30 years late, I
was Robert McNamara'd
into submission
was Robert McNamara'd
into submission
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Thanks, Mighty Tom
Well, a long-awaited visit by a close friend is over and the traditional NSE (Non-Stop Excitement), mixed with the newer MDI (Moments of Domestic Inevitability) has subsided, leaving me back in the constant roil of everyday business and routine.
I could do the usual recap, which would include specific details of our adventures and misadventures, but I will simply provide you with this shot, which pretty much sums up a particular shared joy of our time together. Tom was in the mood for Wheat Beer, and I was in the mood for Volume, so it really seemed like the things to do. At the point this picture was taken, we were probably about a gallon or so into the endeavor, so you must excuse the expressions on our faces.
I could do the usual recap, which would include specific details of our adventures and misadventures, but I will simply provide you with this shot, which pretty much sums up a particular shared joy of our time together. Tom was in the mood for Wheat Beer, and I was in the mood for Volume, so it really seemed like the things to do. At the point this picture was taken, we were probably about a gallon or so into the endeavor, so you must excuse the expressions on our faces.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Let's Not Forget Loo
Everyone always wants to know, "How's the baby?" At times, it almost seems forgotten that we have an amazing 3-year old in the house with fancy that is captured by everything under the sun and with a spark in her that burns brighter than the sun. She is a neverending source of joy, merriment, and wonder and I love her with everything I've got. So let's all not forget Loo.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Haiku Movie Review: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Something familiar
Total Recall sans guns, or
Star Trek: TNG
Total Recall sans guns, or
Star Trek: TNG
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
I Can't Help Myself
I just keep acting.Actually, the truth is that we were trying to cast someone a little older, a little rougher around the edges (appearance-wise, anyway), for the part of Garcin in Sartre's 'No Exit.' Unfortunately, a few people we reached out to didn't pan out; and, in the whirlwind world of once-a-month Reader's Theatre productions, we just ran out of time. And so, for young Dan of Waterloo, opportunity knocked.
I really did try to find other people to fill the role, and I really did intend to slow down a bit and let the world catch up to me. But I'd be lying if I said the opportunity to really stretch myself into a role in which not only didn't I see myself, but I wasn't even sure how to approach. Now, I'm gaining confidence by the readthrough, and having a blast.
Of course, I'm doing this in and amidst also producing the show, and making preparations for an upcoming guitar/vocal stint this Saturday for friend & music teacher Krista (performing dual role of Lennon & McCartney, accompanying a number of her students in a "favorite Beatle song" recital).
In any event, I hit the stage again next Friday.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Cat Update
So, this is nuts. They brought Saraki back in on Friday, rolling her over onto her other side so she could inflate that one lung. I thought she had a collapsed lung as a serious medical condition. I guess if a cat is laying just right, their lungs can just simply "collapse." Part of the whole twisty, bendy, malleable physiology that is one of earth's odder creatures. Well - and this is the part that's nuts (and also another odd characteristic of feline physiology) - whatever the black mass was that they saw; it's now pretty much cleared up.
The explanation? "Cats can do that." They can, apparently, alternately hide and fake the most serious medical issues. So, we've got her back on an additional, second, medication; one that she'd been on shortly after she was diagnosed with a heart condition about a year ago, and her breathing is down to about 20/minute, which is well within normal parameters. Is it still possible that there's something very, very wrong that's still going on and that it's going to rear its head in the next few weeks? The only ways to find out more conclusively what's going on in her body are C.A.T. Scan (for which cats get no discount - I checked), or ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy. And, at this point, that's not somewhere (financially, or in terms of what our 7 pound, three-legged cat with a heart condition can handle) even the Hyltons are willing to go.
She seems happy & companionable and we're going to continue to enjoy her company for as long as we can.
