. Da Blogs Da Thang

2007-12-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

At 12:01 as this year broke I predicted that it was the year of "letting go" it certainly been that for me. Certainly there has been much to count along the way... and often the act of letting go was a positive act essential in moving on. I can say the funnest part of that night was sharing it in the company of friends.

It was a year that saw my return as a playwright with a new play (the first new one in 5 years) that was pretty successful at this year's Rogue selling out 3 of the 5 slotted performances. Personally and professionally I was most pleased with the newer direction my writing took... thanks to my muse. Though in this business the material can only be as good as the talent presenting it. Dionysus filled my cup to the brim with this team of talent that was a pure joy to work with. Oh yeah... and I sold the play to boot.

As the month of March passed... just as one friend was leaving I was reconnected with another as chronicled by this post. This reacquainting allowed me to revisit the first musical I ever wrote 27 years ago. Rewriting through the internet proved to actually be a viable means to conduct business. New songs were written... major sections in the script were fixed and all this culminated in a successful run of the show half way across the world.

So professionally those were a couple of big counts. Someone asked me a few days ago if I was going to count the Horizon Award that I was a recipient of. Yes, but more so for those who turned up to share the evening with me and for those I share the award with.

You see, with all the letting go that occurred this year (and there was a lot of it) it was people who counted most. There were dark, doubtful and uncertain times I faced... and often felt quite helpless... but it was the kindness of friends and strangers that pulled me through. I was brought up to be pretty independent so one of the biggest things I had to let go was my prideful reluctance to accept help. And hopefully I accepted it with grace. At times I felt like George Bailey with all the blessings that wonderful folk bestowed upon me... including you who come by my blog. And for that I thank you all... everyone of you. I really could not have done it without you... and in all the ways you have brightened up my life.

So, all in all... it has been a year rich with counts. My hope is yours was too.

2007-10-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

... of people I know. (Had to use that one for the rhyme scheme... but it does relate to the post.) I ran into a couple of guys last night who informed me that they were leaving town soon for other pastures. It will be sad to see them go but we all gotta do what we gotta do, right? Still, a part of me yearned for them to stick around for just a little more. Sometimes I think I'm a bit of a Gypsy magnet.

Ever since I can remember this has been a constant in my life. People come into my life, I get to know them quite well and eventually they move on. I have always appreciated and been enriched having known them though... but as a child this social revolving door always crushed me a little inside. As I grew older and the pattern repeated I began to accept it as a constant... a part of life for everyone. But is it? On closer observation this is may not necessarily be true for a better part of the population. I know and know of several people whose lives... at least within a social context remain constant for eons. Sure, there may be a few "ebbs and flows" in their lives but for the most part once a social structure has been established there is very little to change (sometimes over a span of 20 to 30 years) except for the march of time. Really, I have been to gatherings at their homes where I have felt that certain "things don't change a lot here in Mayberry" sort of feeling... a certain and comfort and dependability that is... well, nice. (Looking back... my average is 3-5 years of "somewhat constant".)

Now stalwart friends of mine may take issue with this post especially if they still remain in contact with me at present... but even they have moved on in many ways at least within the social context of life. Yes, we still do get together and enjoy... even relish doing so but it is different (and not as frequent). I am not saying that this is good or bad... just different. Perhaps it's because I do meet a lot of people in the nature of what I do. Plus, my work usually (OK, almost always) dictates a natural intense (and rather quick) intimacy be forged. However, I am at a loss to explain this higher rate of social "turn-around" in my earlier life. Tis a befuddlement... perhaps it is true that I am a Gypsy magnet.

Whatever the case, I have long ago accepted that this is so. I guess sharing some time and experiences with many is better than not sharing time at all. This ebb and flow continues to carve a richness into my life and that is nothing to complain about.

2007-10-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last night was dedicated to watching network TV. It's not something I usually do. I used to but fell out of the habit several years ago just because my schedule dictated otherwise. Heck, I even subscribed to cable TV once or twice a long time ago. Anyway, I digress.

Over the last few years I will pick out something from the new season and follow it the best I can. Last year it was "Heros"... the year before that it was "Medium"... etc. So, last night between catching up via online and repeat episodes these are the shows I watched and my present verdicts on them.

The Bionic Woman - OK, I'll cop to the fact that I watched this because I had a big schoolboy crush with Lindsay Wagner . I have to say that I sort of like the direction the new one is going in. Though I think it may suffer comparisons to "Alias". The first couple of episodes were not bad in setup and it may be worth watching where it goes from here. VERDICT: An off and on MAYBE... though this may be exclusively via internet reruns.

