It's been a long time coming, and rather than type out a lot of the updates going on, I've written them down. I like the texture of writing, the tangibility of pen in hand, ink on paper. There is so much going on with blogs and design and animation which is stunning and amazing in its own right. But transcribing text electronically still doesn't beat writing by hand.
What's been going on?
San Francisco Bay Guardian picks last week:
Frank McCourt at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.
Eric Schlosser at the Herbst Theatre, benefiting 526 Valencia.
Frank McCourt proved a sharp and witty mind, slightly sarcastic, outspoken, upfront. Teaching kids in inner-city New York would probably drag down even the cheeriest of souls, but McCourt managed to hang in there for 20 years. He was personable throughout the interview and the book signing, undoubtedly a practiced hand at these sorts of events. His advice to young writers? "Scribble." McCourt apparently used his own scrawled notes over a number of journals for the source material of many of his works, most notably Angela's Ashes. The tangibility and maneuverability of ink prevails over the clunkiness of electronics!
Eric Schlosser impressed me not only through his work and credentials, but more so through his demeanor. Erudite and opinionated, yet soft-spoken and self-effacing, Schlosser represented a lot of what I hope to be, both career- and person-wise. Former UC Berkeley Dean of Journalism Orville Schell mediated, an excellent choice for the conversation. Schell has his own journalistically-loaded CV, and you could tell the two had a great deal of respect for each other. One of the highlights of the program took place when Schlosser turned the tables on Schell and began asking him questions, turning the program into an organic discussion, a meeting of minds. I could go on and on and on, but I would simply sprawl into next week with my material. I will say this - I got the last audience question for the night: "What advice do you have for young readers? And if both of you could address the question... (I also whimpered "thanks" as the micperson started backing away from me)"
Both Schlosser and Schell converged in their advice: Be passionate about what you do. It was great to see them address me directly, despite me being locked in the corner seat of the balcony way high up. Something clicked in the way both distinguished men addressed me; whether these are self-made delusions of grandeur remain to be seen. I am interested to hear the dialogue when it comes out.
Anyway, 3 AM as I typed this, but I needed to start typing on this lovely blog again. The fuel for keeping me going?
This group from Japan called Soil & "Pimp" Sessions has a
jam session on DJ and music aficionado Gilles Peterson's website. I really cannot stop listening to this stuff. "Aggressive alternative jazz" is what the band's MySpace says; I suppose that's as good a summary as any.
An excerpt from Jon Stewart on "Bill Moyers Journal"
I discovered this as an audio podcast on iTunes...and am glad I found it on video. This is the part where Stewart and Moyers discuss Stewart's interview of Senator John McCain (R-Ariz), really insightful in regards to the conservative ideological agenda. Look for Moyers' slip up at 6:09...particularly telling. I'd recommend the full audio podcast (or viewing it on YouTube) for a stirring conversation on politics and proof on how lucid and intelligent the "Daily Show" anchor really is.
And of course, a little humor in
Conan and Chuck Norris
"...that make me stupid...and you a whore." Classic! Thanks to Sofie for the heads up...
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