This is for Seth, because he discussed this genre while hosting TOLD at the Under St. Marks Theater last Monday, and JR, who will just think it is funny.
Russia's The Dead Hand
15 years ago
Saturday, February 21
Friday, February 20
Thank you, Fandango
I buy movie tickets via Fandango fairly often so once a week they send me junk emails. Mostly they just get deleted. But the subjects of today's was just too perfect.
Madea Goes to Jail, plus get ready for the Oscars!
Thursday, February 19
Wednesday, February 18
Favorite New Site: Dinosaurs Fucking Robots
"A showcase where artists and comedians can come together and make pictures of... dinosaurs fucking robots... with inspirational phrases." Link.
I hope all my artist friends help out by submitting pieces.
(via io9)
Tuesday, February 17
Less Than 25 Random Reasons I Am Responding to The Backlash to The Facebook 25 Random Things Meme
1) This has now been covered by the New York Times, USAToday and the Washington Post. Most likely tons of other places. It was talked about on The Take Away on NPR yesterday. Really, news media? There is nothing more important out there?
2) I encourage anything that gets people writing.
3) Yes, some people share too much of themselves on the internet. I am not sure why this is a surprise at this point.
4) Different people approach their lists in different ways. Some comically, some serious. Variety makes life fun.
5) Sometimes truth is in the banal specifics of one's life.
6) There are things about people (and myself) that are a interesting in tiny ways but would NEVER come up in a regular conversation.
7) If you don't want to read them, you don't have to... every if they tagged you. Yes. It is true.
8) Sometimes there are big ugly truths that you aren't ashamed of but would be awkward to reveal in normal conversation.
9) To condemn a meme (or even the internet) for people talking about themselves is silly. Yes, if someone out there thinks this is the way to become famous, that is stupid. It's just a touch of sharing.
10) You do not have to write one yourself. Just because you've been tagged, you are under no obligation, social or otherwise, to comply. Are there actually people out there doing this? I would have thought that by now, we would have all figured out that one fact about the internet out. You do NOT have to respond to chain letters. You do NOT have to send money to a Nigerian prince. You do NOT have to go the Thank You, Robot's 2nd Anniversary Show at midnight this Friday at the UCB Theater (but you should).
11) Facebook, MySpace, blog, the internet in general can be used how you want to. You are not required to blog, twittr, tumbl, GPS your phone. And if you do, you can post/use it how you want to. Share, mock, whatever. The tendency to see social downfall in a simple writing exercise is somewhat reactionary. Yes, the world is changing... because we have more options.
12) It's a meme. It will be gone in a few weeks. Then there will be a new one.
13) I do find the growth of meme like this one interesting. For whatever reason, my extended family and college friends have flocked to Facebook in the last few months. There was a tiny critical mass of cultural acceptability or some such that I find curious.
14) What makes the "25 Thing" meme popular is that it is simple and quick and open ended.
15) If you don't want people who you don't really know tagging you in these things (1) unfriend people you don't really know or (2) change your settings.
16) FB is a tool. Learn to use it. Or don't use it. It is also free.
17) I am a cranky man who mainly gets crank about other people being cranky.
One Man Show
One man (person, whatever) shows are all the rage now. Well, that probably isn't true. They are always being done. Probably because (1) you can feature yourself and (2) don't have to worry about anyone else's schedule, ego, etc. and (3) a one person short one act feels "full" while a larger cast piece feels "slight." Whatever the case is, I've been leaning more and more into writing for the stage.
The problem is that I haven't led an extremely interesting life. Yes, yes. I know there are those of you who are going to say "Pshaw, Chris! Your life is interesting! Everyone has something to say." I have plenty to say, but let's be fair - I had a great childhood, I have a great family. I am white, financially comfortable and straight. I haven't traveled tons and when I have it has always been safe. I've never done more then dabble in narcotics before I discovered that besides occasional drinking, it wasn't for me. I know a little about a lot of things. I know coffee. I know food. I know science fiction and speculative fiction and story in general. And god knows the word doesn't need another show about (1) acting, (2) writing, or (3) comedy.
So that leaves me at loose ends a bit. But I have a few ideas.
• For a long time, I've been working on a one man piece about Philip K. Dick's nervous breakdown (or visions or whatever) of the mid 70s. Great material and I love it but (1) I would be totally miscast in it and (2) it is only funny in parts. It is dark and weird and emotional. I just don't have a handy venue to pitch it to right now.
• Depression. It's not like there aren't a ton of pieces about that, but I think it could be funny/sad. I just don't know if I have the right angle on it yet. I think I still need some distance on it.
• Sex. Again, the world doesn't need tons more on this. But I have had my share of relationships, stretching across the spectrum of possibilities. I have tons of stories and thoughts. Of course, it makes me a bit nervous. (1) A whole show about "the women I've been involved with" could come off as bragging. (I'd say it is a sign that it's a sign of my ability to form intense bonds and then not make the final step to fully give myself over to them but it is a fine line.) (2) I am uncomfortable putting my partners' lives up on stage. Names can be changed and the chance of them actually seeing the show are slim, but I still am protective of those memories/lovers. (3) If I am totally honest, I will come off as an ass. Yes. An ass.
Still, I think I may do it.
Monday, February 16
Now you tell me!
Higway warning sign hacking is all the rage right now. There is certain a certain level of danger involved but I still find them pretty funny. It appears to have started with "Zombies Ahead," but this one wins.
(via Boing Boing)
(via Boing Boing)
2.0 Thank You Robot Second Anniversary Show
In case you didn't know (which is highly doubtful if you actually know me), my improv group Thank You, Robot is celebrating 2 years of performing on Friday Feb. 20th at midnight (by that I mean late Friday night and not super early Saturday morning... midnight shows can be very confusing that way). We're pretty darn thrilled.
(1) Two years in improv years is weirdly a lot.
(2) It is at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (307 W 26th St, NY, NY).
(3) The amazing team 5 Dudes is performing two. (When I say amazing, I mean AMAZING.)
It costs $5. You should try to come.
Anywhozits, here are some promo vids.
Yes, I find this creepy
Neverending Story van.(For those of you who loved the movies (or even just the first one): Please go read the book. Please.)
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