Too much rattling around in my head at the moment to even attempt a coherent entry*, so just a bunch of pot shots.
I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with this show. I can't wait to get home.
A message for politicians of all stripes: Creating jobs is not the same as providing economic opportunity.
S the originator of the Multi-State, Girlie Advising Posse, sent me a link to her blog. I will wait for her permission to link to it, but I am, as always, impressed with her insights into herself and those around her. And since I know she is reading, Christmas won't be the same without you, either.
I go to LA in two weeks. BR, one of the MSGAP lives there, so hopefully we will be able to catch up.
The return of my crypticness** has been noted by some. Hopefully soon that will cease, though there still may be no explanation given here.
How is it that in the almost two thousand years since the writings about Jesus, we still have not grasped the fundamental message. I don't belive in the divinity of Jesus, but I do believe in his ideas. We are responsible for the well being of those we share the world with. Living according to the letter of the law is not the same as leading a moral life. Peace and forgiveness. Self sacrifice for the greater good.
Up until the end of the day yesterday, I was a pretty big ball of negative energy for about four days. My thanks to those who bore the brunt of that, and my apologies.
Have I mentioned how much I love my iPod. It's like crack. I just can't stop.
For all my bitching the past couple of days, I am as happy as I have ever been. I know am the luckiest guy alive.
*I know, I know. Most of you are still awaiting the emergence of this coherentness.***
** Is that even a word?
*** Or that?
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
And Still More Movie Quotes
Marcus: “I’ve been meaning to ask you. What’s the difference between a girl who’s just your friend, and a girlfriend?”
Will: “Well, I don’t know. Do you want to touch her?”
Marcus: “Is that so important?”
Will: “You’ve heard of sex, right? It’s sort of a big deal in a relationship.”
Marcus: “I know. I just can’t believe there isn’t more to it than that. I mean, I want to be with her. I want to be with her all the time. And I want to tell her things I don’t even tell you or Mom. I don’t want her to have another boyfriend. I suppose if I could have all that, I wouldn’t care if I touched her.”
About A Boy
Will: “Well, I don’t know. Do you want to touch her?”
Marcus: “Is that so important?”
Will: “You’ve heard of sex, right? It’s sort of a big deal in a relationship.”
Marcus: “I know. I just can’t believe there isn’t more to it than that. I mean, I want to be with her. I want to be with her all the time. And I want to tell her things I don’t even tell you or Mom. I don’t want her to have another boyfriend. I suppose if I could have all that, I wouldn’t care if I touched her.”
About A Boy
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Three Wishes?
Last week, I was in Minneapolis working on a production of Disney's Aladdin. We all know the story, Aladdin finds a lamp, out pops a genie who grants Al three wishes.
It started me thinking, if I could wish for three things, and have them be true, what would I wish for?
1. That I could sing as well as Bing Crosby.
2. That I could dance as well as Fred Astaire.
3. That empathy was an inate human quality.
What would you wish for?
It started me thinking, if I could wish for three things, and have them be true, what would I wish for?
1. That I could sing as well as Bing Crosby.
2. That I could dance as well as Fred Astaire.
3. That empathy was an inate human quality.
What would you wish for?
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
I Am An Asshole
My conundrum has led me to do to someone else something I hate having done to me. In the time I have been figuring out what to do, I have left someone to wonder.
If you are still reading, I am very sorry.
If you are still reading, I am very sorry.
Another Mastercard Moment
30 GB iPod: $300.00
Music downloaded from i-Tunes: $45.00
Five hour plane ride unable to hear the screaming children seated directly behind you: Priceless
Music downloaded from i-Tunes: $45.00
Five hour plane ride unable to hear the screaming children seated directly behind you: Priceless
Monday, November 21, 2005
A New Member Of The Posse
East Coast Alaska Girl has now become an official member of the Multi-State, Girlie-Advising Posse.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Seeing Ourselves
There are two people in my life right now who are dealing with the aftermath of ending relationships. I won't share details, (they are not mine to share), but the thing I find in common about these two women and their situations, is how much each are questioning themselves, not just in terms of the relationship, but their whole lives. Questioning and doubting.
