Happy Halloween and Danse Macabre!
I just wanted to say Happy Halloween, even though I think Halloween is a shitty holiday. Anyway, trying to be in the holiday spirit, I went and saw a super fantastic improv show last night at the Second City called Danse Macabre. It's a long-form improv show based on audience suggestions. The cast knew that they were playing characters from a 1920s-30s horror movie and, every show, they get the name of the movie from the audience. The name of the movie from last night was "Death Stink"... clever, huh? Anyway, it was an incredible show... and my friend Andy, from "Maybe this isn't the right forum..." was in it, and he's amazing! The show included a super-catchy song, which has been unfortunately stuck in my head ever since. Perhaps if I write it down, it'll get out of my head: "twelve AM, twelve AM, the danse macabre begins... twelve AM, twelve AM, the night is my home." Whatever, you... Laura would have liked it, that predictable bastard.
KERRY WINS!
Let me be the first to break this story. Since the Packers beat the Washington Redskins in Washington today, Kerry will apparently win the election. There is some kind of weird statistic where, if the Redskins win their last game before an election... the incumbent wins; and if they lose, so does the incumbent (for the past 17 elections? like 70 years or so?). So, thanks to the Green Bay Packers, Kerry will win the election. I was checking out electoral-vote.com (thanks Nate) and, as Halloween, Kerry would win the electoral college 283-246. It's my understanding that 270 votes is needed to win, and with three days to go... Kerry might pull it off. I've actually got hope for this election for the first time in months. I think Kerry just might do this. Thank God! Wait... maybe I shouldn't be thanking God, as that's Bush's thing. ("Thank you God for letting me kill Middle Eastern civilians")
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Saturday, October 30, 2004
The worst writing five show ever!
Last night I went and saw my friend Amy's level five writing show. She didn't write it, she was one of the actors. One of the good actors. She was one of the two good actors in the cast of six. "But John," you say, "doesn't good writing trump bad acting? I mean, how bad could they have been?" I would like to say that you're right... but I have no idea. The writing was so atrocious that I can't test your theory (did see THIS coming, did ya? I did that on purpose, because I'm a good writer). Good LORD was the writing bad... scenes that kept going after everything was said; terribly written songs that weren't funny and weren't very appealing musically so they could only be loosely called songs; and a constant beating over the head of whatever the point was to the scene (most of the time the point, I guess, was 'Bush likes to kill Iraqis!'). I felt preached to... which is saying something because I generally agree with what their points.
In crappy news, I just learned that our Skybox proposal (the hour long one) was not accepted. That really sucks because, with all the other shows I'm doing, this one was what I was really excited about... acting in an hour of my own stuff. I mean, that would have been awesome. But Keith isn't down about it, so I won't be either. It just means we're going to have to work that much harder when we propose this same show (or a slightly different version) next time.
And in weather news, today the gusts of wind in Chicago are approaching 44 miles per hour. It's just howling outside my window right now. I can't wait to have to go out into it. That'll be awesome. I do have kind of a conundrum because I'm wondering about my hair. I mean, there's no point in trying to make it look nice since the wind's probably just going to blow it all over the place anyway. However, it might be too windy for a hat... it would just fly away. Interesting. Don't feel bad, even I stopped listening to myself after a while.
Last night I went and saw my friend Amy's level five writing show. She didn't write it, she was one of the actors. One of the good actors. She was one of the two good actors in the cast of six. "But John," you say, "doesn't good writing trump bad acting? I mean, how bad could they have been?" I would like to say that you're right... but I have no idea. The writing was so atrocious that I can't test your theory (did see THIS coming, did ya? I did that on purpose, because I'm a good writer). Good LORD was the writing bad... scenes that kept going after everything was said; terribly written songs that weren't funny and weren't very appealing musically so they could only be loosely called songs; and a constant beating over the head of whatever the point was to the scene (most of the time the point, I guess, was 'Bush likes to kill Iraqis!'). I felt preached to... which is saying something because I generally agree with what their points.
In crappy news, I just learned that our Skybox proposal (the hour long one) was not accepted. That really sucks because, with all the other shows I'm doing, this one was what I was really excited about... acting in an hour of my own stuff. I mean, that would have been awesome. But Keith isn't down about it, so I won't be either. It just means we're going to have to work that much harder when we propose this same show (or a slightly different version) next time.
And in weather news, today the gusts of wind in Chicago are approaching 44 miles per hour. It's just howling outside my window right now. I can't wait to have to go out into it. That'll be awesome. I do have kind of a conundrum because I'm wondering about my hair. I mean, there's no point in trying to make it look nice since the wind's probably just going to blow it all over the place anyway. However, it might be too windy for a hat... it would just fly away. Interesting. Don't feel bad, even I stopped listening to myself after a while.
Friday, October 29, 2004
The Fable dream
I played Fable last night for about a million hours. It's an XBox RPG (making me a super-huge SELLOUT dork)... and the whole game is based on a fictional place called Albion. I poo you not... Albion. Perhaps all this Albion thinking was still in my skull when I went to bed, because I had a dream about it last night. Here's the twist... I also had my last trip to Albion in my head, because the whole thing's set in Albion. Let me explain something first... you can level your character up in Strength (to help with melee weapons), Skill (to help with range weapons), and Will (magic). I somehow broke this up into three different characters because Bohne was the strength, Nick was the skill, and I was the magic dude. Right? Okay... so you can visit towns and stuff and, depending on how attractive you are, people will be attracted to you (indicated by a heart over their head). It doesn't matter what the sex is of the person, men and women can be attracted to you (isn't that very progressive of a video game?). Anyway, in the game I've been hitting big time on the chick who works at the tavern AND the barber chick and then just a whole bunch of random passers-by. I basically spent a lot of time using the "flirt" option because that's how awesome I am. ANYWAY, back to the dream, a certain Chelsey was the barber, another Chelsea was a random villager, and there was a Rose working in the tavern. Nothing really happened in the dream... Nick shot some bandit with an arrow, I flirted with women, Bohne stood around with a huge ax... it was pretty much exactly what happened when I went to Albion last weekend. BTW, Miss Karen Rose Green looks great in a serving wench outfit... it's a good look for her, I think she should try it. Heehee... I'm serious, she could start a trend.
I played Fable last night for about a million hours. It's an XBox RPG (making me a super-huge SELLOUT dork)... and the whole game is based on a fictional place called Albion. I poo you not... Albion. Perhaps all this Albion thinking was still in my skull when I went to bed, because I had a dream about it last night. Here's the twist... I also had my last trip to Albion in my head, because the whole thing's set in Albion. Let me explain something first... you can level your character up in Strength (to help with melee weapons), Skill (to help with range weapons), and Will (magic). I somehow broke this up into three different characters because Bohne was the strength, Nick was the skill, and I was the magic dude. Right? Okay... so you can visit towns and stuff and, depending on how attractive you are, people will be attracted to you (indicated by a heart over their head). It doesn't matter what the sex is of the person, men and women can be attracted to you (isn't that very progressive of a video game?). Anyway, in the game I've been hitting big time on the chick who works at the tavern AND the barber chick and then just a whole bunch of random passers-by. I basically spent a lot of time using the "flirt" option because that's how awesome I am. ANYWAY, back to the dream, a certain Chelsey was the barber, another Chelsea was a random villager, and there was a Rose working in the tavern. Nothing really happened in the dream... Nick shot some bandit with an arrow, I flirted with women, Bohne stood around with a huge ax... it was pretty much exactly what happened when I went to Albion last weekend. BTW, Miss Karen Rose Green looks great in a serving wench outfit... it's a good look for her, I think she should try it. Heehee... I'm serious, she could start a trend.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
$200 worth of groceries... *faint*
I just got back from Dominicks, and boy are my arms tired! No, seriously. My arms are tired because I bought so much damn food. How can I do that? you ask. Well, it's easy. This $200 will last me probably a month and a half (maybe until Christmas), where all I'll have to do is keep buying milk or other perishables... but most of it will last for a long time. Plus, city livin's damn expensive.
I forgot to mention this earlier. I got an email from one of my past instructors about an audition for a company called Teatro Bastardo. They've been around a while and have produced shows at Second City, Improv Olympic, The Playground, The Annoyance, ComedySportz and other places. The audition is not only for actors, but also for writers! for a show that they would perform at SketchFest in January. So I'm going to have to write something for next Tuesday to prove my writing prowess... and I'm super nervous about the audition. *deep breath* It's okay if I don't make it (I tell myself) because they're professionals and I'm still young and learning. There... I feel slightly better.
I heard this week that Brett Favre's wife has been diagnosed with cancer. Good lord... for all the football 'highs' Brett has experienced on the field, the feces has certainly hit the fan in the rest of his life. Keep Deanna Favre and the Favre family in your thoughts and prayers. Brett says that she's tougher than he is... so this woman must be made of adamantium *pushed up dork glasses*.
I was talking to Miss Laura Jeannine this afternoon and she mentioned the new Eminem album. She said that he has a video that might be internet only called "Mosh." So I found it and WOW... does he want people to vote. To see the video, go here. I commend Marshall on trying to get the minority out to vote... it doesn't matter who they vote for (although it's pretty obvious who Ems voting for from the video), but at least he's doing something to get people to the polls. Good for him.