The explanation? "Cats can do that." They can, apparently, alternately hide and fake the most serious medical issues. So, we've got her back on an additional, second, medication; one that she'd been on shortly after she was diagnosed with a heart condition about a year ago, and her breathing is down to about 20/minute, which is well within normal parameters. Is it still possible that there's something very, very wrong that's still going on and that it's going to rear its head in the next few weeks? The only ways to find out more conclusively what's going on in her body are C.A.T. Scan (for which cats get no discount - I checked), or ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy. And, at this point, that's not somewhere (financially, or in terms of what our 7 pound, three-legged cat with a heart condition can handle) even the Hyltons are willing to go.
She seems happy & companionable and we're going to continue to enjoy her company for as long as we can.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Ah, Netflix!
For some reason, I found this extremely funny:
Daniel, the following movies were chosen based on your interest in:
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One
The Queen
Daniel, the following movies were chosen based on your interest in:
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One
The Queen
Thursday, February 22, 2007
It's Worse Than That (of course)
Labored breathing not entirely due to heart failure, but in fact due to a collapsed lung. Why a collapsed lung? The x-ray looks as though she may have cancer ravaging it. However, x-rays on collapsed lungs are tough to read. They're bringing her back in today to inflate her lung and have the radiologist take another look. All signs point towards cancer except for the fact that it the black mass seems to be limited to one side of her body. Small chance it's not cancer, but a black mass of anything that looks like it's ravaging your lung can't be a good thing.
Good God (bad God?). Bad news is bad enough, of course. But why must we always be dealing with inconclusive evidence of any of a number awful inevitibilities? Add to the burden of grief more tests, more negative results, more debt.
Good God (bad God?). Bad news is bad enough, of course. But why must we always be dealing with inconclusive evidence of any of a number awful inevitibilities? Add to the burden of grief more tests, more negative results, more debt.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Here We Go...
So, our budget for the next year (and beyond) was based on a "no disaster" principle. A bit of a stretch, since we've not really had a year free of financial catasrophe yet in our marriage, but it was really the only way to make the numbers add up.
Well, we're now three weeks or so in since Sharon's official resignation, and God has decided it's a good time for a curve-ball. Or, perhaps, a hit-by-pitch.
Yesterday, Sharon called to tell me that our washer is done. A 1969 model, we knew we were living on borrowed time. But why now? The same year our dryer goes down and, of course, we incur expenses ranging from asbestos removal to new furnace a/c & ductwork, new electricity, tree removal, and new toilet? *Sigh* So, that will not "add up," except in that it adds to our overall debt.
Then...last night...we discovered that our cat's breathing rate was extremely elevated (40-60 breaths per minute); a condition from which she was suffering last spring after the whole leg removal, when she developed her heart condition. Most likely, she has fluid in her heart. This morning, she was taken to the vet and she is probably in an oxygen tent, as I type. I think it is remediable; but of course, at a price. A price we will most likely be willing to pay.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: when it rains it pours.
And I've also said this before, and I'll say it again: I'm the opposite of most every famous person you see on Barbara Walters. Everything in my life is wonderful, except finances.
Well, we're now three weeks or so in since Sharon's official resignation, and God has decided it's a good time for a curve-ball. Or, perhaps, a hit-by-pitch.
Yesterday, Sharon called to tell me that our washer is done. A 1969 model, we knew we were living on borrowed time. But why now? The same year our dryer goes down and, of course, we incur expenses ranging from asbestos removal to new furnace a/c & ductwork, new electricity, tree removal, and new toilet? *Sigh* So, that will not "add up," except in that it adds to our overall debt.
Then...last night...we discovered that our cat's breathing rate was extremely elevated (40-60 breaths per minute); a condition from which she was suffering last spring after the whole leg removal, when she developed her heart condition. Most likely, she has fluid in her heart. This morning, she was taken to the vet and she is probably in an oxygen tent, as I type. I think it is remediable; but of course, at a price. A price we will most likely be willing to pay.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: when it rains it pours.