What I find frustrating about this is that neither of them are able to see themselves the way I do. Both are funny, intelligent, beautiful, vibrant, sexy women who have so much to offer the world, and also to any man lucky enough to be worthy of them. They are both extraodinary human beings.*
If I can see that, why can't they.
*I am priviliged to surround myself with fantastic people who make me a better person because they are my friends.
What I find frustrating about this is that neither of them are able to see themselves the way I do. Both are funny, intelligent, beautiful, vibrant, sexy women who have so much to offer the world, and also to any man lucky enough to be worthy of them. They are both extraodinary human beings.*
If I can see that, why can't they.
*I am priviliged to surround myself with fantastic people who make me a better person because they are my friends.
An Open Letter To The US Press
Take two hours of your day, go to the movie theatre, and see Good Night and Good Luck. Pay very close attention to Murrow's speech at the beginning and end of the film. Take it to heart, and go put it into action.
The Fourth Estate exists to protect the governed from their government. We as citizens lack the access to our public officials to ask the questions that so desperately need to be asked. I cannot stand up and ask the President, point blank, whether intellegence was doctored to justify the invasion of Iraq, or whether he truly believes torture is an acceptable option to obtain information from prisoners.
I cannot advocate for a government that is accountable to the people. I cannot pry into the corners to assure that those in power are using that power responsibly. I cannot bring to task those who line their pockets at the expense of the lives and welfare of others.
You can.
And you must.
The Fourth Estate exists to protect the governed from their government. We as citizens lack the access to our public officials to ask the questions that so desperately need to be asked. I cannot stand up and ask the President, point blank, whether intellegence was doctored to justify the invasion of Iraq, or whether he truly believes torture is an acceptable option to obtain information from prisoners.
I cannot advocate for a government that is accountable to the people. I cannot pry into the corners to assure that those in power are using that power responsibly. I cannot bring to task those who line their pockets at the expense of the lives and welfare of others.
You can.
And you must.
Friday, November 18, 2005
The Show Is Open
We opened Disney's Aladdin this evening. The show went off without a hitch, and the writing flaws not withstanding, the audience had a wonderful time.
Despite my maudlin posts over the past two weeks, the experience here with the staff at Children's Theatre Company has been one of utter delight. Everyone involved in the whole process has been positive, upbeat, co-operative and professional. My followspot operators were the best I have ever had. I have been spoiled. I would return here to do another show in a heartbeat.
The best part of all: They gave the elephant a bio in the program.
Despite my maudlin posts over the past two weeks, the experience here with the staff at Children's Theatre Company has been one of utter delight. Everyone involved in the whole process has been positive, upbeat, co-operative and professional. My followspot operators were the best I have ever had. I have been spoiled. I would return here to do another show in a heartbeat.
The best part of all: They gave the elephant a bio in the program.
My Last Posts
The zoological nature of my last few posts does not in any way indicate a shift in the focus of The Lighting Designer's Life. I will soon post more whining drivel about my personal life (or lack thereof) and projeccts I am working on. Don't you worry.
Last Night
After some gut wrenching, soul searching debate, they decided not to cut the elephant from the show.
And last night, it danced. Shook it's money maker. Got down with it's own bad self.
I was giddy with delight.
Sometimes, you just need a dancing elephant.
And last night, it danced. Shook it's money maker. Got down with it's own bad self.
I was giddy with delight.
Sometimes, you just need a dancing elephant.
Oddest Thing Seen In Minneapolis
A man walking through downtown at 9:oo AM carrying a 3 foot tall kangaroo.
I couldn't make that up if I tried.
I couldn't make that up if I tried.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Random Wednesday Musings
I have not been posting much lately, not because I don't have anything to talk about, but because most of what is on my mind I don't really want to share with the general public.
The show had it's first preview last night. The audience seemed to love it. And the orchestra was fantastic.
It snowed here last night.
