Recently

The other half and I ascended to the observation deck @ the Hancock Building. This was about 2 weeks ago. Pretty spectacular, and high time we did something very touristy in our city. You could almost see our place to the north; or at least the taller building next to ours. It was worth the agonizing wait to get on the elevator up & down. Perhaps pictures later.

Over this last weekend, we gave in (once again) to our one major vice; DVD buying, and it was a doozy of additions to our collection. Among them; Roger & Me (Michael Moore's breakout) and The Day After (a 1983 TV movie about cold war nuclear horrors). I had originally written a blog about both films, but cuz of the sometimes obnoxious crap that is technology, it was not saved. Since it was for both films, it was titled, "Those in Charge Are Idiots".

Roger & Me infuriated me; even more so than Bowling for Columbine and Farenheit 911. It was Moore's usual bold behavior, and it made for some excellent viewing and my overuse of the phrase, "You've got to be f***ing kidding me!" Stupidity runs rampant in the governing bodies of our nation (as shown in all of his films). I can sort of understand GM's position. It is a business, although they should have shown some consideration to the people of Flint. After all, w/out that community's manpower and sacrifice, GM wouldn't have succeeded. Show some loyalty for Godsake! Friend Matt (former Flint resident) made a good point. "It's just business" is the same as "It's okay to do this or that; it's war time". Where should the line be drawn? I fault the politicians more. The way they spent the money; that could have gone to worthy causes; cleaning up the streets, welfare, ridding the city of its rat infestation. The Auto World fiasco, the building of another jail, putting in a Hyatt luxury hotel? C'mon. You've got to be f***ing kidding me.

The Day After was horrifying (in the best possible way). It had a great cast (among them; Jason Robards, JoBeth Williams, Georgann Johnson, John Lithgow), and what had to be some of the most graphic, realistic makeup ever to appear on network television. The movie was frighteningly authentic and made no apologies. Best of all, no heroes, children or animals were spared. When watching something like this, you know you're in for it when the children and pets start to drop like flies. The final moment sees Robards returning to his Kansas City home; following a nuclear blast. He finds his wife's watch in the ruins. His hair is falling out, he's on the verge of death, and he finds a blistered family sitting next to his now open-air fireplace. He weakly tells them, "Get out of my house", before collapsing with his head in his hands. The man he was speaking to, comes over to comfort him. They hold one another. Difficult stuff. This was a real gem folks, and I highly recommend it.

Sunday, the other half and I attended a wedding reception for friends Steve and Lauren. They eloped in Costa Rica over the holidays, and their families put together this gig for many friends and family members. It was a good spread of food, and some pretty cool people; including a Denise Richards look-a-like. Let it be known (I'm sure this will never reach his eyes), that the other half and I found a new gentleman caller to ogle. Cousin-in-law to the bride. Yowza! It was one of those events that we knew very few people, but tried to make the best of it. It's not that anyone was rude; quite the opposite. I just have to be in the mood to schmooze; and play the small talk game. I had that urge to tell everyone; all at once, "I'm here to support the people I know, get a good free meal, but certainly not to 'get to know' all of you people that I'll probably never see again." Harsh reality! I guess I should practice the art of schmoozing. It will be needed from time to time as I'm touting my wares as an actor/screenwriter. Can I actually call myself that now? Cool.

Upon our return home on Sunday, I received a message from my agency. They had a gig for me Monday; a twelve hour day. I didn't get the details, cuz I wasn't able to take it. I had rehearsal @ 7pm Monday, and there was not telling if the "gig" would go longer. Oh well. The woman I talked to; I have never met. Mystery lady, make sure you call me again!

The past several run thru's of the show have been super. I've got a lot of confidence in what we're doing. Now, I must get over the hurdles of adding all of the costume changes; the pie clean up and getting used to our accompaniment CD.