I just got back from Dominicks, and boy are my arms tired! No, seriously. My arms are tired because I bought so much damn food. How can I do that? you ask. Well, it's easy. This $200 will last me probably a month and a half (maybe until Christmas), where all I'll have to do is keep buying milk or other perishables... but most of it will last for a long time. Plus, city livin's damn expensive.
I forgot to mention this earlier. I got an email from one of my past instructors about an audition for a company called Teatro Bastardo. They've been around a while and have produced shows at Second City, Improv Olympic, The Playground, The Annoyance, ComedySportz and other places. The audition is not only for actors, but also for writers! for a show that they would perform at SketchFest in January. So I'm going to have to write something for next Tuesday to prove my writing prowess... and I'm super nervous about the audition. *deep breath* It's okay if I don't make it (I tell myself) because they're professionals and I'm still young and learning. There... I feel slightly better.
I heard this week that Brett Favre's wife has been diagnosed with cancer. Good lord... for all the football 'highs' Brett has experienced on the field, the feces has certainly hit the fan in the rest of his life. Keep Deanna Favre and the Favre family in your thoughts and prayers. Brett says that she's tougher than he is... so this woman must be made of adamantium *pushed up dork glasses*.
I was talking to Miss Laura Jeannine this afternoon and she mentioned the new Eminem album. She said that he has a video that might be internet only called "Mosh." So I found it and WOW... does he want people to vote. To see the video, go here. I commend Marshall on trying to get the minority out to vote... it doesn't matter who they vote for (although it's pretty obvious who Ems voting for from the video), but at least he's doing something to get people to the polls. Good for him.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Red Sox World Series and the Lunar Eclipse
On the night of the first lunar eclipse in World Series history, the Red Sox have won their first championship since 1918. It literally was written in the stars tonight... a "curse" like the one the Red Sox endured can only be broken by something celestial. Congrats to all those Red Sox fans out there. Now it's time to get the ring back in Chicago!
What's next for the Red Sox? Everyone already wants to know what next year holds. I'll let you know right now. Pedro's leaving. Derek Lowe will leave for more money. Shilling will retire (maybe?). Basically the Sox will be a one year phenomenon, destroyed by the Yankees (who will reload AGAIN next season). *shrug* I don't think the Sox fans will even care. All they wanted is one. They got it... time to move on to rooting for the Patriots and their shitty quarterback.
As Election day nears, everyone feels the crunch. Both candidates are slamming each other pretty hard (gross! Wait... not like that): Kerry by telling the truth, Bush by spreading rhetoric and then smirking after every sentence he tells that he thinks is clever. Ever notice that? The smirk is his visual "ZING!" "I just got you," he seems to say, "See if you can justification yourself now that you're spot-lightified! heh heh"
Hitting a little closer to home, the CTA is planning job cuts: 1,000 job cuts, and 20% less coverage by next year. This is no good... as Chicago is the only city with a semi-nice public transportation system that works. Unless Disney World is considered a city. It's such a shame that we as a society aren't more into putting money into things like public transportation. We'd rather spend that money on ourselves than our society. Who's moving to Canada with me?
On the night of the first lunar eclipse in World Series history, the Red Sox have won their first championship since 1918. It literally was written in the stars tonight... a "curse" like the one the Red Sox endured can only be broken by something celestial. Congrats to all those Red Sox fans out there. Now it's time to get the ring back in Chicago!
What's next for the Red Sox? Everyone already wants to know what next year holds. I'll let you know right now. Pedro's leaving. Derek Lowe will leave for more money. Shilling will retire (maybe?). Basically the Sox will be a one year phenomenon, destroyed by the Yankees (who will reload AGAIN next season). *shrug* I don't think the Sox fans will even care. All they wanted is one. They got it... time to move on to rooting for the Patriots and their shitty quarterback.
As Election day nears, everyone feels the crunch. Both candidates are slamming each other pretty hard (gross! Wait... not like that): Kerry by telling the truth, Bush by spreading rhetoric and then smirking after every sentence he tells that he thinks is clever. Ever notice that? The smirk is his visual "ZING!" "I just got you," he seems to say, "See if you can justification yourself now that you're spot-lightified! heh heh"
Hitting a little closer to home, the CTA is planning job cuts: 1,000 job cuts, and 20% less coverage by next year. This is no good... as Chicago is the only city with a semi-nice public transportation system that works. Unless Disney World is considered a city. It's such a shame that we as a society aren't more into putting money into things like public transportation. We'd rather spend that money on ourselves than our society. Who's moving to Canada with me?
Ken recently sent me a picture of himself with a huge gun. That's NOT how I hope I remember him. I hope I remember him like this. (Sidenote: I always try to make him look taller in pictures... you'll notice that later)
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Notice, even though I'm mocking him in the background, he also looks taller than I am because I'm so far behind him.
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Nate, Ken, Me, and Jason... chillin' outside of a Women's restroom. We found this was the best way to meet chicks, as they seem to always be coming or going from this one point in space. Trippy, huh? (Notice how tall he is!)
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This is Nate, Jason, and me pretty much humoring Ken. Notice how Nate and Jason do a good job of seeming to be shorter... while I am obviously bending at the waist. This is how I "act" shorter. Guess which one of the four of us is the actor.
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This is actually how tall Ken is. This is the first time I saw him after he came home from Basic. I am pointing to his super-short military hair. I am also trying to point out how straight I am with that outfit. Good lord!
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Tuesday, October 26, 2004
5,000 Visitors, Albion's Homecoming, Ken's worst nightmare, and Preparing for a Lifetime of Finishing 'Last'
Well well well, kiddies... it looks like over the weekend, while I was gone, my blog hit 5,000 visitors since mid-March of this year. At this rate, I might be able to hit 10,000 in a year. I find that number staggering! I find 5,000 staggering. I find myself staggering? Maybe I'm dizzy. Before I get too far into the funny, let me just say 'Thank you.'
Now, speaking of dizzy, the amount of happenings on which to update you are dizzying. Allow me to enlighten you on my roller-coaster weekend:
Friday -- I find it difficult to gauge how much time it actually takes for me to get to Albion from Chicago because of the time zone difference. I know that sounds stupid, but if I'm going to Albion from here I have to make sure to add an hour to my calculations (making me arrive 4 1/2 hours after I left). But, for some reason I always forget that... or something, and I never seem to give myself enough time to get there. Friday found me driving faster than I wanted to, worrying about making it to Albion in time to mentally prepare for the workshop. In my head, I'm running through how I would have to change my itinerary based on how many people showed up; I'm trying to figure out how long each exercise really takes based on, again, an imagined number of participants; and I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself from Friday to Sunday afternoon. The drive to Albion didn't actually seem that long with my mind occupied and, as, once I got into Michigan, the view improved dramatically. Yes, I took for granted all those Falls in Michigan where the colors of the trees become so vibrant you would swear that the leaves were more alive rather than dying. Unfortunately for myself, I was too worried about what I was going to say/whether or not I was going to be on time/whether or not I could actually teach anyone anything that I didn't really appreciate the view like I should have.
I did, in fact, arrive in Albion in plenty of time. I got there about 4 PM, and proceeded to try to find a parking space. There were already a couple alumni functions, so a lot of the parking lots I feel comfortable in were already full. I found myself still looking to see if I knew anyone as I drove past Baldwin and the KC. I don't know if I'll ever get over thinking that I know everyone there. I'm sure I will, but it'll take another three years at least (ever = three years). Anyway, I remembered that campus safety doesn't care where you park on the weekends, so I parked in between Twin and the Mae. I then stalled for time for a bit, trying to figure out what I should bring with me and where I should go and if I should write down what I was going to say, or just improvise it. And, if I improvised my 'speeches', would it reflect on me poorly as an improviser if I ended up sounding like an idiot?
I arrived at Herrick Theatre and there wasn't a whole lot of activity going on. It's a Friday afternoon on a college campus, so everybody's pretty much done with the week at this point. I was happy to see a series of large frames being laid on the floor of the stage where I was hoping to have my little workshop. That was fun... I had to politely ask Miss Chelsey Wagemaker to get them moved so that I could continue to freak out about what I was going to say/do without having to worry about trying to find a space in which to hold the workshop. Thank God for Miss Chelsey Wagemaker. As 5 o'clock approached, only Katie Aumann and Miss Karen Green had showed up. Then @ 5, a freshman from Chicago!, Ashley, showed up... but still only three. After about half an hour of calling people, I finally had six (which I figured was the cut-off): Bohne, Chelsea Sadler, and San Jose. I started them off with the alphabet (I kid you not, it's a very revealing game), and then moved them through some exercises to show you what not to do in improv. From there, they did some completely improvised scenes with some side-coaching... which they all did really well. After that, I played a couple of games with them... and they had a little trouble with Jeopardy, but I think that might've been my fault. I was pretty tired by then, and I don't know if I successfully explained it. Regardless, I hope I actually inspired some kind of interest (which I doubt)... at the very least, I had a good time. I'd like to think that's all that matters, but that's not the case.