We had Rain Man driving our cab last night. "I'm an excellent driver."
Heard my first Christmas songs of the season on the radio. Surprisingly (sp?), I was not annoyed, but somewhat warmed by it.
I am feeling rootless, especially as the holidays approach. I have been walking by the Crate and Barrel every couple of days, and their displays all say "Gather and Prepare". I miss having people to gather with, to prepare for. I will spend Thanksgiving in California, and Christmas in Alaska, so it is not as if I would be around to do any preparing or gathering anyway, but I would like it to be an option*. Maybe I am just feeling lonely.
This will be the first Christmas in five years I have not spent with S.
A couple of months ago, Lucky Spinster asked me why I had never come to Wing Night, and my response was "Because I have never been invited." It came out way snottier than I had intended, so I had to explain. I was raised by a Southern woman, with Southern manners. You do not just show up somewhere without an invitation. It is not polite. LS proceeded to give me an open invitation to Wing Night (although she has now done away with it, that tease). I have been wondering lately if I would feel less lonely if I were more able to invite myself places. I just don't want to be that guy, you know?
* I have recieved two invitations for Thanksgiving. I just miss hosting large groups, spending a long day with people I love. The people I love either have family thay spend the holidays with, or they live out of town. And this foot note is turning into it's own post, so i will stop. I might expound on this more later.
The show had it's first preview last night. The audience seemed to love it. And the orchestra was fantastic.
It snowed here last night.
We had Rain Man driving our cab last night. "I'm an excellent driver."
Heard my first Christmas songs of the season on the radio. Surprisingly (sp?), I was not annoyed, but somewhat warmed by it.
I am feeling rootless, especially as the holidays approach. I have been walking by the Crate and Barrel every couple of days, and their displays all say "Gather and Prepare". I miss having people to gather with, to prepare for. I will spend Thanksgiving in California, and Christmas in Alaska, so it is not as if I would be around to do any preparing or gathering anyway, but I would like it to be an option*. Maybe I am just feeling lonely.
This will be the first Christmas in five years I have not spent with S.
A couple of months ago, Lucky Spinster asked me why I had never come to Wing Night, and my response was "Because I have never been invited." It came out way snottier than I had intended, so I had to explain. I was raised by a Southern woman, with Southern manners. You do not just show up somewhere without an invitation. It is not polite. LS proceeded to give me an open invitation to Wing Night (although she has now done away with it, that tease). I have been wondering lately if I would feel less lonely if I were more able to invite myself places. I just don't want to be that guy, you know?
* I have recieved two invitations for Thanksgiving. I just miss hosting large groups, spending a long day with people I love. The people I love either have family thay spend the holidays with, or they live out of town. And this foot note is turning into it's own post, so i will stop. I might expound on this more later.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Tooting My Own Horn*
I got a mention in a Potomac Stages review.
Production values are almost never mentioned in reviews in DC, so I am happy to have the mention at all.
And yes, I do design scenery as well.
* Does anyone else think that sounds dirty?
Production values are almost never mentioned in reviews in DC, so I am happy to have the mention at all.
And yes, I do design scenery as well.
* Does anyone else think that sounds dirty?
Saturday, November 12, 2005
If I Were Inclined To Get A Graduate Degree
| You Should Get a MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) |
 You're a blooming artistic talent, even if you aren't quite convinced. You'd make an incredible artist, photographer, or film maker. |
I Am Not Up To The Task
It is times like this I wish I was a better writer. If were, if I had the ability to articulate a point of view clearly, cleanly and concisely, I might be able to convince George W Bush that his thinking on pretty much every issue is completely incorrect.
Issue one: In a Vetran's Day speech yesterday, the President contended that the Democrats asking questions about whether or not his administration had used false intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq was, "deeply irresponsible".
"The stakes in the global war on terror are too high, and the national interest is too important, for politicians to throw out false charges," Mr. Bush said. "These baseless attacks send the wrong signal to our troops and to an enemy that is questioning America's will. As our troops fight a ruthless enemy determined to destroy our way of life, they deserve to know that their elected leaders who voted to send them to war continue to stand behind them."*
Huh?