And I've also said this before, and I'll say it again: I'm the opposite of most every famous person you see on Barbara Walters. Everything in my life is wonderful, except finances.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Haiku Movie Review: Match Point
this film is designed
to win points just because the
people are British
to win points just because the
people are British
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Grandpa Returns the Favor
Thanks to a belated birthday celebration at my inlaws, and a trip to the Blue Max.Four of these beers, I've actually had before. I'm looking forward to them all; in particular, the Arcadia Ale London Porter.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day
It doesn't get any better than that (except for Rose, who looks as though she may have seen better times).Sunday, February 11, 2007
Ruminations After the Big Night
Just a quick mention that the show went very well.
Right from the get-go, it was obvious that the audience was really into the performance. Indeed, an added element was the need to hold for laughter following a few exchanges that, prior to the live show, we would not have even guessed would have elicited a response. Having the sense that the audience is fairly rapt is a good way to spur one on to a more confident delivery and performance, and I definitely felt good about how things came together, through the whole show and on to the end.
Very rewarding, very satisfying, and very fun.
Right from the get-go, it was obvious that the audience was really into the performance. Indeed, an added element was the need to hold for laughter following a few exchanges that, prior to the live show, we would not have even guessed would have elicited a response. Having the sense that the audience is fairly rapt is a good way to spur one on to a more confident delivery and performance, and I definitely felt good about how things came together, through the whole show and on to the end.
Very rewarding, very satisfying, and very fun.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Ruminations on the Eve of the Big Night
Tomorrow at 7:30 pm is the big show. "Big show" is entirely relative, of course, but it certainly seems to apply when you're directly involved. In the last few days I have begun to realize that it is probably the biggest part I've ever had in my dozens of plays; I've had a "lead" here and there, but never a role in which I've been onstage for an hour and a half in a play with a cast of two.
It's great fun. As I mentioned in a post a week or so ago, I could be considered to be a bit outside my comfort zone. To me, comedy acting has always seemed a pretty simple process of bringing an audience along by dropping in cultural signposts. Except in its most sophisticated form, I don't think comedy acting requires an audience to suspect their belief and "believe" in much of anything. Sure, they buy in to the theatre concept, but they're generally just happy enjoying one moment of mirth and preparing for the next. If, at the end of the night, something more powerful or transformative has occurred, so much the better. Provided the concept and writing is solid, and provided the actor has been born with a sense of comedy timing, the actual execution is relatively easy. Relatively. It still takes concentration and it still takes energy, but I'm talking relative to dramatic acting.
Of course, this is just all from my perspective, but dramatic acting requires so much of you. It was suggested last night after our dress rehearsal that I was, perhaps, a "method actor," which (to grossly oversimplify) is someone who subscribes to that philosophy of "becoming the character." I think I must be, because frankly, I don't see any other way to go about it. In fact, it seems only fair, in light of the fact that if you're acting in a dramatic role, you're more or less asking your audience to be "method." You want them to suspend belief, to believe for a few hours that you are someone other than yourself. And I think the concentration level of the audience is so much higher during a dramatic performance. They're not just watching for those signposts. They're trying to relate. Not in the overall situation facing the character(s), but in how the characters relate to what's going on around them. Not everyone can act, but everyone knows what real people act like, and they can smell someone being "out of character" from a mile away. And so, as a method actor you "become" your character. It's not just delivery of lines. It's how you hold your hands, how you breathe when frustrated, the direction your eyes wander when you're lost in thought, how tightly or loosely you clench your jaw. And it's not a simple, one-time transformation. Putting aside how you react to the world around you and all your own thoughts and concerns, you must grow; line by line and scene by scene, as your character grows. It's not a single thread, but a stem that continually branches out, with every new scene and line carrying the weight and influence of all that has come before.
Of course, in spite of this entire transformation, you need to remain somehow aware that there is an audience that needs to be able to see you, hear you, and understand your enunciation. There's no break (well, intermission, if there is one). You're "on" for an hour and a half (in tomorrow night's case). It takes an enormous amount of concentration and energy. And it takes a hell of a lot out of you. Out of me, at least. Maybe there's natural "dramatic actors" to whom this comes easily. They pain & strain over comedy and I'm fighting against the current in their world.