Journeyman - Once again, I have been intrigued by time travel TV series since the days of Time Tunnel. The first 2 episodes look promising and there is intrigue built in as to why this is happening to this guy (and how he keeps running into his ex-girlfriend in his travels.) VERDICT: I'll give it 3 more episodes to hook me.

Moonlight - A vampire private detective. A fun premise though I was not too impressed with the storylines of the first 2 episodes (the second especially.) I can only hope it does not go into the cheesy direction of "Ghost Whisperer." VERDICT: This may become an off and on guilty pleasure... unless it fizzles out.

Pushing Daisies - A guy has the ability to bring dead people back with a touch. The second touch sends them back to death (unless a minute pasts and then someone else within proximity bites the dust.) The visuals are amazing and it is quirky and a tad surreal... just the way I like it. Here is conflict... he brings the love of his life back and can't touch her. VERDICT: Yes, I think this is the winner of regular watching.

BTW... is anyone keeping count on how many Brit actors (playing Americans) are in the new TV fare this season?

2007-09-20T17:10:00.001-07:00

A full night's sleep. No dealing with the hot and cold. No running to the toidy. No waking up and wanting to hit the sack again or at least needing to with a heavy aching head. A full night's sleep... something we all take for granted until it is snatched away for some reason or another. I finally got one last night.

Whatever this was it hit me hard. Oh, I'm still not out of the woods yet (still a wee wobbly on my feet too) but I do spy evidence of the meadow up ahead. I used to be a sickly child. Then from early adulthood till now didn't got sick rarely (I count allergies more of an environmental affliction than illness) but when I do catch a cold or some other thing... it hits hard. I have come to consider it as a reminder of our mortality... a reminder of making the best of what we have... and what we have left.

And why stale cigarettes, Lecram? I saw getting sick as an opportunity to quit smoking. Cigarettes taste the foulest when one is ill. Case and point... there is a pack sitting in front of me that was purchased on Sunday. Only 7 had been smoked... and stale cigarettes are the absolute vilest tasting things in the world. Here's hoping enough of the physical addicting toxins have also been purged from my system.

I think that's a lot to count.

To find out what Da Count is all about click the flashing sign.

2007-09-17T09:29:00.001-07:00

I do have to admit that there was a little ego gratification as I walked through the door at the Exit Theater and Richard, the co-producer of the SF Fringe announced (albeit tongue in cheek) "The Rogue is Here! The Rogue is Here".

I have been going up to the Fringe for years... first as an independent producer, then an audience member, then as producer of the Rogue and now back as an audience member. We are now professional friends. I know many of the regular performers and the producers... in a way, it has become my creative home away from home. I still feel like a welcomed guest and there is an easy casualness amongst all of us.

This was Solitaire's first time and I'm pretty sure from the time we hit the ground in the city her high expectations were exceeded. First by the welcoming reception at the Exit then at the performance of "The Sewers" where we had arranged to meet the lovely Mia and her beau Julian. To say that she was shell-shocked by the content, style and level of performance could easily be an understatement. It really was a wonderful show. I have followed the progress of Banana, Bag & Bodice for years and from the creative standpoint... they did not disappoint.

We also met up with my friend Tiffany and her friend Jose who joined us on this first night romp. We gathered at The Chieftan, a pub down the street from The Garage performance space for a drink then migrated to Original Joe's where we were to meet up with APJ and Steve. Once again, the news spread that the Rogues were present and both APJ and Solitaire were bombarded with questions about our festival. All of this groundwork was laid out both by Steve and Mia who (apart from being wonderful hosts) had already spread the news of of our presence and introduced us to performers (who after being given an effusive work over by Solitaire's pitch) bare now seriously considering applying for the Rogue.

We closed down Original Joe's and ran into the cast of The Sewers who invited us to join them for drinks at Frank's... a little dive down the block. There was more chatting and drinking and we finally (admittedly a little drunk) hit the hotel at 2:30 ish in the AM.

I was happy that I had forced and been forced to attend this year.

There'll be a vlog coming soon on more of the

2007-09-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

This week... my count is in this song.

If you want to know what Da Count is all about... click the the flashing sign at the top of this post.

no internet for me this weekend

2007-09-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

I'm swearing off it, I tell ya! I am taking no laptop and have banned myself from any internet cafes I might trip upon.