After the workshop, I headed to Bohne's for a bit. He was going to watch a movie I really wanted to see, but I didn't stay long because I was headed to the Coffehouse to see my son read some of his poetry. Hey... he asked me to, and I'm a good, supportive father. But, you could bet your butt I was going to leave as soon as Nick read, because I wanted to see that stupid movie. Ooo! This would be a good time to mention that I knew a secret, which is no longer a secret, so I can just go ahead and say it here. I learned that afternoon that Kerri (I hope I'm spelling it right, I'm sure you've all told me how to spell her name and I keep messing it up. I'm old) had flown in from NY where she's studying off campus to come back for Nick's birthday. When I got to the Coffeehouse, Nick was outside on the phone with Kerri. He said that she wasn't feeling well, and so I told him that I'd give him time alone to talk to her (knowing that she was somewhere on campus). When I entered the Coffeehouse, I was directed upstairs to where Kerri was... talking to Nick. If I had the surrealist technology, I would have traced a path through space without walls to show that the conversation was occurring literally within forty feet (BTW, in my mind I see some kind of Matrix camera work, combined with a view of the Coffeehouse without walls to show how close they were. It's a super-cool effect in my head). Anyway... Kerri was nervous and she told me that she had written him a poem based on his favorite poem. I told her that she's the awesomest person who has ever lived, and I defy you to prove me wrong, dear reader. I headed back downstairs in time to hear Karen read. Then the time came for the surprise. Nick looked like he couldn't believe his eyes... as if he honestly thought he was imagining Kerri being there because he wanted her to be there so badly. Wow... what a powerful moment. Her poem was incredible, by the way. And, speaking of incredible poetry, Nick's poems have gotten so much better since I left Albion. He read a few, and I think they are amazing. He read the poem which won the poetry slam in KZoo and I loved it! I was so so proud of him.
One of Nick's poems included a line or two about 'beating time,' and that seemed to be a recurring theme to the weekend. The Fall colors and the leaves reminded me of the parable of the apple blossom in The Last Samurai. Okay... I call it the parable of the apple blossom, I don't know what it's actually called. Regardless! Ken Watanabe's character is standing next to an apple blossom tree in full bloom, and he talks about the temporary nature of the blossom. The blossom only blooms temporarily and then dies... it's life journey is symbolic of all life. We all grow to a point, peak, and start the slow decent into death--hence the 'over the hill' thing we often joke about when someone reaches their 40s. Granted, everyone peaks at different times... and the slopes of the graphs of everyone's life (if you'll allow me such a thing) is different. If you can envision everyone's life as a graph--where things like attractiveness, utility, and intelligence/memory are the y-axis and age is the x-axis--then most living beings' graphs are a bell-curve. This is why people talk about the tragedies of people dying young (with so much left to offer), and about the disappointment and tragedy of someone just 'coming into their own' if they die unexpectedly in their 40s or 50s.
I don't find this a depressing idea. In fact, it puts me at ease in a way. I know that I'm still building to something, the peak of my being: I'm still getting smarter, I'm still learning new things, and my life is still heading in a positive way. I don't even worry about it becoming negative when I'm older, even if I know I've peaked.
How the hell did I get there? Nevermind that... I'll talk about it later when I can write with some kind of actual communicative sentences. Was that last one even one? I don't think so. Regardless... I'm rambling. What was I even talking about? Oh! Nick's poems. And I went off on that rant because Nick's words inspire thought. See how much better he's gotten? *nods* Way to bring it around, John. I'm awesome. Anyway, so I heard Nick's poetry and then I left. On my way out I gave Amy Feder a huge hug. She looked great, and I wish I could've stayed to hear her stuff... but I was already torn and had told myself that I was just going to stay long enough to hear Nick and to see Nick's surprise! Heehee... Kerri's awesome.
After the Open Mic, I went back to Bohne's and finally saw 'Saved.' I thought the movie was really great, and I was super impressed by Mandy Moore's performance. I know! I never thought I'd be giving Mandy Moore praise... but here it is. Speaking of, Macaulay Culkin was also quite good. And the atmosphere was also good... as the company was fantastic *super winks all around!*
But there's something about Albion, because every time I go back there I have trouble sleeping. Friday night was no different. It was one of those nights where, if I did sleep, I don't really remember sleeping... it just seemed like I was awake all night. And it wasn't the couch or noise or anything... my eyes were tired, but my brain wasn't. So I really didn't sleep.
Saturday-- In the morning, I headed to choir practice. This consisted of the alums and the Britain Singers singing the alma mater and one fairly simple song (which was still too difficult for me, seeing as though I've forgotten everything I once knew about reading music). So that was 'fun'... blah.
Saturday afternoon, half the apartment I was in was drooling over this girl named Stacy. I honestly didn't get it. I've seen much more attractive women before... especially on Albion's campus. I didn't find my social interaction with her intellectually stimulating, and she didn't strike me as funny. But, whatever! I guess the kids are falling for drunk girls in windows now-a-days.
After they stopped drooling long enough for us to figure out what was going on, we decided to head to the Homecoming football game to see the half-time festivities. Mike Kopec was up for Homecoming King and, since he's on the short list of men I might sleep with if we were both drunk enough and no one else would find out about it, I figured I'd go support him. Turns out... he won! Homecoming king! Way to go Kopec! Now I have absolutely no chance with his girlfriend in comparison. Ahh ha ha ha ha haaaa... *laughter dies off, and only uncomfortable silence remains*
After the game, I went back to Bohne's and hung out for a while... playing video games and such until the Red Sox/Cards game came on. Then, Saturday night, Nick and Andy had a combined birthday party. I really got a taste of what some people feel in social situations. You know when you enter a party... you do the visual sweep of the party to see where you want to go first/who you want to talk to? AND, if you're already there, you always make sure to look at who just entered to see if it's someone you want to talk to right away? Okay... this makes for fascinating interactions, I've found. Because, Saturday night, about 90% of the time I got the "I don't know him" look of indifference. Though this isn't a first, I've never noticed it SO much as I did Saturday night. It made me feel pretty awkward, and even stupid for being there. I sat in this party and heard all the people asking where Nick was, etc. and I remembered not-too-long-ago when I could make a party stop by entering. I think this is where my ego takes a backseat to fact... I could, honestly, stop a party to be acknowledged by those already present. Wow do I miss that. I never thought I would, considering how much I dislike parties... but I do miss it. I guess I'll just be happy to be able to pull people away from the party to have a quick "what have you been up to" conversation.
I spent a great deal of time talking to lots of ladies from my 'past'. Let's face it, the SECOND PLACE AWARD goes to me! In the unlikely event that the actual boyfriend should be unable to complete his term as boyfriend, I will be made the adjunct until a suitable replacement can be found! Seriously. I don't know how many fantastic women I talked to who, by golly, if they weren't dating someone they liked more, they would SOOO be dating me. I suppose this should make me feel good? I recently read an Ode to the Nice Guys... which basically described my situation (nice guys finish last). I knew that high school was going to be like this for me, because high school women want stupid, asshole guys. This is a scientifically proven fact, so I was ready for it. I guess I just never thought college was just going to be the same thing. The article talks about the "nice guy finishing last phenomenon" not lasting forever, but I'm not getting any f--king younger here people. Whatever... I'm totally used to it. So used to it, in fact, that I gave up trying to talk to people pretty early in the night and instead decided to be reclusive.
Later Saturday night found me and Bohne watching Saturday Night Live together. Yes, we did see the Ashley Simpson debacle. Hopefully that will be the end of her crappy crappy career.
After the party died down, I was actually able to go to 'couch' at a decent time: roughly 2:40. Half an hour into my sleep, Miss Chelsey Wagemaker called. She figured people would still be hanging out, but she instead woke me. We started talking, and I figured we might as well talk face-to-face, so I invited her up. We talked for about an hour before I became too tired to talk and we called it a night.
Sunday-- I woke up (from a pretty good sleep) to drive to Battle Creek to have breakfast with Sarah, Eli, Amber, and Randi. It was great to see them all again (Eli is Sarah's boyfriend... but it was nice to see him again anyway), particularly since it seems like they're all doing really well. Randi still wants me, and it's kind of sad how desperate she... is anyone buying this? No? I'll move on then.
Sunday afternoon was the Homecoming concert. Jennie and I got a chance to chat for a bit. I love talking to Jennie, she's great. Plus she gives me all the important info about Bohne that men don't think to ask each other or talk about, but seems to flow freely from women. Women are remarkable that way. But what wasn't remarkable was the concert. And I'm not talking about the performance of the choir or the symphony, I'm talking about my own participation in the concert. Dr. Rose keeps talking about wanting this to be an annual event, inviting alumni back to sing with the choir... but I honestly wouldn't do it again. We sung the alma mater third from the end (the alma mater is SUPPOSED to be last... or, at the earliest, second from the end). I'll admit, for as much as I hated that song in college (sorry whoever wrote it), the stupid thing gave me goosebumps to be singing it again. I'll go up and sing that song whenever I'm asked. Then we sang Randall Thompson's Alleluia. I didn't feel a thing because the alums were smashed onto the side of the choir, in one corner. I felt excluded... and, furthermore, like people were staring at us because we were excluded. It was a terrible experience and, like I said, something I'm not going to do again if I can help it.