Anyway, that's all for now. More to report after the show, I'm sure.
It's great fun. As I mentioned in a post a week or so ago, I could be considered to be a bit outside my comfort zone. To me, comedy acting has always seemed a pretty simple process of bringing an audience along by dropping in cultural signposts. Except in its most sophisticated form, I don't think comedy acting requires an audience to suspect their belief and "believe" in much of anything. Sure, they buy in to the theatre concept, but they're generally just happy enjoying one moment of mirth and preparing for the next. If, at the end of the night, something more powerful or transformative has occurred, so much the better. Provided the concept and writing is solid, and provided the actor has been born with a sense of comedy timing, the actual execution is relatively easy. Relatively. It still takes concentration and it still takes energy, but I'm talking relative to dramatic acting.
Of course, this is just all from my perspective, but dramatic acting requires so much of you. It was suggested last night after our dress rehearsal that I was, perhaps, a "method actor," which (to grossly oversimplify) is someone who subscribes to that philosophy of "becoming the character." I think I must be, because frankly, I don't see any other way to go about it. In fact, it seems only fair, in light of the fact that if you're acting in a dramatic role, you're more or less asking your audience to be "method." You want them to suspend belief, to believe for a few hours that you are someone other than yourself. And I think the concentration level of the audience is so much higher during a dramatic performance. They're not just watching for those signposts. They're trying to relate. Not in the overall situation facing the character(s), but in how the characters relate to what's going on around them. Not everyone can act, but everyone knows what real people act like, and they can smell someone being "out of character" from a mile away. And so, as a method actor you "become" your character. It's not just delivery of lines. It's how you hold your hands, how you breathe when frustrated, the direction your eyes wander when you're lost in thought, how tightly or loosely you clench your jaw. And it's not a simple, one-time transformation. Putting aside how you react to the world around you and all your own thoughts and concerns, you must grow; line by line and scene by scene, as your character grows. It's not a single thread, but a stem that continually branches out, with every new scene and line carrying the weight and influence of all that has come before.
Of course, in spite of this entire transformation, you need to remain somehow aware that there is an audience that needs to be able to see you, hear you, and understand your enunciation. There's no break (well, intermission, if there is one). You're "on" for an hour and a half (in tomorrow night's case). It takes an enormous amount of concentration and energy. And it takes a hell of a lot out of you. Out of me, at least. Maybe there's natural "dramatic actors" to whom this comes easily. They pain & strain over comedy and I'm fighting against the current in their world.
Anyway, that's all for now. More to report after the show, I'm sure.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
The Speeds of Light and Sound Remain Constants
But the speed of crap accelerates like a rocket luge on Crisco Mountain.
So reads the first line of Jim Ridley's small review of Epic Movie on page 57 of the January 31, 2007 City Pages. I will never, ever see that movie. I would not have, anyway. But I'm sure glad I was treated to the review. A handful of people will ever read this it, but here's to enabling just a handful more. Of course, there are many more fine and clever writers (a small contingent, even, amongst my small readership), whose various and wonderful witten labors of love will be quickly lost and forgotten.
But here's to any and all writers I know, have known, or will never konw; who care enough about the craft of wit and words to put their hearts into Wanking Off Into the Void. Your efforts are appreciated.
So reads the first line of Jim Ridley's small review of Epic Movie on page 57 of the January 31, 2007 City Pages. I will never, ever see that movie. I would not have, anyway. But I'm sure glad I was treated to the review. A handful of people will ever read this it, but here's to enabling just a handful more. Of course, there are many more fine and clever writers (a small contingent, even, amongst my small readership), whose various and wonderful witten labors of love will be quickly lost and forgotten.