Arrangements have been finalized and I AM going up to SF for the Fringe! (Of course, barring any unforeseen circumstances.) OK... truth of the matter is... I am going to see shows up at the Fringe but this trip is more of a break for me. There are telltale signs why I need one.

1. I've been muttering to myself of late. (But Lecram... you do that anyway.)

2. I've been muttering back to my muttering. (crickets chirping)

3. I break out into song while doing the laundry... in time with the spin cycle.

4. The phrase "I don't wanna" has crept into every third sentence I speak.

5. The neighbor's cat has stopped hanging out at my place just to drive my dogs crazy... and I'm convinced that this is a sign of the apocalypse.

So... I'll post on Friday and you won't see me till Monday. So there!

not everything I wanted to...

2007-09-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

... but I did get some things accomplished today. Of course, there are still oodles to do and I'll get to them tomorrow.

I was up at 4 AM this morning. It happens every time I have a couple of scotches the night before... which isn't as often as it used to be... which is just as well.

Anyway, being up reminded me of a writing routine that I used to practice several years ago. The quiet of the morning was a great time. I would write until 7 then do my morning chores. Get back to writing at 10 am then break to cook and eat lunch at noon. The afternoon was usually left to other pursuits... which often included a nap. At 8 PM I would review the writing I had done for the day... do minor rewrites and put down notes for the next morning's write. That worked pretty well for a while. I do need to set aside time and routine for my next write though. Something workable that will maximize output.

Actually, of late I've been feeling the need to formalize a schedule for my day which of late has been pretty loose.

Perhaps more in the AM

2007-09-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's my second post for the day. I just finished reading a couple of posts that were thematically similar and thought I'd chime in on the subject. Os wrote about the possibility of an upcoming last gig with his band and the lovely Joy shared some revelations illuminated on a very recent trip. Both touched upon the subject of "evolve or dissolve".

It is a truism that (whether we like it or not) permeates just about every aspect of our lives. Change is constant. Our choices on the matter lie between being reactive or proactive. The former more often than not involves a lot of finger pointing and reciting the "It's not my fault" mantra.

I recall in my 20's thinking (in the arrogance of my youth) that I had"figured it all out" only to be faced shortly after with a sudden blast of life changing situations that challenged everything I believed in. (Ah, the absolute idealism of youth.) Still, I stubbornly held on, convinced that all the (unnecessary) attachments that I had amassed by that time would prove true when it all blew over... that I would emerge from that fiery furnace a triumphant hero ::music cue; triumphant glorious heavenly chorus:: hailed by the (now convinced) multitude with cheers of "You were right all along!" (Don't you just love these "movie moments" of mass epiphany that we project & fantasize when we are in the insidious clutches of our own hubris?)

Of course, that never happens and we are instead imprisoned and tortured by our self imposed dogma as we continue to spiral deeper into the "victim mode." We continue to wait for everything and everyone around us to change to "our way" while continuing to delude ourselves that by tightening our grip we can exert total control. Or we play the perverse "the time will come" game and of course it never does. And in that state of static we can choose either to be "inflicted by life" or to "make life happen."

How often have we seen it played out around us? The personal relationship that continues to fester into something painfully toxic because it has come to a stalemate. The business partnership that dissolves destructively into a backstabbing war just from the refusal to consider innovation. The artist refusing the adventure of "stretching" then sinking into the obscurity of a "one trick formulaic wonder". We can recognize it in others yet never do we want to admit that it would ever apply to ourselves.

And hopefully we wake up one morning with the decision to move forward by either evolving or dissolving. Either choice involves the release of our hubris.

2007-09-11T04:31:00.001-07:00

There are critters in my roof I suspect of the rodent variety that need to be evicted. This influx usually occurs when renovation is undertaken somewhere in the neighborhood... which it has of late. So it's time to roll out the "rat balls"! My own recipe for rodent control.

Ingredients:
1 can of dog food
rat/mouse poison
paper towels

Method:
Mix dog food with rat poison. Put a tablespoon on a paper-towel and roll into a "paper ball". Repeat process until you run out of the lethal mixture. Place paper-balls in nooks where you suspect there is rodent activity... (presence of rodent poop is a good indicator.)

Firstly, rodents are attracted to paper. To them it's akin to winning a spree at an Ikea store. "Honey, I think this will look just darling in the nest... especially if it's shredded just so." Then they find that the pretty paper-ball has goodies inside. "Woo hoo! Pretty and yummy! Oh heaven... munch... munch." You can be sure that the news spreads among the rest of the rodent population... "Psst... paper-balls is manna!" "Ohhh... look I found one too... munch... munch..." Within 3 days the death march begins to the rodent's graveyard.