I got back to Chicago Sunday night to both good news and bad news. The good news is that yet ANOTHER of the writers from the writing five show I acted in has written another show, and he asked me to be in it. I haven't written him back, but I'm most definitely interested. This would make four shows that I'm a part of within the next four or five months. How incredible! What a difference a year makes! I mean, a year ago, I was trying to express without words that I was making dinner upset and NOT cutting up onions (I was crying, get it?)... and now I'm being asked to be in shows. How awesome.
Now the not-awesome, bad news: I got a couple emails from Ken this weekend. He wanted to let me know that Airman First Class Jesse Samek was killed in a helicopter crash in combat. Was this the first time I had heard of Airman Samek? Yes. Does that mean anything? No, no it does not. Airman Samek was the first casualty from Nellis Air Force Base in North Las Vegas, NV. This means Ken must have known him for a while and, furthermore, it sounded like they were getting closer being from the same Air Force Base and being stationed overseas together. It sounds like he was hit pretty hard by this... and, perhaps, the realism of the danger he's in has finally hit him as well. If it hasn't hit him, it's certainly hit me. Ken even included a picture of him in the email... and, looking at it, all you can think is "by God, he looks like every young American man ever." Actually, it isn't much of a stretch to envision Ken in the picture instead of Jesse. I haven't emailed Ken back yet... because I don't know what to say. Everything I can think of just makes the situation awkward or potentially more painful... but I can't just ignore it or how it makes me feel. The thoughts keeping Ken going are thoughts that what he's doing is noble or necessary and that he's helping... and I don't know that that's necessarily the case. God... I can't think of anything worse than dying unnecessarily for a stupid reason in a meaningless war. That's where it lies... meaning. I don't know what this war means... but I have a terrible feeling that the answer is 'nothing.'
VOTE KERRY/EDWARDS '04
Well well well, kiddies... it looks like over the weekend, while I was gone, my blog hit 5,000 visitors since mid-March of this year. At this rate, I might be able to hit 10,000 in a year. I find that number staggering! I find 5,000 staggering. I find myself staggering? Maybe I'm dizzy. Before I get too far into the funny, let me just say 'Thank you.'
Now, speaking of dizzy, the amount of happenings on which to update you are dizzying. Allow me to enlighten you on my roller-coaster weekend:
Friday -- I find it difficult to gauge how much time it actually takes for me to get to Albion from Chicago because of the time zone difference. I know that sounds stupid, but if I'm going to Albion from here I have to make sure to add an hour to my calculations (making me arrive 4 1/2 hours after I left). But, for some reason I always forget that... or something, and I never seem to give myself enough time to get there. Friday found me driving faster than I wanted to, worrying about making it to Albion in time to mentally prepare for the workshop. In my head, I'm running through how I would have to change my itinerary based on how many people showed up; I'm trying to figure out how long each exercise really takes based on, again, an imagined number of participants; and I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself from Friday to Sunday afternoon. The drive to Albion didn't actually seem that long with my mind occupied and, as, once I got into Michigan, the view improved dramatically. Yes, I took for granted all those Falls in Michigan where the colors of the trees become so vibrant you would swear that the leaves were more alive rather than dying. Unfortunately for myself, I was too worried about what I was going to say/whether or not I was going to be on time/whether or not I could actually teach anyone anything that I didn't really appreciate the view like I should have.
I did, in fact, arrive in Albion in plenty of time. I got there about 4 PM, and proceeded to try to find a parking space. There were already a couple alumni functions, so a lot of the parking lots I feel comfortable in were already full. I found myself still looking to see if I knew anyone as I drove past Baldwin and the KC. I don't know if I'll ever get over thinking that I know everyone there. I'm sure I will, but it'll take another three years at least (ever = three years). Anyway, I remembered that campus safety doesn't care where you park on the weekends, so I parked in between Twin and the Mae. I then stalled for time for a bit, trying to figure out what I should bring with me and where I should go and if I should write down what I was going to say, or just improvise it. And, if I improvised my 'speeches', would it reflect on me poorly as an improviser if I ended up sounding like an idiot?
I arrived at Herrick Theatre and there wasn't a whole lot of activity going on. It's a Friday afternoon on a college campus, so everybody's pretty much done with the week at this point. I was happy to see a series of large frames being laid on the floor of the stage where I was hoping to have my little workshop. That was fun... I had to politely ask Miss Chelsey Wagemaker to get them moved so that I could continue to freak out about what I was going to say/do without having to worry about trying to find a space in which to hold the workshop. Thank God for Miss Chelsey Wagemaker. As 5 o'clock approached, only Katie Aumann and Miss Karen Green had showed up. Then @ 5, a freshman from Chicago!, Ashley, showed up... but still only three. After about half an hour of calling people, I finally had six (which I figured was the cut-off): Bohne, Chelsea Sadler, and San Jose. I started them off with the alphabet (I kid you not, it's a very revealing game), and then moved them through some exercises to show you what not to do in improv. From there, they did some completely improvised scenes with some side-coaching... which they all did really well. After that, I played a couple of games with them... and they had a little trouble with Jeopardy, but I think that might've been my fault. I was pretty tired by then, and I don't know if I successfully explained it. Regardless, I hope I actually inspired some kind of interest (which I doubt)... at the very least, I had a good time. I'd like to think that's all that matters, but that's not the case.
After the workshop, I headed to Bohne's for a bit. He was going to watch a movie I really wanted to see, but I didn't stay long because I was headed to the Coffehouse to see my son read some of his poetry. Hey... he asked me to, and I'm a good, supportive father. But, you could bet your butt I was going to leave as soon as Nick read, because I wanted to see that stupid movie. Ooo! This would be a good time to mention that I knew a secret, which is no longer a secret, so I can just go ahead and say it here. I learned that afternoon that Kerri (I hope I'm spelling it right, I'm sure you've all told me how to spell her name and I keep messing it up. I'm old) had flown in from NY where she's studying off campus to come back for Nick's birthday. When I got to the Coffeehouse, Nick was outside on the phone with Kerri. He said that she wasn't feeling well, and so I told him that I'd give him time alone to talk to her (knowing that she was somewhere on campus). When I entered the Coffeehouse, I was directed upstairs to where Kerri was... talking to Nick. If I had the surrealist technology, I would have traced a path through space without walls to show that the conversation was occurring literally within forty feet (BTW, in my mind I see some kind of Matrix camera work, combined with a view of the Coffeehouse without walls to show how close they were. It's a super-cool effect in my head). Anyway... Kerri was nervous and she told me that she had written him a poem based on his favorite poem. I told her that she's the awesomest person who has ever lived, and I defy you to prove me wrong, dear reader. I headed back downstairs in time to hear Karen read. Then the time came for the surprise. Nick looked like he couldn't believe his eyes... as if he honestly thought he was imagining Kerri being there because he wanted her to be there so badly. Wow... what a powerful moment. Her poem was incredible, by the way. And, speaking of incredible poetry, Nick's poems have gotten so much better since I left Albion. He read a few, and I think they are amazing. He read the poem which won the poetry slam in KZoo and I loved it! I was so so proud of him.
One of Nick's poems included a line or two about 'beating time,' and that seemed to be a recurring theme to the weekend. The Fall colors and the leaves reminded me of the parable of the apple blossom in The Last Samurai. Okay... I call it the parable of the apple blossom, I don't know what it's actually called. Regardless! Ken Watanabe's character is standing next to an apple blossom tree in full bloom, and he talks about the temporary nature of the blossom. The blossom only blooms temporarily and then dies... it's life journey is symbolic of all life. We all grow to a point, peak, and start the slow decent into death--hence the 'over the hill' thing we often joke about when someone reaches their 40s. Granted, everyone peaks at different times... and the slopes of the graphs of everyone's life (if you'll allow me such a thing) is different. If you can envision everyone's life as a graph--where things like attractiveness, utility, and intelligence/memory are the y-axis and age is the x-axis--then most living beings' graphs are a bell-curve. This is why people talk about the tragedies of people dying young (with so much left to offer), and about the disappointment and tragedy of someone just 'coming into their own' if they die unexpectedly in their 40s or 50s.
I don't find this a depressing idea. In fact, it puts me at ease in a way. I know that I'm still building to something, the peak of my being: I'm still getting smarter, I'm still learning new things, and my life is still heading in a positive way. I don't even worry about it becoming negative when I'm older, even if I know I've peaked.
How the hell did I get there? Nevermind that... I'll talk about it later when I can write with some kind of actual communicative sentences. Was that last one even one? I don't think so. Regardless... I'm rambling. What was I even talking about? Oh! Nick's poems. And I went off on that rant because Nick's words inspire thought. See how much better he's gotten? *nods* Way to bring it around, John. I'm awesome. Anyway, so I heard Nick's poetry and then I left. On my way out I gave Amy Feder a huge hug. She looked great, and I wish I could've stayed to hear her stuff... but I was already torn and had told myself that I was just going to stay long enough to hear Nick and to see Nick's surprise! Heehee... Kerri's awesome.
