Friday, October 26, 2001

Here's proof that all the concise domain names have been taken. memepool pointed me toward wemadeoutinatreeandthisoldguysatandwatchedus.com. The memepool blurb identified the site as a repository for deliciously horrendous manglings of the English language.

I was just going to poke around for a minute or two to laugh at the under-literate yokels and teens I was sure provided most of the fodder for their site. Then I was struck by a horrible thought: what if some of my writing was on there? I like to think of myself as a pretty decent writer, but I've got the usual doubts about my abilities. So I dug into the site, determined to make sure I wasn't being held up for ridicule. After half an hour or so of serious searching, I'm pretty sure I'm safe. For now.

Paranoid? Me? No. Why, what have you heard?
11:55 PM  < To return to this entry, save this link

Wednesday, October 24, 2001

Janeane Garofalo (the woman with the most radiant smile in showbiz) and I share something in common: a strong, unreasoning affection for Craig Kilborn. "Craiggers" first came to my attention as the original host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, and he's been sitting in the big chair on CBS' The Late, Late Show for a couple of years now.

Like Ms. Garofolo, I know I should hate "Kilby." I should despise him for the frathouse smarminess, the Maxim sensibility, the juvenile nicknames. Taken at face value, he's exactly the kind of person I would normally hold in contempt.

Yet I don't hate him. I've tried to, but there's something about him that transcends what would be grievous flaws in just about anyone else. I was sorry to see him leave The Daily Show (although I am most pleased with his replacement, Jon Stewart), and was thrilled to see him get the slot after Letterman. Despite the late hour, I catch his show once or twice a week, and may start TiVo-ing it for viewing during my post-dinner, pre-primetime viewing block.

I can't put my finger on why I find the guy appealing. Could it be I've got an inner party guy I've never let express himself that responds to Kilborn's free-wheeling persona? (Very likely.) Is it all just a perfectly honed act that I see through and appreciate for its comic genius? (Doubtful, but not impossible.) Am I gay? (Nope.)

Maybe I'll get a chance to meet Janeane one of these days. Comparing notes on the subject could be an inroad to a great, and potentially enlightening, conversation.
6:09 PM  < To return to this entry, save this link

There's a new wing on the HoC Gallery today. I've uploaded several pics from my recently completed run in The Fantasicks. Please enjoy them, won't you?
5:13 PM  < To return to this entry, save this link

I'm settling back into my regular patterns again after over a week in Chicago working my company's biennial convention. As a native, it was good to be back home after a few years away.

Our boss encouraged us to have a well-rounded experience while we were there, and I did just that. There was plenty of fun to be had. The view of the city skyline from my hotel window was spectacular, probably the best I've ever personally had. Many good restaurants were patronized; I particularly recommend Marché to anyone in the mood for fresh, innovative French fare served in a truly eclectic setting by a funky, knowledgeable and extremely competent staff. I even had fun working the show itself, which seems odd when you consider I had to be up before six each morning for twelve hours on my feet. The camaraderie of good co-workers can do that.

Most importantly, I got to spend a couple of evenings with close friends at the beginning and end of my week there, bookending the experience in a very warm and gratifying way. Beer and pizza the first night, excellent sushi the last, laughs a-plenty both times.

I know now that I've been far too long away from my beloved city. As soon as I can finagle it, I must visit there again and really get to know the place. I left when I was twelve, and other than one glorious summer during college I haven't had nearly as much time there as I would like. From the glimpse I got this week, I'm convinced Chicago will be even more magical and soul-stirring to me as an adult than it was when it first entranced me as a child.
10:36 AM  < To return to this entry, save this link