I pride myself with the effectiveness of my "rat-balls"! And yes... I used my vast training as a playwright to think like the rodents do in order to come up with the method for their "final solution".

2007-09-10T08:22:00.001-07:00

At least the arrangements I've made are in place for me to go. (I will confirm one or two details later in the day.) I am still ambivalent but I am going simply because I need a break and this may be the one I have for a while. Though if I do go I may just shoot my next vlog from up there.

THIS MEANS I WILL HAVE TO GET IN SHAPE!
Because I am planning on doing a lot of walking while I am up there. To that end I plan on biking or walking here at least twice a day. I really don't see the point in keeling over in the middle of the street while I'm up there.

Yeah, I am going to catch some shows but that is not the primary reason for going. I really don't have to stump for the Rogue as others are going up just for that purpose. I just need to catch a city vibe... and indulge myself at my favorite hole-in-the-wall eateries... and at least catch a drink over at Original Joe's. I also hope to meet-up with a few friends and do a catch-up of sorts. Actually it would be fun to meet-up with bloggers who live in that area... so, if you are up for it... email me.

BAD LECRAM... BAD!
O.K. I'll fess up... part of what I did yesterday was surf on the net for details on the Adobe CS3 Production Suite. I am such a nerd.

2007-09-09T09:59:00.001-07:00

* It's been a while since I've done a vlog. Not bloody likely that I'll be doing one today but I thought I'd mention it only because I miss doing it. Perhaps in the next couple of days.

* By 9:30 AM today I had made coffee, hung up the laundry to dry, watered the yard, and returned from my daily bike ride. Something about starting the day early and accomplishing the little things that just sets up the whole day in a better mood. There are still more things to do... like mopping and cooking and I suspect that my mid-day I will feel like a champion. LOL.

* Of late I have noticed (more so than most) that one of the causes of problems that people bring upon themselves is the unwillingness to let go. They would rather stew and plot revenge and destruction instead of letting things be. This even extends to plotting the diabolical destruction of an accomplishment that was created with pride. Just another example of hubris obscuring reason.

* There may be a good chance that I can and will actually go up to the SF Fringe the coming weekend. Just a couple more details to secure before that operation is a complete go.

Hope your weekend is going well. Now back to the business of accomplishing.

2007-09-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

Now, let me first say that I enjoy, take pleasure and pride in starting "from scratch" whenever I cook. There is a certain air of alchemy in creating a dish from the combination of various ingredients. However, the preparation of the more traditional dishes can take several hours.

One such dish is Hainanese Chicken Rice which requires a time commitment for the desired results. But a couple of weeks ago while grocery shopping I came across this jar. Let me just say that it cut my "alchemy time" down by a full hour and a half... and the results were good.

So, my count today is the convenience of products such as this that ease the process when one is craving a certain dish and time is of the essence. Not to replace the joy of creating from scratch but more as a worthy substitute when you are in a pinch.

To find out what Da Count is all about... click the flashing sign above

OK... I've moved!

2007-08-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NEW PLACE!

... and some minor announcements on a "blogwarming" party!

woopsie

2007-08-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Minor snafu... doing a reinstall. Should be up later in the day. Then a vlog?!

lecram's blog moving day!

2007-08-18T09:49:00.001-07:00

10 AM, Saturday.
Yep... that's what will be happening today. I am however leaving Da Blogs Da Thang versions 1.0 and 2.0 up. Instead of migrating all those posts I sort of like the idea that a "trail of evolution" is left. I may migrate some of the stuff later... but not today.

Yes, I am moving to Wordpress. (WARNING: Shameless Promotion Up Ahead.) Lecramsblog.com was moved to my Jungle Webs server earlier this year. I did that both as an experiment and also to make sure that the content of my blog was at one place and not floating around on indiscriminate servers on the web.

I'm doing the same with the new blog as the hosting on Jungle Webs offers all sorts of free add-ons (through something called Metropolis) from which Wordpress can be installed very easily. Plus, with the deluxe plan (a mere $8.39 a month) I can host unlimited domains (.COMS are only $6.95 a year!)

Anyway, there will be more updates during the day as I set the new place up... so stay tuned.