After the Open Mic, I went back to Bohne's and finally saw 'Saved.' I thought the movie was really great, and I was super impressed by Mandy Moore's performance. I know! I never thought I'd be giving Mandy Moore praise... but here it is. Speaking of, Macaulay Culkin was also quite good. And the atmosphere was also good... as the company was fantastic *super winks all around!*
But there's something about Albion, because every time I go back there I have trouble sleeping. Friday night was no different. It was one of those nights where, if I did sleep, I don't really remember sleeping... it just seemed like I was awake all night. And it wasn't the couch or noise or anything... my eyes were tired, but my brain wasn't. So I really didn't sleep.
Saturday-- In the morning, I headed to choir practice. This consisted of the alums and the Britain Singers singing the alma mater and one fairly simple song (which was still too difficult for me, seeing as though I've forgotten everything I once knew about reading music). So that was 'fun'... blah.
Saturday afternoon, half the apartment I was in was drooling over this girl named Stacy. I honestly didn't get it. I've seen much more attractive women before... especially on Albion's campus. I didn't find my social interaction with her intellectually stimulating, and she didn't strike me as funny. But, whatever! I guess the kids are falling for drunk girls in windows now-a-days.
After they stopped drooling long enough for us to figure out what was going on, we decided to head to the Homecoming football game to see the half-time festivities. Mike Kopec was up for Homecoming King and, since he's on the short list of men I might sleep with if we were both drunk enough and no one else would find out about it, I figured I'd go support him. Turns out... he won! Homecoming king! Way to go Kopec! Now I have absolutely no chance with his girlfriend in comparison. Ahh ha ha ha ha haaaa... *laughter dies off, and only uncomfortable silence remains*
After the game, I went back to Bohne's and hung out for a while... playing video games and such until the Red Sox/Cards game came on. Then, Saturday night, Nick and Andy had a combined birthday party. I really got a taste of what some people feel in social situations. You know when you enter a party... you do the visual sweep of the party to see where you want to go first/who you want to talk to? AND, if you're already there, you always make sure to look at who just entered to see if it's someone you want to talk to right away? Okay... this makes for fascinating interactions, I've found. Because, Saturday night, about 90% of the time I got the "I don't know him" look of indifference. Though this isn't a first, I've never noticed it SO much as I did Saturday night. It made me feel pretty awkward, and even stupid for being there. I sat in this party and heard all the people asking where Nick was, etc. and I remembered not-too-long-ago when I could make a party stop by entering. I think this is where my ego takes a backseat to fact... I could, honestly, stop a party to be acknowledged by those already present. Wow do I miss that. I never thought I would, considering how much I dislike parties... but I do miss it. I guess I'll just be happy to be able to pull people away from the party to have a quick "what have you been up to" conversation.
I spent a great deal of time talking to lots of ladies from my 'past'. Let's face it, the SECOND PLACE AWARD goes to me! In the unlikely event that the actual boyfriend should be unable to complete his term as boyfriend, I will be made the adjunct until a suitable replacement can be found! Seriously. I don't know how many fantastic women I talked to who, by golly, if they weren't dating someone they liked more, they would SOOO be dating me. I suppose this should make me feel good? I recently read an Ode to the Nice Guys... which basically described my situation (nice guys finish last). I knew that high school was going to be like this for me, because high school women want stupid, asshole guys. This is a scientifically proven fact, so I was ready for it. I guess I just never thought college was just going to be the same thing. The article talks about the "nice guy finishing last phenomenon" not lasting forever, but I'm not getting any f--king younger here people. Whatever... I'm totally used to it. So used to it, in fact, that I gave up trying to talk to people pretty early in the night and instead decided to be reclusive.
Later Saturday night found me and Bohne watching Saturday Night Live together. Yes, we did see the Ashley Simpson debacle. Hopefully that will be the end of her crappy crappy career.
After the party died down, I was actually able to go to 'couch' at a decent time: roughly 2:40. Half an hour into my sleep, Miss Chelsey Wagemaker called. She figured people would still be hanging out, but she instead woke me. We started talking, and I figured we might as well talk face-to-face, so I invited her up. We talked for about an hour before I became too tired to talk and we called it a night.
Sunday-- I woke up (from a pretty good sleep) to drive to Battle Creek to have breakfast with Sarah, Eli, Amber, and Randi. It was great to see them all again (Eli is Sarah's boyfriend... but it was nice to see him again anyway), particularly since it seems like they're all doing really well. Randi still wants me, and it's kind of sad how desperate she... is anyone buying this? No? I'll move on then.
Sunday afternoon was the Homecoming concert. Jennie and I got a chance to chat for a bit. I love talking to Jennie, she's great. Plus she gives me all the important info about Bohne that men don't think to ask each other or talk about, but seems to flow freely from women. Women are remarkable that way. But what wasn't remarkable was the concert. And I'm not talking about the performance of the choir or the symphony, I'm talking about my own participation in the concert. Dr. Rose keeps talking about wanting this to be an annual event, inviting alumni back to sing with the choir... but I honestly wouldn't do it again. We sung the alma mater third from the end (the alma mater is SUPPOSED to be last... or, at the earliest, second from the end). I'll admit, for as much as I hated that song in college (sorry whoever wrote it), the stupid thing gave me goosebumps to be singing it again. I'll go up and sing that song whenever I'm asked. Then we sang Randall Thompson's Alleluia. I didn't feel a thing because the alums were smashed onto the side of the choir, in one corner. I felt excluded... and, furthermore, like people were staring at us because we were excluded. It was a terrible experience and, like I said, something I'm not going to do again if I can help it.
I got back to Chicago Sunday night to both good news and bad news. The good news is that yet ANOTHER of the writers from the writing five show I acted in has written another show, and he asked me to be in it. I haven't written him back, but I'm most definitely interested. This would make four shows that I'm a part of within the next four or five months. How incredible! What a difference a year makes! I mean, a year ago, I was trying to express without words that I was making dinner upset and NOT cutting up onions (I was crying, get it?)... and now I'm being asked to be in shows. How awesome.
Now the not-awesome, bad news: I got a couple emails from Ken this weekend. He wanted to let me know that Airman First Class Jesse Samek was killed in a helicopter crash in combat. Was this the first time I had heard of Airman Samek? Yes. Does that mean anything? No, no it does not. Airman Samek was the first casualty from Nellis Air Force Base in North Las Vegas, NV. This means Ken must have known him for a while and, furthermore, it sounded like they were getting closer being from the same Air Force Base and being stationed overseas together. It sounds like he was hit pretty hard by this... and, perhaps, the realism of the danger he's in has finally hit him as well. If it hasn't hit him, it's certainly hit me. Ken even included a picture of him in the email... and, looking at it, all you can think is "by God, he looks like every young American man ever." Actually, it isn't much of a stretch to envision Ken in the picture instead of Jesse. I haven't emailed Ken back yet... because I don't know what to say. Everything I can think of just makes the situation awkward or potentially more painful... but I can't just ignore it or how it makes me feel. The thoughts keeping Ken going are thoughts that what he's doing is noble or necessary and that he's helping... and I don't know that that's necessarily the case. God... I can't think of anything worse than dying unnecessarily for a stupid reason in a meaningless war. That's where it lies... meaning. I don't know what this war means... but I have a terrible feeling that the answer is 'nothing.'
VOTE KERRY/EDWARDS '04
Friday, October 22, 2004
And you thought YOU were lazy
I went to Adam's last night to hang out and watch game 7 of the ALCS. I left "early", at about 2, and headed back to my apartment. I was so tired I went right to sleep... the first night on the new futon. It was apparently comfortable, because I woke up today at 3 in the afternoon. Yeah... I slept for about 12 hours. How lazy is that?! Very very lazy.
The good news is the rest of the day wasn't wasted. I saw "I [heart] huckabees" again tonight with Kelly. She really enjoyed it, and I did some existential research before seeing it again, so the arguments/ideas didn't hit me as hard the second time around. I did want to mention that Kierkegaard (arguably the father of existentialism) tackled the problems of God that I brought up previously. To boil it down, Kierkegaard believed that human reason isn't absolute, it's fallible and so we, therefore, cannot trust reason in matters such as debating the existence of God. In fact, it is because of the absurdity of God's existence that, he claims, we MUST believe in God. He called this the "leap of faith" [pretty clever, huh?], and said that we will never be able to have faith through reason (probably one of the reasons I struggle with my faith so epically). He also loved the paradox and his favorite example is Jesus as both God and man. A paradox, he said, yet truth. He loved the paradox so much (not the specific example I just gave, but the paradox in general) that it's been said that he used a pseudonym to publish philosophical writings just so he could later refute them himself (now THAT's paradoxical!). I find that amusing... and I will one day do the same, so that I may do my calling: writing smut novels.
I went to Adam's last night to hang out and watch game 7 of the ALCS. I left "early", at about 2, and headed back to my apartment. I was so tired I went right to sleep... the first night on the new futon. It was apparently comfortable, because I woke up today at 3 in the afternoon. Yeah... I slept for about 12 hours. How lazy is that?! Very very lazy.