How is asking whether we have committed troops into harm's way on false pretenses in any way sending the message to our troops that their elected officials do not stand behind them? How do you spin that? To me, that seems to be the greatest show of support.
And let me say the thing that no other liberal seems to be willing to say out loud. For all the people on the extreme right posturing about "un patriotic Americans" who openly question the "war on terror", the President has committed the greatest unpatriotic act. He has lied to the American people, and the entire world community, and used our armed forces for purposes that have nothing to do with defending this country.
It is the President, and his administration, who are betraying the United States, by willfully disregarding the ideals we as a nation were founded on.
A note on this "ruthless enemy determined to destrory our way of life." Intelligent, college educated people do not fly planes into buildings over idealogical differences. This is not about not believing in the freedom of speech, or the protection against unwarranted search and seizure. It is not even about hatred of western religion. They do it because they live in a place being adversely effected by US policies, and violent action is the only way to get our attention. These are people who have suffered as few of us could comprehend, people who have watched economic sanctions starve their children. Who have seen the US meddle in their local affairs for no other reason than the protection of US financial interests. I do not condon the loss of innocent life, but it is time for us to realize that to a certain extent, we are simply reaping what we have sown.
The use of violent acts to attempt to change policy has a long history. There would be no Republic of Ireland except for armed resistance. And lest we forget, one of the events celebrated in history classes around the nation as a milestone in the US struggle for independance, the Boston Tea Party, was itself an act of terrorism.
There is much more to say on this, but it will have to wait
Issue one: In a Vetran's Day speech yesterday, the President contended that the Democrats asking questions about whether or not his administration had used false intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq was, "deeply irresponsible".
"The stakes in the global war on terror are too high, and the national interest is too important, for politicians to throw out false charges," Mr. Bush said. "These baseless attacks send the wrong signal to our troops and to an enemy that is questioning America's will. As our troops fight a ruthless enemy determined to destroy our way of life, they deserve to know that their elected leaders who voted to send them to war continue to stand behind them."*
Huh?
How is asking whether we have committed troops into harm's way on false pretenses in any way sending the message to our troops that their elected officials do not stand behind them? How do you spin that? To me, that seems to be the greatest show of support.
And let me say the thing that no other liberal seems to be willing to say out loud. For all the people on the extreme right posturing about "un patriotic Americans" who openly question the "war on terror", the President has committed the greatest unpatriotic act. He has lied to the American people, and the entire world community, and used our armed forces for purposes that have nothing to do with defending this country.
It is the President, and his administration, who are betraying the United States, by willfully disregarding the ideals we as a nation were founded on.
A note on this "ruthless enemy determined to destrory our way of life." Intelligent, college educated people do not fly planes into buildings over idealogical differences. This is not about not believing in the freedom of speech, or the protection against unwarranted search and seizure. It is not even about hatred of western religion. They do it because they live in a place being adversely effected by US policies, and violent action is the only way to get our attention. These are people who have suffered as few of us could comprehend, people who have watched economic sanctions starve their children. Who have seen the US meddle in their local affairs for no other reason than the protection of US financial interests. I do not condon the loss of innocent life, but it is time for us to realize that to a certain extent, we are simply reaping what we have sown.
The use of violent acts to attempt to change policy has a long history. There would be no Republic of Ireland except for armed resistance. And lest we forget, one of the events celebrated in history classes around the nation as a milestone in the US struggle for independance, the Boston Tea Party, was itself an act of terrorism.
There is much more to say on this, but it will have to wait
Friday, November 11, 2005
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Things Accomplished Today
Finally found my stride at the theatre. Sleeping helps.
Made a decision about my conundrum.
Took a photo of the elephant costume in it's storage place off-stage right; flown up about eight feet off the deck.
Yes folks, we have flying elephants.
Made a decision about my conundrum.
Took a photo of the elephant costume in it's storage place off-stage right; flown up about eight feet off the deck.