4:20 PM, Saturday
O.K. I think it is nap time. I still have some more tweaking to do and other work... but I do have a shooting gig this evening out in the park. So, a nap may be prudent at the moment. I have a couple of templates that I can use... back and forth depending on my mood when I post... so that is kinda fun. There is still some other adjustments before I will bring you the new digs in all it's glory. Hang tight... that should be happening... latest sometime tomorrow.

Here is a somewhat silly idea!

2007-08-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

I'm considering throwing an Opening Night Party for a show of mine I can't and won't be attending.

Da Count - through the eyes of others

2007-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

2 old friends commented to me this week that they admired my constant re-invention of what I do. One jokingly said that they were almost afraid to blink when they are around me because of it. Both also commented that despite all the evolutions they have witnessed the core of me remains constant. Needless to say I am most humbled by this heaping compliment.

What I do is not dependent or motivated by the admiration of or validation from others. Yet when it does come I do have to admit that it does feel good. I used to feel quite uncomfortable of it in the past but have since learned to accept it with grace. I have come to accept that we define ourselves through our actions... and when the acknowledgment and reflection of that through the eyes of others does come it can indeed be very gratifying. This also extends to recognizing "that look" of being seen through the eyes of friends, children, parents, peers and lovers... the one that says it all without a spoken word.

That is my count this week... our value reflected in the eyes of others who see us for who we are and what we do.

To find out more about Da Count click the flashing sign above.

comfortable in my new skin - HNT

2007-08-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

growing into it after you shed the old is never instant

Cheers and Happy HNT!

I'll be moving blogs on Saturday... so come by and check out the new digs.
Check out my new VLOG below and comeback on Friday for Da Count!
BTW... I'm doing a sarong themed HNT in a couple of weeks... wanna join me?
.

I had a bar of dark chocolate today...

2007-08-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

... during a meeting and was buzzing so hard by the time the meeting was done. Within an hour of getting home I totally crashed. It was a if I had drunk 20 cups of coffee. Note to self... don't ever try finishing a whole bar again.

The rest of the day was spent dealing with bills, etc. Made a bunch of calls this evening to some of the 1980 cast of Frogway. Mike and I are arranging a meet up of as many of the original cast for opening night next week. It was fun to chat and play catch-up. They all want to know if I am returning. It's nice to know that they want me to but I had to tell them that I couldn't.

There has been more news articles about the show in the local press back home. If you go over to the Frog Blog (I knew I was going to be the lone voice in the swamp on that) Just click in the sidebar for those. Also looked on Google Earth for where the show is playing and found that it's pretty close to where I used to live.

The white "x" on the bottom of the pic is where I used to live (at least as near as I can guess) and the Bangsar Shopping Centre at the top is where the Actor's Studio is located. Dang, there is a lot of development that has occurred around those parts.

I'm thinking HNT is when I'll make the big announcment of my move to the new digs. That is of course if it is ready to be moved into. BTW... I'm thinking of a "sarong" themed HNT in a couple of weeks... anyome with me on that?

I'll be taking all of you with me...

2007-08-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

... that is if you want to follow me to my new digs. It will happen soon enough... I am still doing some work on it.

more later in the AM.

EDIT #1 : 7:45 AM
Shuffling off to a meeting this morning downtown. Apart from business I am hoping to shoot some video and pics. Perhaps you will see them here later. I could happen.

and yet more later.

late, sloppy and rambling... but here is the vlog

2007-08-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Still cutting video for a client...

2007-08-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

... so, this week's edition of my Vlog will be up later tonight or Sunday morning. Cheers!

EDIT: 5:30 PM, Saturday.

OK... finally got the edit done and here it is...

In all probability, this week's Vlog will be up on Sunday.

Cheers and have a great weekend!

Da Count - blogger/blogspot

2007-08-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Blogger is what I started blogging on. In March 2005 SSM and I chatted about how our friend Generik had a blog. We checked it out and I admit was both befuddled and intrigued by it. SSM started a blog and I soon followed suit. Then a pod of local RL friends began blogging as well including APJ, and Jaded Ed Gypsy . Then friends from across the pond joined in Such as Kien, Vert and my long lost cousin Lelly. So, our little pod of bloggers began growing.

By blog surfing ran across the likes of Carlyjayjay, who at the time was a struggling actress who was singing in a band... Ms. Bees who took a disturbing yet entertaining delight in the art of murder... and Aughra, a very attractive (and well written) wife and mother who worked in an adult store and introduced us to HNT and the mighty OS. Carly has since gotten married (a wedding I attended through a webcast) and is now in a hit show Evildead the Musical, Ms. Bees is on a little haitus from her murderous spree, and Aughra has a new baby.