The good news is the rest of the day wasn't wasted. I saw "I [heart] huckabees" again tonight with Kelly. She really enjoyed it, and I did some existential research before seeing it again, so the arguments/ideas didn't hit me as hard the second time around. I did want to mention that Kierkegaard (arguably the father of existentialism) tackled the problems of God that I brought up previously. To boil it down, Kierkegaard believed that human reason isn't absolute, it's fallible and so we, therefore, cannot trust reason in matters such as debating the existence of God. In fact, it is because of the absurdity of God's existence that, he claims, we MUST believe in God. He called this the "leap of faith" [pretty clever, huh?], and said that we will never be able to have faith through reason (probably one of the reasons I struggle with my faith so epically). He also loved the paradox and his favorite example is Jesus as both God and man. A paradox, he said, yet truth. He loved the paradox so much (not the specific example I just gave, but the paradox in general) that it's been said that he used a pseudonym to publish philosophical writings just so he could later refute them himself (now THAT's paradoxical!). I find that amusing... and I will one day do the same, so that I may do my calling: writing smut novels.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
My apartment hasn't been this clean since I moved in... and it's still not as clean as I want it
I'm almost done with the cleaning/re-arranging of my apartment. In the midst of all this, I've continued my back problems. Ouch. Additionally, I may not have enough room for the new futon. I've been measuring and it'll fit... but I might effectively section off my apartment into the "tv" section with the futons and the "kitchen/bath" section with the... well... I'm not very original at naming things, give me a break. Why is this even a big deal? Well... it means that it'll be really difficult to move around in here. *sigh* I think once I get the futon in here, I might have to seriously re-arrange my apartment again to get everything to fit properly.
See what happens when I have time to actually sit down and write in this blog? Nothing interesting spits out. Oh well. I'm getting very close mentally to writing again... I took some time off writing to get everything in motion as far as these other Second City shows. It's also given me the chance to see some great/interesting movies. As I continue to try to think through writing my first screenplay (Mr. Adam Emperor's idea), it's probably a good idea to see as many good movies as I can. So... ladies... anyone want to come to Chicago and see some good movies? Please, one at a time.
I'm almost done with the cleaning/re-arranging of my apartment. In the midst of all this, I've continued my back problems. Ouch. Additionally, I may not have enough room for the new futon. I've been measuring and it'll fit... but I might effectively section off my apartment into the "tv" section with the futons and the "kitchen/bath" section with the... well... I'm not very original at naming things, give me a break. Why is this even a big deal? Well... it means that it'll be really difficult to move around in here. *sigh* I think once I get the futon in here, I might have to seriously re-arrange my apartment again to get everything to fit properly.
See what happens when I have time to actually sit down and write in this blog? Nothing interesting spits out. Oh well. I'm getting very close mentally to writing again... I took some time off writing to get everything in motion as far as these other Second City shows. It's also given me the chance to see some great/interesting movies. As I continue to try to think through writing my first screenplay (Mr. Adam Emperor's idea), it's probably a good idea to see as many good movies as I can. So... ladies... anyone want to come to Chicago and see some good movies? Please, one at a time.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
One of the two of us is sick... and I don't think it's you
Yeah... I feel pretty ill. It's just a stupid cold, but it's making me just want to sit around and sleep. The bad news is that I can't just sit around or sleep... I've got way too much to do before this weekend. Yes, I am heading to Albion this weekend for Homecoming. It's not just the homecoming festivities, however, that are bringing me back to my alma mater. On Friday night, I'm going to be hosting an improvisation workshop at Albion. I couldn't be more excited! I've got a full slate of things to take them through, and I hope it's enough for them to understand it. Worse comes to worse, I can say that I'll be willing to stick around for another hour for anyone who wants to stay... and we'll see if I did my "job" (i.e. if anyone's interested).
In other exciting news, I'll soon be getting my first AD credit for my yet unnamed Level 5 show. We decided who got what last night, and I might even help Adam with the Stage Managing. But I'm way excited to be Assistant Directing! It's the kind of anal-retentive subordinate work that I was born to do! *sigh* oh, it's true.
We had our first rehearsal last night to cast each scene. I continue to be surprised/amazed by how good our cast could potentially be. I think the show will be great and one of the actors, Jill, has a great, infectious laugh ("I think I caught a laugh!") and she seems to really be into the humor of the show. I think rehearsals should be fun.
Speaking of fun, I went to Adam's again last night for some more X-Men Legends. We continue to be entertained by the breaking of walls to reveal more wall. That was truly genius in the game design. In addition, when two of your characters work together in an attack, the game screams "COMBO!" It sounds just like you might think it would sound if, say, the South Park dudes were yelling 'combo.' That shit is hilarious, B!
Yeah... I feel pretty ill. It's just a stupid cold, but it's making me just want to sit around and sleep. The bad news is that I can't just sit around or sleep... I've got way too much to do before this weekend. Yes, I am heading to Albion this weekend for Homecoming. It's not just the homecoming festivities, however, that are bringing me back to my alma mater. On Friday night, I'm going to be hosting an improvisation workshop at Albion. I couldn't be more excited! I've got a full slate of things to take them through, and I hope it's enough for them to understand it. Worse comes to worse, I can say that I'll be willing to stick around for another hour for anyone who wants to stay... and we'll see if I did my "job" (i.e. if anyone's interested).
In other exciting news, I'll soon be getting my first AD credit for my yet unnamed Level 5 show. We decided who got what last night, and I might even help Adam with the Stage Managing. But I'm way excited to be Assistant Directing! It's the kind of anal-retentive subordinate work that I was born to do! *sigh* oh, it's true.
We had our first rehearsal last night to cast each scene. I continue to be surprised/amazed by how good our cast could potentially be. I think the show will be great and one of the actors, Jill, has a great, infectious laugh ("I think I caught a laugh!") and she seems to really be into the humor of the show. I think rehearsals should be fun.
Speaking of fun, I went to Adam's again last night for some more X-Men Legends. We continue to be entertained by the breaking of walls to reveal more wall. That was truly genius in the game design. In addition, when two of your characters work together in an attack, the game screams "COMBO!" It sounds just like you might think it would sound if, say, the South Park dudes were yelling 'combo.' That shit is hilarious, B!
Monday, October 18, 2004
I [heart] philosophy: Huckabees' Blanket vs. God
One of the most interesting mental exercises from I [heart] huckabees is the blanket theory. In brief, Dustin Hoffman's character holds up a blanket saying that the blanket represents the entire universe and every particle in that universe. He then holds up a hand under the blanket and says it represents "you", another hand represents "me", still other spot represents the Eiffel Tower, a rock, trees, a car, and so on. The point: everything in the universe is different, but the same. Everything in connected. If you're nerdy, does this argument sound like something? Yeah, the movie even makes a joke about 'the force,' as a French existentialist in the movie talks about how this connection makes one strong (it sounds like the French word for strong, "fort"). Okay, so Star Wars has some very existential philosophy in it... so we should all understand how this blanket theory works. So, as I was walking to a movie Sunday afternoon, I was thinking about this theory and the blanket and what I thought about it. Here's the problem I have with it: God. Let's try to wrap our mind around this, shall we? When asked, in the movie, what lies outside of the blanket, Hoffman's character says "more blanket"... and they agree to understand the blanket as 'everything that could possibly exist.' Now think of this... does it logically follow that for the blanket to exist, the blanket must have been made by someone/something? We understand this creator to be God. But if their is nothing outside the blanket, then God must exist within the blanket. And, if God exists within the blanket, then God must be the 'connected' or 'the same' as everything else in the blanket. This goes against everything that we know about what/who we call God. God is supposed to be a perfect entity... and not flawed like we are. I feel like this is where existentialism gets muddy. Let's list some possibilities: God exists and is the perfect combination of matter in the universe, which means God exists in a solid form somewhere within the universe; The blanket was not created, it has just always has been... There is no God or creator, there is just a connection between everything in the universe (this might be a possibility for a chemist to mention the finite amount of atomic particles in the universe, etc); we are NOT connected in any way, shape, or form, and the existence of God is irrelevant [I call this theory the "really really positive theory"]; we are all connected, there is a God, and His perfection lies outside the blanket that is our universe... this theory refutes the belief that the universe is all that exists, which is a possibility, given all the dimensions that may very well exist--why must we believe that a universe in the third dimension is all that there is? Well... this is the kind of bullshit that goes through my head when I walk down the street. Awesome, huh? No... no it's not. That's why I like things that numb my mind like football, video games, and violent horror movies. Speaking of movies...
As I was saying, I was thinking about all that loot above while on my way Sunday afternoon to see Team America. It had some great songs and was a pretty funny movie overall. I love that Trey and Matt will let anyone in Hollywood (or the world) have it. I could see how someone might say they go too far, but they balance it. Not even Michael Moore was safe... heehee.