Yes folks, we have flying elephants.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Finding My Niche
I have been having trouble settling into a groove here. Normally, an assistant is either someone brought in by the designer, or someone with a staff position at the theatre. I am neither. I did not get the paperwork for the show until the day before I came here, so I don't have a firm grasp on the way the designer has organized her information. I am also unfamiliar with CTC's operating procedures, so I don't know what the dynamic usually is, or even where to go to get things (I was here for a whole day before I even knew how to get onto the stage).
The consequence of all of this is I have not been feeling on my game. And I hate that. While I am never sure of myself in almost any other aspect of my life, the one place I always feel like I know what I am doing is the theatre.
As City Mouse pointed out, it is probably good for me to get rattled around every once in a while. Keeps me honest, and hopefully softens that whole arrogant prick thing I have going.
The other odd thing about the situation here is that I have absolutely no emotional investment in the project. I am nervous about doing a good job, but that has more to do with where I am working and with whom. I am ambivilant about the show itself. I am working just to work and that is not a place I like to be.
And that is the reason I probably will never have a career in commercial theatre. I am not someone who can be passionate about just collecting a check. For me to be at my best, I have to have an emotional investment in the project as a whole, not just my part of it.
Perhaps that is why I really have not been feeling on my game here.
The consequence of all of this is I have not been feeling on my game. And I hate that. While I am never sure of myself in almost any other aspect of my life, the one place I always feel like I know what I am doing is the theatre.
As City Mouse pointed out, it is probably good for me to get rattled around every once in a while. Keeps me honest, and hopefully softens that whole arrogant prick thing I have going.
The other odd thing about the situation here is that I have absolutely no emotional investment in the project. I am nervous about doing a good job, but that has more to do with where I am working and with whom. I am ambivilant about the show itself. I am working just to work and that is not a place I like to be.
And that is the reason I probably will never have a career in commercial theatre. I am not someone who can be passionate about just collecting a check. For me to be at my best, I have to have an emotional investment in the project as a whole, not just my part of it.
Perhaps that is why I really have not been feeling on my game here.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
I May Convert To Scientology
Cause those Scientology women are hot.
At least the ones in Minneapolis.
At least the ones in Minneapolis.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Job Listing
In case you know anyone looking for a job, the Church of Scientology in downtown Minneapolis is hiring.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Why I Love My Job
This evening, while watching the run through of Aladdin, I got to watch two men in an elephant costume dance.
It just doesn't get any better than that.
It just doesn't get any better than that.
Why I Now Hate Flying More.
As most of you know, I hate to fly, but my terror is generally confined to the take-off and landing portion of the exercise. Something like 95% of all air crashes occur during take-off and landing, so if I can get through that, I feel like I have pretty much beaten the odds (even my luck isn't that bad)
Now imagine you are on a flight to Chicago, cruising along at 28,000 feet (that's five miles above the surface of the earth). Now imagine the fasten seatbelt sign turns on and the plane suddenly dives down 14,000 feet in the span of about two minutes. Let me say that again.
The plane dives down 14,000 feet in the span of about two minutes. That's almost three miles.
Finally the pilot comes on the loudspeaker to tell us our sudden change in altitude was because they were unable to keep the cbin at pressure at the height we were travelling.
In plain English, what that means is there was a leak somehwere blowing the air out of the cabin.
Have I mentioned I hate to fly.
I am safe in Minneapolis, BTW.
Now imagine you are on a flight to Chicago, cruising along at 28,000 feet (that's five miles above the surface of the earth). Now imagine the fasten seatbelt sign turns on and the plane suddenly dives down 14,000 feet in the span of about two minutes. Let me say that again.
The plane dives down 14,000 feet in the span of about two minutes. That's almost three miles.
Finally the pilot comes on the loudspeaker to tell us our sudden change in altitude was because they were unable to keep the cbin at pressure at the height we were travelling.
In plain English, what that means is there was a leak somehwere blowing the air out of the cabin.
Have I mentioned I hate to fly.
I am safe in Minneapolis, BTW.
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