Through HNT and the Emperor OS, I have met wonderful people like the delightful Lime, the prolific horror author Mark, the lovely Tish, the always fascinating Cosima, and the stalwart salt of the earth Kfarmer who remains one of my oldest bloggy friends... just to name a few. Please do not feel left out if you are not mentioned on this post... if you are on my blogroll know that you are special to me.

All of this through blogger which is why I am counting it today.... and in so doing I am counting all of you! I liked it for it's ease of use in the attempts of me expressing myself but I think the time has come to move on to a platform that is a little more stable. I will continue blogging and I hope you (at least the few who are regulars) will continue to visit on the new platform. So, once again, thank you blogger for providing me with the opportunity for expression (like HNT and Da Count) and for the honor of meeting all of you. I will continue here until the new digs are set up so don't be strangers. Cheers!

To find out what Da Count is all about click the flashing sign above.

* BTW KaMotion has joined the ranks posted a count early. Oh, and I have begun VLOGGING... so come by this weekend for that.

OK... it's settled.

2007-08-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'll be moving soon. The recent rise in hiccups with blogger and other third party applications has prompted this. I'll be here for a bit more until the new digs are ready. So, stay tuned as this is a heads-up for Da Blogs Da Thang 3.0.

leaning on the past but moving forward- HNT

2007-08-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

just as a reminder of where and how far I've come

Cheers & Happy HNT!
Come back this weekend to check out my latest VLOG.

72 hours may equal 2 Vlogs & a Promo video or 2

2007-08-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

This evening I go back to shoot another rehearsal at the park for WSF. Then the edit storm begins. Sifting through footage. Choosing clips. Assembling some kind of structure. Cutting and rendering. This will all hopefully result in a promo video for them and 2 vlogs... one for this week's edition (which features hot belly dancers) and another for Frogway. There is also a promo video I need to cut for Suicide Lounge but there is more footage to get for that.

I do have to admit that I've gotten pretty good at this medium... not quite where I want to be... but getting there. The learning curve is still rising and I am enjoying the process. Yes, I do have ambitious ideas and notions. (Have you known me not to?) I also think a definite style is beginning to surface... though I'm sort of fighting that. Only because I want to explore and keep myself open to attempt the vast variety of genres out there.

Oh yeah... if you click on the pic it will take you to my channel on YouTube.

Anyway, that is what I'll be up to in the immediate future. Have a great Hump Day and perhaps I'll post something for HNT later. Cheers!

and then you wonder how you got here

2007-08-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

The twists and turns that we travel on this path are sometimes befuddling. Not while you are negotiating the curves but after you have emerged. You look back and just have to marvel at some of the hairpin turns that you survived through. You remember being in the middle of that "knot" and feeling overwhelmed because the beginning or the end is not readily in view or apparent anytime soon. Your breath is quick and shallow as a sense of panic rises. Yet you forge ahead... or what you think is ahead hoping that the path will soon straighten out.

These thoughts floated last night as I lay in wait to slip into slumber. I imagined life as a string with a series of knots. Not all of them dire, I have to admit. Many more constituted self inflicted challenges of one kind or another. Some professional. Some personal. Very few that I regret in retrospect... and most of those now just seemed petty. This was actually an interesting revelation in this exercise of reflection. That what seemed important at the time is now of little significance.

Perhaps the further I journey along this path, the more I shed. I am hoping that is the case anyway. The baggage of our attachments may really be what keeps us hostage. Are we keeping them or are they keeping us? The attachments of importance... or more accurately what we have chosen to deem important. This is what creates our personal dogma of absolutes that we project onto the world... and we all have them in some form or another. Whether a believer or non we all have them... those judgmental absolutes that we inflict when our little worlds are threatened by the unfamiliar.

And even if we continue to shed the baggage in time we still hold on to a handful hoping that perhaps those may be the true ones. And sometimes in a flash of clarity you realize that what really got you out of those many knots was not the truth you attempted to impose on others but the courage to be honest with yourself.

just returned from another shoot...

2007-08-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

... for the WSF. I return to their rehearsals on Wednesday to shoot some more. Hopefully, by thyis weekend I'll have the first of 2 video promos for them to spread across the cyber universe. Oh... BTW... what I saw at rehearsals tonight was full of energy and fun... definitely the right broad and farcical notes to hit for a production of Taming Of The Shrew. Just saying.

