really recognize a life of willful abandon and beautiful intensity. And yet I try, because by trying, maybe I can learn something, and maybe I can have a bit more of Glenn in my life.

The Reaper is my neighbor now; he lives next door to me.
I see him out my window as I sip my noonday tea.
No scythe, no cloak, nor tail nor horns; a plain and honest sort
Aware that his profession is a business not a sport.

He moved in on a desperate day, the sky was full of snow;
I helped him tote his household in and made the furnace go.
We worked the day long side by side with purpose and good cheer,
And dined on cheese and crackers, and he handed me a beer.

He offered then to pay me for the labor I had done;
I said he’d paid me years ago, and labor was my fun.
He thanked me very kindly and he thanked me very much
But did not proffer handshake, so of course we did not touch.

He lives a modest life, and mows his lawn and does his share
And tends the flowers at his door with more than passing care,
As if he means to transplant them upon some future day
To places of his choosing, there a long, long time to stay.

And if he’s oft away at night, what care is it of mine?
He is a gracious gentleman, and that suits me just fine.
He makes no stir, he makes no mess; bytimes he clears my walks;
And our back fence is a forum for occasional quiet talks.

He knows my family all by name and wishes them good health;
I could not have more pleasant fellow chosen by myself!
His patient gentle smile is given for no recompense,
The same I’ll see the day I clasp his hand across the fence.

For death is not a punishment, and death is not a cheat:
It is but smooth transition, and in no wise a defeat.
And now if you’ll excuse me, I have much to give and get;
My neighbor waits the fence for me, but I’m not ready yet.

Glenn A Schultz Sr. 2-19-05

(1941- 8Jun2005)