After the movie, even though I was tired, I was somehow persuaded to go over to Adam's. We were just going to sit around and work on writing new scripts--Adam's already looking to put together another show--but we ended up just playing X-Men Legends. It is supposedly an X-Men RPG... although I kind of find that hard to believe. It's more of a hack 'n slash than an RPG... but you do have to level you X-Men up. This is what bothered Adam about the game initially... your favorite X-Men start off pretty weak, and they can't do everything that they should be able to do (for example, you have to level up to fly for some characters). Once the characters are leveled up, it might be a pretty fun game. But one of those games that is fun only if you're playing with someone else... like Brute Force. Yeah... I wasn't going to play long, but I got to Adam's a little after 4 PM... we ordered pizza, we watched Star Trek: Nemesis on one of their other TVs (they've got three), and then watched Adult Swim not once, but twice... and I ended up leaving around 3 in the morning. We were playing that stupid game for about 11 hours. It probably would've been shorter, but they have save points only sporadically. And it IS the only game to truly show me the joy of destroying a wall only to find another wall behind it. Double walls are the future, people... trust me.
One of the most interesting mental exercises from I [heart] huckabees is the blanket theory. In brief, Dustin Hoffman's character holds up a blanket saying that the blanket represents the entire universe and every particle in that universe. He then holds up a hand under the blanket and says it represents "you", another hand represents "me", still other spot represents the Eiffel Tower, a rock, trees, a car, and so on. The point: everything in the universe is different, but the same. Everything in connected. If you're nerdy, does this argument sound like something? Yeah, the movie even makes a joke about 'the force,' as a French existentialist in the movie talks about how this connection makes one strong (it sounds like the French word for strong, "fort"). Okay, so Star Wars has some very existential philosophy in it... so we should all understand how this blanket theory works. So, as I was walking to a movie Sunday afternoon, I was thinking about this theory and the blanket and what I thought about it. Here's the problem I have with it: God. Let's try to wrap our mind around this, shall we? When asked, in the movie, what lies outside of the blanket, Hoffman's character says "more blanket"... and they agree to understand the blanket as 'everything that could possibly exist.' Now think of this... does it logically follow that for the blanket to exist, the blanket must have been made by someone/something? We understand this creator to be God. But if their is nothing outside the blanket, then God must exist within the blanket. And, if God exists within the blanket, then God must be the 'connected' or 'the same' as everything else in the blanket. This goes against everything that we know about what/who we call God. God is supposed to be a perfect entity... and not flawed like we are. I feel like this is where existentialism gets muddy. Let's list some possibilities: God exists and is the perfect combination of matter in the universe, which means God exists in a solid form somewhere within the universe; The blanket was not created, it has just always has been... There is no God or creator, there is just a connection between everything in the universe (this might be a possibility for a chemist to mention the finite amount of atomic particles in the universe, etc); we are NOT connected in any way, shape, or form, and the existence of God is irrelevant [I call this theory the "really really positive theory"]; we are all connected, there is a God, and His perfection lies outside the blanket that is our universe... this theory refutes the belief that the universe is all that exists, which is a possibility, given all the dimensions that may very well exist--why must we believe that a universe in the third dimension is all that there is? Well... this is the kind of bullshit that goes through my head when I walk down the street. Awesome, huh? No... no it's not. That's why I like things that numb my mind like football, video games, and violent horror movies. Speaking of movies...
As I was saying, I was thinking about all that loot above while on my way Sunday afternoon to see Team America. It had some great songs and was a pretty funny movie overall. I love that Trey and Matt will let anyone in Hollywood (or the world) have it. I could see how someone might say they go too far, but they balance it. Not even Michael Moore was safe... heehee.
After the movie, even though I was tired, I was somehow persuaded to go over to Adam's. We were just going to sit around and work on writing new scripts--Adam's already looking to put together another show--but we ended up just playing X-Men Legends. It is supposedly an X-Men RPG... although I kind of find that hard to believe. It's more of a hack 'n slash than an RPG... but you do have to level you X-Men up. This is what bothered Adam about the game initially... your favorite X-Men start off pretty weak, and they can't do everything that they should be able to do (for example, you have to level up to fly for some characters). Once the characters are leveled up, it might be a pretty fun game. But one of those games that is fun only if you're playing with someone else... like Brute Force. Yeah... I wasn't going to play long, but I got to Adam's a little after 4 PM... we ordered pizza, we watched Star Trek: Nemesis on one of their other TVs (they've got three), and then watched Adult Swim not once, but twice... and I ended up leaving around 3 in the morning. We were playing that stupid game for about 11 hours. It probably would've been shorter, but they have save points only sporadically. And it IS the only game to truly show me the joy of destroying a wall only to find another wall behind it. Double walls are the future, people... trust me.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Somebody tried to pull my intestines out through my mouth OR My experience at a Packers' Monday Night Football game
I don't even know how to begin. I saw the most points given up by the Packers in Lambeau Field ever. EVER. We're talking since 1957, or roughly 48 years of football... and the Packers have never given up that many points. Let's see if I can at least start by giving the world the reasons why we suck so badly.
Players gone (injured or otherwise) that are more important than you know: Mike Flanagan... the Packers' center who is now injured for the season. This is HUGE... as the Packers O line is one of the best in the league, if everyone is healthy. Now they're not... and it was evident against the Titans, as the Packers couldn't run worth poop; Mike McKenzie... I know he wanted more money and blah blah blah. But, let's face it, the Packers' cornerbacks now (Harris, Hawthorne) aren't very good. Our whole defensive backfield is worse now that McKenzie's gone. What a bastard he is, to want more money; Ed Donatell... our former defensive coordinator got all the blame for the 4th and 26 play against the Eagles. Donatell is good, and he's proving it again in Atlanta. Our new defensive coordinator is technically/literally an idiot; Grady Jackson/James Lee... both of these nose tackles are injured. If your defensive line starts from the inside out (like most good defensive lines), having your starter and your back-up injured is huge. Cullen Jenkins (rookie, CMU) has played pretty well... but he IS a third stringer for a reason. *shakes head*
Players that are better than you think: Ahman Green, still doesn't get enough credit... can run and catch as good or better than any other back in the league; The Offensive Line (in general as a unit) is on par with Kansas City or even better, making them, perhaps, the best unit in the league; Craig Nall, I'm telling you... this kid is good; Nick Barnett, speaking of good kids, this guy has the opportunity to be something special. Unfortunately, if the defensive coordinator sucks there's not much you can do.
Players that aren't as good you think: Javon Walker, Robert Ferguson, Donald Driver... Favre makes those guys better. Walker is probably the only of the three who could start for another team, but he's not so bright; Bubba Franks... for years I called him the most useless player in the NFL. Then he started catching passes, lots of passes. Now, he's gone back to only catching the ball if we're a yard away from the endzone; Darren Sharper... yes he's a pro bowler. But he does it on pure athletic ability. He is NOT smart, and is always looking to make a huge athletic play rather than a smart play.
Players I want gone: SS Bhawoh Jue, can't do anything; P B.J. Sander, a wasted pick... the guy's got mental problems that stop him from performing on the field... he should retire as a rookie; KR/PR Antonio Chatman, he's terrible; DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, can only rush the passer... doesn't stop the run... should only supplement a better defensive end on third downs; C Gary Ruegamer, replacing Flanagan and he's terrible; CB Michael Hawthorne, I am not impressed; QB Doug Pederson, quite literally the most useless player in the NFL for the past 12 years; TE Bubba Franks, we might be able to get something for him while teams still think he's actually good... let's get a draft pick for him.
I want whole-sale changes! What am I talking about? *deep breath* I want Mike Sherman gone... both the coach and the GM. I want all his coordinators gone. I think Favre should retire. Yeah... I said it. I'm more worried about Favre the person than I am Favre the player. I don't want him to get hurt... and I worry about the concussion. And I honestly think it's time to start over, and Favre doesn't want to be around for that. We'll keep the O Line intact... focus the offense on Green... keep our three rising wide receivers... and give the team to Craig Nall. Yep, I said it... give the team to Craig Nall. "But John," you say, "He's nowhere near as good as Favre. You need to draft someone to replace him" Exactly... sort of. No one is going to be as good as Favre. It's going to be an awkward transition regardless. It's like when you break up with someone you've been with for a long time: you always have that transition person, and it never works out. It's not going to work with anyone, might as well hand the ball to Nall, someone who knows the system/players/receivers. Yeah, knowing the system doesn't matter if the coordinators are gone... but you have to assume the new guy would want to transition as smoothly as possible, and would want to use some of the same plays/terminology. Let's give the ball to Nall and see what he can do for a season. No rush to "replace Favre" in the draft... because that's not going to happen. Let's just do something. (BTW yeah, it would be great to trade to get Drew Brees... but I'd also take the Lions' Mike McMahon, the Patriots' Rohan Davey [maybe], the Niners' Ken Dorsey, or the Bengals' Jon Kitna. All these QBs most likely won't get a chance to start with their current team, and would be able to start on the Packers. I don't expect them to be great... but all they need to do is be good long enough for us to draft someone who is. Can I take Kitna? Please?)
I don't even know how to begin. I saw the most points given up by the Packers in Lambeau Field ever. EVER. We're talking since 1957, or roughly 48 years of football... and the Packers have never given up that many points. Let's see if I can at least start by giving the world the reasons why we suck so badly.