Looks like it's going to be a busy week. Think I'll hit the sack early tonight.

weekends & mondays are usually slow...

2007-08-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

... at least traffic-wise around here... but here is a post anyway.

I created a FROG BLOG! (Lordy, save us from these bad rhyming couplet puns!) I've been in touch with some of the original cast and figured maybe they would want to contribute posts, photos, etc to it. I even extended the invitation to the current company in lieu of the possibility that we may get a peek into rehearsals, etc. Though, chances are I'll be the lone croak in this swamp. Oh, and here are the latest news articles HERE & HERE. (The second one is great if you read Malay.)

It's been a busy few days but good ones. There were a couple of video shoots yesterday. Yeah, you'll see some footage in my next VLOG. BTW... glad you are enjoying them. I'll see how long I can keep up with these with any regularity.

That's it for now though there may be more later if I am so inclined.

Vlog # 2

2007-08-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

So far so good... 2 vlogs in 2 weeks... but don't hold me to the once a week thing.

This one was a bit of a bear to edit as there were some software glitches... but at least the learning curve went up. Thanks again to all who participated. Oh, and did you check out the APITHANY PICTURES logo at the end? huh? huh? huh? Oh and you can still help Zonthar pick out a mid-life crisis and check out Kevin's music.

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE FIRST VLOG!

Cheers!

Doesn't look like I'm going out tonight

2007-08-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, I figure I'll go shower... slip into the comfort of a sarong and begin up loading video for my VLOG that will be posted this weekend. I'll have to go through several sources for footage but I think there will be lots of fun stuff on it. I'm trying to keep "face time" down to a minimum on these things. PLUS... I'll also be unveiling the new video logo and name for my video attempts!

Help Zonthar choose a Mid-Life Crisis

2007-08-03T13:43:00.001-07:00

It's his birthday today. Go Over to wish him and choose a crisis... or pitch your own.

Da Count - sign posts to the possible.

2007-08-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes on this journey we shed what we have carried for so long and wonder what may lie ahead. We walk with a mere inkling. We take a few steps toward what we think may be a new journey never really knowing if this inkling will pan out or if it was just a flight of fancy. But we move ahead... and a sign post comes into view. We draw nearer... it confirms that we may indeed be on the right path.

I came upon such a sign post this week. I got a paying gig in the the area of video production. My stride is a little more confident and sure than it was before. This is my count.

If you want to fing out what Da Count is all about click the flashing sign above.

EDIT: Friday 9:30 AM
Haven't been blog surfing to visit some of my favorite blogs in the last few days for a couple of reasons.

Reason # 1: Because of the heat there have been power outs around here... simply because folks have been cranking up their air conditioners... and can you blame them? It hasn't been too bad but the outages can be a trifle inconvenient when trying to traverse around the blog universe or attempting some work on the computer.

Reason # 2: There has been a sudden surge of social and professional (at least I hope) activity in my life at the moment. It's all good.

So, I'll remedy the no-visit situation soon.

BTW... I was doing an email interview for a newspaper back in Malaysia for Frogway and the said power went off resulting in me losing all of my brilliant quipy responses to the interview. Now I have to work myself up to another quipy froth before attempting it again.

Oh and a new vloumentary will be up this weekend where I will unveil the new name and logo of Lecram Enterprises. Come back for that... there will be some sweet moments in it.

Have a great weekend!

Which Lecram is this anyway?

2007-07-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

As I was out and about last night I ran into several people. (Always a pleasant thing.) Anyway it got me thinking (very dangerous when that happens... keep the flammables away) that each one that I met has known me in a different context because (as it were) I wear many hats.

In medieval times people were assigned titles such as ,,, Richard the Lionhearted, etc... that sort of defined their place in history. So here are some that I have compiled for myself in the context that a few around here identify me as...

Lecram the Obscure Playwright - this one has been more true over the last 5 years. I used to crank those puppies out (and known as Lecram the Prolific)... until about 5 years ago. Still, I do have about 52 to my name and unless a Mack truck has my name on it tomorrow... there will be more coming soon.

Lecram the Disco Dancer - this was back when I was young and stupid. Enuff said.

Lecram the Rogue Dude - Yeah, I'm (still) known as that when I go out in public these days. People still come up to me and chat and "work" me because they think it is going to score them points in some way or another. The thing is I'm not in charge anymore... and even when I was... I'm chronically objective. But, it's nice and I have learned to be gracious over the years without making any promises. Then there is the variation...