But here's to any and all writers I know, have known, or will never konw; who care enough about the craft of wit and words to put their hearts into Wanking Off Into the Void. Your efforts are appreciated.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Day 6 of the "Transition to Earthlink
Sander' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?
Dan: Hello-so, I'm having a crazy issue here. I signed up with a live chat representative for cable modem service just a few days ago. I was previously a Comcast customer, but was trying to take advantage of Earthlink powered by Comcast, in order to not have my rates go up $15/month. My account got set up and everything, but I was unable to reach anyone in customer service that was able to get my Comcast service stopped and my Earthlink service started. SO...finally, I reached someone that told me (after I got my account set up, sent out emails to all my contacts about the address change & everything) that Earthlink is, in fact, no longer available in my area (Minneapolis, MN), but that a lot of the national sales reps didn't know it yet. Before I go sent another email out to everyone I know and give up on this, can you confirm or deny for me that Earthlink is, indeed, no longer an available option?
Sander: Hello, I’ll be glad to assist you in resolving the issue.
Dan: Wonderful.
Sander: Please stay on hold while I read your message.
Sander: Thank you for staying on hold.
Dan: Yup.
Sander: I understand that you are unable to connect using cable modem.
Dan: Wrong. I AM connected, using my Comcast cable modem.
Sander: Are you with me?
Dan: Yup.
Sander: Do you have the billing issues with comcast?
Dan: No no no. I signed up for Earthlink, and am now told that Earthlink is not available in my area.
Sander: To best assist you, you need to speak with a BroadBand Customer Service Representative. Please standby while I transfer you.
Davin S' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?
Dan: Can you read the discussion with the Earthlink rep that led to me getting transferred here?
Saul B' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?
Dan: ? Hi, Can you read the discussion with the Earthlink rep that led to me getting transferred here?
Saul B: Yes, I can read.
Dan: ? ? OK..so I'll await your response...
Dan: I wasn't clear from your "Yes, I can read" response that you understood my question-just making sure you're still there.
Dan: I had a big long discussion with the first rep I chatted with that led to me getting tossed back into "the queue." Do you wish for me to re-post my original question?
Saul B: No, one moment.
Saul B: I see we are not charging you anything it is the cable company that is charging.
Saul B: We will not also not charge
Dan: What about my Earthlink account? Is that esstentially just a free Webmail account?
Saul B: Yes, it is a free webmail account.
Dan: I see. Then I need to call Comcast and give them hell. Thanks.
Saul B: I am sorry but I did not get you.
Dan: Comcast bought up Earthlink in my area. I was told by an Earthlink rep I would be able to sign up for Earthlink powered by Comcast and get a cheaper rate than I would with regular Comcast. Apparently, that is not the case, as Comcast shut down Earthlink's cable internet capability. And caused me an unbelievable amount of hassle in the meantime.
Saul B: I see the account is fine, have you not tried to login.
Dan: No NO, nevermind! I think I'm done for today. Thanks.
Dan: Hello-so, I'm having a crazy issue here. I signed up with a live chat representative for cable modem service just a few days ago. I was previously a Comcast customer, but was trying to take advantage of Earthlink powered by Comcast, in order to not have my rates go up $15/month. My account got set up and everything, but I was unable to reach anyone in customer service that was able to get my Comcast service stopped and my Earthlink service started. SO...finally, I reached someone that told me (after I got my account set up, sent out emails to all my contacts about the address change & everything) that Earthlink is, in fact, no longer available in my area (Minneapolis, MN), but that a lot of the national sales reps didn't know it yet. Before I go sent another email out to everyone I know and give up on this, can you confirm or deny for me that Earthlink is, indeed, no longer an available option?
Sander: Hello, I’ll be glad to assist you in resolving the issue.
Dan: Wonderful.
Sander: Please stay on hold while I read your message.
Sander: Thank you for staying on hold.
Dan: Yup.
Sander: I understand that you are unable to connect using cable modem.
Dan: Wrong. I AM connected, using my Comcast cable modem.
Sander: Are you with me?