Players gone (injured or otherwise) that are more important than you know: Mike Flanagan... the Packers' center who is now injured for the season. This is HUGE... as the Packers O line is one of the best in the league, if everyone is healthy. Now they're not... and it was evident against the Titans, as the Packers couldn't run worth poop; Mike McKenzie... I know he wanted more money and blah blah blah. But, let's face it, the Packers' cornerbacks now (Harris, Hawthorne) aren't very good. Our whole defensive backfield is worse now that McKenzie's gone. What a bastard he is, to want more money; Ed Donatell... our former defensive coordinator got all the blame for the 4th and 26 play against the Eagles. Donatell is good, and he's proving it again in Atlanta. Our new defensive coordinator is technically/literally an idiot; Grady Jackson/James Lee... both of these nose tackles are injured. If your defensive line starts from the inside out (like most good defensive lines), having your starter and your back-up injured is huge. Cullen Jenkins (rookie, CMU) has played pretty well... but he IS a third stringer for a reason. *shakes head*
Players that are better than you think: Ahman Green, still doesn't get enough credit... can run and catch as good or better than any other back in the league; The Offensive Line (in general as a unit) is on par with Kansas City or even better, making them, perhaps, the best unit in the league; Craig Nall, I'm telling you... this kid is good; Nick Barnett, speaking of good kids, this guy has the opportunity to be something special. Unfortunately, if the defensive coordinator sucks there's not much you can do.
Players that aren't as good you think: Javon Walker, Robert Ferguson, Donald Driver... Favre makes those guys better. Walker is probably the only of the three who could start for another team, but he's not so bright; Bubba Franks... for years I called him the most useless player in the NFL. Then he started catching passes, lots of passes. Now, he's gone back to only catching the ball if we're a yard away from the endzone; Darren Sharper... yes he's a pro bowler. But he does it on pure athletic ability. He is NOT smart, and is always looking to make a huge athletic play rather than a smart play.
Players I want gone: SS Bhawoh Jue, can't do anything; P B.J. Sander, a wasted pick... the guy's got mental problems that stop him from performing on the field... he should retire as a rookie; KR/PR Antonio Chatman, he's terrible; DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, can only rush the passer... doesn't stop the run... should only supplement a better defensive end on third downs; C Gary Ruegamer, replacing Flanagan and he's terrible; CB Michael Hawthorne, I am not impressed; QB Doug Pederson, quite literally the most useless player in the NFL for the past 12 years; TE Bubba Franks, we might be able to get something for him while teams still think he's actually good... let's get a draft pick for him.
I want whole-sale changes! What am I talking about? *deep breath* I want Mike Sherman gone... both the coach and the GM. I want all his coordinators gone. I think Favre should retire. Yeah... I said it. I'm more worried about Favre the person than I am Favre the player. I don't want him to get hurt... and I worry about the concussion. And I honestly think it's time to start over, and Favre doesn't want to be around for that. We'll keep the O Line intact... focus the offense on Green... keep our three rising wide receivers... and give the team to Craig Nall. Yep, I said it... give the team to Craig Nall. "But John," you say, "He's nowhere near as good as Favre. You need to draft someone to replace him" Exactly... sort of. No one is going to be as good as Favre. It's going to be an awkward transition regardless. It's like when you break up with someone you've been with for a long time: you always have that transition person, and it never works out. It's not going to work with anyone, might as well hand the ball to Nall, someone who knows the system/players/receivers. Yeah, knowing the system doesn't matter if the coordinators are gone... but you have to assume the new guy would want to transition as smoothly as possible, and would want to use some of the same plays/terminology. Let's give the ball to Nall and see what he can do for a season. No rush to "replace Favre" in the draft... because that's not going to happen. Let's just do something. (BTW yeah, it would be great to trade to get Drew Brees... but I'd also take the Lions' Mike McMahon, the Patriots' Rohan Davey [maybe], the Niners' Ken Dorsey, or the Bengals' Jon Kitna. All these QBs most likely won't get a chance to start with their current team, and would be able to start on the Packers. I don't expect them to be great... but all they need to do is be good long enough for us to draft someone who is. Can I take Kitna? Please?)
Se7en... and being unable to sleep on a Saturday night
Well... I'm back in Chicago. And here it is, 4:45 AM and I can't sleep. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that I just got done watching Se7en (which is how the kids are spelling it). Why watch THAT movie so late at night? Two reasons: 1.) I had my Assistant Director's Cut rehearsal today. There is an alternate ending we're doing to Se7en, and I'm playing John Doe (Kevin Spacey). I consider it an honor to satirize such a fantastic actor... so I'm doing all the homework I can. I promise you that my impression of him, come performance time, will be quite believable (because I will watch that movie a million times if I need to, just to get it right). 2.) I was watching it earlier tonight, but I got a late phone call from K Rose in the Albizzle on the phizzo. We had an interesting... kidding, it was a necessary conversation... and one that took great strides towards a satisfactory resolution. There... that sounds vague enough.
Speaking of vague, I got an email from SS Kenny Hoots while I was gone this week. He gave me some BS advice on how the Packers should do something and not do something else, I don't pay attention when he talks... but he also told me that he talked to this girl he rather fancies. Good for him. Bout time that Air Force gave him testicles. Now... he's still working on me getting mine, but alas, the ladies are so scary! What with their "no"s and their "you're stepping on my foot"s and their "stop looking through my garbage"s... so demanding!
This has nothing to do with anything, but I saw "I [heart] huckabees" tonight with Adam, his roommate Chip, and their friend from Florida, Rhea (although I'm almost 1,000,000% sure that she doesn't spell it that way). Rhea reminds me a lot of Courtney, if Courtney was Korean and German (don't ask me how that works, but that's what happened). Anyway, the movie was all about existentialism... and I really really enjoyed it. There were a few "hmm" parts... the philosophy wasn't beyond me, and the story itself was interesting enough to keep non-philosophers (read: idiots) entertained. It's a good movie, and I think I'm probably going to spend some time in the next few days reading up on existentialism... because it's never too late to learn more!
I will also spend some time in the next few days organizing my apartment. I'm getting a new futon! I'm not replacing the old one, I'm just somehow squeezing them both into my apartment. Don't ask me how it's supposed to work--just know that it's supposed to work. And it will mean that I'll not only have more space to have guests over; I'll have more room to have guests STAY overnight. Which means, if my group of fellow actors/writers gets an hour on the Skybox stage for sometime early next year... I'm going to want a car-full--not just one person, but an entire car full--of Albion students. This means YOU Bohne! I don't care who you're getting married to, until you've got a ring on that finger, you're mine!
Well... I'm back in Chicago. And here it is, 4:45 AM and I can't sleep. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that I just got done watching Se7en (which is how the kids are spelling it). Why watch THAT movie so late at night? Two reasons: 1.) I had my Assistant Director's Cut rehearsal today. There is an alternate ending we're doing to Se7en, and I'm playing John Doe (Kevin Spacey). I consider it an honor to satirize such a fantastic actor... so I'm doing all the homework I can. I promise you that my impression of him, come performance time, will be quite believable (because I will watch that movie a million times if I need to, just to get it right). 2.) I was watching it earlier tonight, but I got a late phone call from K Rose in the Albizzle on the phizzo. We had an interesting... kidding, it was a necessary conversation... and one that took great strides towards a satisfactory resolution. There... that sounds vague enough.
Speaking of vague, I got an email from SS Kenny Hoots while I was gone this week. He gave me some BS advice on how the Packers should do something and not do something else, I don't pay attention when he talks... but he also told me that he talked to this girl he rather fancies. Good for him. Bout time that Air Force gave him testicles. Now... he's still working on me getting mine, but alas, the ladies are so scary! What with their "no"s and their "you're stepping on my foot"s and their "stop looking through my garbage"s... so demanding!
This has nothing to do with anything, but I saw "I [heart] huckabees" tonight with Adam, his roommate Chip, and their friend from Florida, Rhea (although I'm almost 1,000,000% sure that she doesn't spell it that way). Rhea reminds me a lot of Courtney, if Courtney was Korean and German (don't ask me how that works, but that's what happened). Anyway, the movie was all about existentialism... and I really really enjoyed it. There were a few "hmm" parts... the philosophy wasn't beyond me, and the story itself was interesting enough to keep non-philosophers (read: idiots) entertained. It's a good movie, and I think I'm probably going to spend some time in the next few days reading up on existentialism... because it's never too late to learn more!
I will also spend some time in the next few days organizing my apartment. I'm getting a new futon! I'm not replacing the old one, I'm just somehow squeezing them both into my apartment. Don't ask me how it's supposed to work--just know that it's supposed to work. And it will mean that I'll not only have more space to have guests over; I'll have more room to have guests STAY overnight. Which means, if my group of fellow actors/writers gets an hour on the Skybox stage for sometime early next year... I'm going to want a car-full--not just one person, but an entire car full--of Albion students. This means YOU Bohne! I don't care who you're getting married to, until you've got a ring on that finger, you're mine!
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
My hotel's got internet access, and I decided to bring my computer with me. Moron the Packers game in a moment, but first:
You're Joel! You're incredibly complex, and you
spend a lot of time looking for that missing
piece in your life. Hate to be a downer, but
you might never find it.
Which Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
You're Joel! You're incredibly complex, and you
spend a lot of time looking for that missing
piece in your life. Hate to be a downer, but
you might never find it.
Which Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Monday, October 11, 2004
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