Dan: Yup.
Sander: Do you have the billing issues with comcast?
Dan: No no no. I signed up for Earthlink, and am now told that Earthlink is not available in my area.
Sander: To best assist you, you need to speak with a BroadBand Customer Service Representative. Please standby while I transfer you.
Davin S' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?
Dan: Can you read the discussion with the Earthlink rep that led to me getting transferred here?
Saul B' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?
Dan: ? Hi, Can you read the discussion with the Earthlink rep that led to me getting transferred here?
Saul B: Yes, I can read.
Dan: ? ? OK..so I'll await your response...
Dan: I wasn't clear from your "Yes, I can read" response that you understood my question-just making sure you're still there.
Dan: I had a big long discussion with the first rep I chatted with that led to me getting tossed back into "the queue." Do you wish for me to re-post my original question?
Saul B: No, one moment.
Saul B: I see we are not charging you anything it is the cable company that is charging.
Saul B: We will not also not charge
Dan: What about my Earthlink account? Is that esstentially just a free Webmail account?
Saul B: Yes, it is a free webmail account.
Dan: I see. Then I need to call Comcast and give them hell. Thanks.
Saul B: I am sorry but I did not get you.
Dan: Comcast bought up Earthlink in my area. I was told by an Earthlink rep I would be able to sign up for Earthlink powered by Comcast and get a cheaper rate than I would with regular Comcast. Apparently, that is not the case, as Comcast shut down Earthlink's cable internet capability. And caused me an unbelievable amount of hassle in the meantime.
Saul B: I see the account is fine, have you not tried to login.
Dan: No NO, nevermind! I think I'm done for today. Thanks.
Take-Your-Breath-Away Cold
Temps in the Twin Cities ranging from minus 15 to minus 20 degrees this morning.
I don't think we've seen it like this since, like, 1994.
I don't think we've seen it like this since, like, 1994.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Hi, Jeff!
Jeff likes to report back on all the things he learns about me from surreptitiously reading my blog on a regular basis; but he told me that he's too shy to actually post any comments, since everyone who does is on a "nickname" basis. But then I thought "You know, all Jeff needs is a little encouragement."
What do you say, fellas? Can we all chime in and let him know there's nothing to be afraid of? Tell us what's on your mind, Jeff!
What do you say, fellas? Can we all chime in and let him know there's nothing to be afraid of? Tell us what's on your mind, Jeff!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Why We Might Have Turned the Corner as a Society
In at least these few instances...
Where but a few years ago big media conglomerations threatened the end of the independent film, Netflix has ushered in its new golden age.
Ditto big media conglomerations with respect to the independent musical artist. Enter digital music.
Half a decade ago, we thought email was threatening the end of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in the written word. Now, nearly every one of millions of bloggers are suddenly holding their writing to a higher standard.
Of course, there's still war, disease, and poverty. But perhaps this bubble is actually bursting because it got poked by the top of Maslow's Pyramid, and the residual hope for the world has to trickle down the sides.
Where but a few years ago big media conglomerations threatened the end of the independent film, Netflix has ushered in its new golden age.
Ditto big media conglomerations with respect to the independent musical artist. Enter digital music.
Half a decade ago, we thought email was threatening the end of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in the written word. Now, nearly every one of millions of bloggers are suddenly holding their writing to a higher standard.
Of course, there's still war, disease, and poverty. But perhaps this bubble is actually bursting because it got poked by the top of Maslow's Pyramid, and the residual hope for the world has to trickle down the sides.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Jumping In on The Movie Review Haiku
This, being the most recent movie I've seen; and in homage to the Mixdorf sensation that is sweeping the web:
Also, since it's been a recent topic of discussion...
Being John Malkovich
Funniest first half
In my recent memory
Most depressing last
Also, since it's been a recent topic of discussion...
Napoleon Dynamite
Teen misfit goes wild
Laugh yet pity to sweet end
Hmmm...Sixteen Candles?
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