Lecram the In-Charge Rogue Dude - now this is from the inner circle. OK... me and a few others started and ran this thing over a few years... but we are not in-charge anymore. Yes, things are changing and one of the reasons I stepped out is that things MUST change. If the Rogue is to survive and thrive it cannot be associated with one person or small group of "has beens". It's evolvolving. It has to be anm entity unto itself. "How it used to be" ain't how it's gonna be. Think outside the box... think bigger. Yes, there will be growing pains... but if it is to be... then it should be on it's own merit.

Lecram the Friend - I am a stalwart friend. I am also a very objective friend... sometimes to my my own detriment. The reason being that I often work with a lot of my friends. I actually can separate friendship from business... many can't. So, as a result I get cast as the ogre in a lot of situations just because I can make that separation where others choose to take it personally. Case and point... I found a better replacement for me in Suicide Lounge... and gladly so.

Lecram the Listener - Really, there is information that I know that I really should not (and need not) know about people. Yes, I actually listen. I don't jump to conclusions or make harsh judgments. If it is important to... I actually find out the other side of the story. I'm funny that way.

Lecram the Generous - I can be to a fault.

Lecram the Frugal - Yeah, I am. Why pay more if you don't have to? This is also byproduct of being Lecram the Starving Playwright and Lecram the Broke.

Lecram the Insecure - Aren't we all in some aspect of our lives?

Lecram the Morty - It's Morty... it ain't me. Morty is totally a cold heartless MOFO... but it's always business.

So, these are some I have come up with. I'm sure there are more that are unflattering and I have blocked out of my rabid infested mind. Which Lecram do you know... or which Lecram do you want to know about? And more importantly... which YOU is the prevailing YOU at the moment?

It occured to me today...

2007-07-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

... that I really should rearrange my days. (Brilliant, Lecram!) Well, in order to maximize getting things done. Trouble is I've been waking up the last 3 or 4 nights at 3 AM. Not sure what this is all about. Then I slip back into slumber at 4:30 or 5 to awake at 7:30 or 8. It sort of just throws off the schedule and pace of my day that I had. Still, I'm not too concerned (yet) as some life transitions are happening. Nothing bad... just a matter of readjusting.

I actually got quite a few household chores complete before 11 AM today. Had ambitions for some other things to happen but those kinda fell by the wayside. Nothing drastic that will shake up the world but still... I do have to rethink my scheduling. On the upside... I took a business meeting this evening and may have landed gig. (I'll know tomorrow.) Nothing to retire on but a good beginning that hopefully will become more lucrative as time wears on.

On to other things...

After my business meeting I spent some time catching up with a musician friend of mine. Had a couple of beers and just casually jabbered about this and that. We have run into each other and done the 5 minute "Yeah, how's it going" thing but this is the first time in a long while where we have actually been able to chat without either one of us "having" to be some place else or entertaining company when we met.

The rest of the week (socially) is looking pretty full too. An old friend is in town and we have planned some catch-up time... also true with an former workmate. There is Suicide Lounge rehearsals and 2 video shoots (one possible paying gig)... so, suddenly my evenings are being booked up. Now that hasn't happened in quite a while.

So, for now... there are lots of little delights to look forward to. My vlog this coming week should have some fun footage as I plan on recording some of my comings and goings. I'm actually trending to calling them "vlogumentaries" - what do you think?

Hope your week is starting off well.

My First Vlog

2007-07-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

I may do this once a week... remember, I said may.

EDIT: Monday, 1 PM
Well, last night was fun. I think all in all everyone that came had a good time. There may be some footage on my next vlog.

BTW... haloscan is still a little buggy and has been eating up comments... just saying. Hope they work it out soon.

a silly thought reoccured tonight...

2007-07-28T01:47:00.000-07:00

Watch this clip from My Fair Lady...

... now substitute "Show Me" for "Blow Me". I used to (and still do) laugh myself blue just thinking about this.

Ah... the simple joys of a fevered rabid mind.

EDIT: 11 AM, Saturday
So, once again I am thinking about changing my blog.

OK, Lecram... what the hell is this about? Didn't you already change it on your birthday this year?

Yeah, welll...

Yeah, well what?!

Look, I started with blogspot... I like it... but...

But what?

Hey, I like it so much I even moved it (this new version) to my own server!

Yeah, and?

The bigger blogger/blogspot becomes... the more hiccupy it gets. Plus with haloscan, blogroll, and other third party blog toys I use... it has the tendency to bog down the upload on the browser.

You're jumping to wordpress, aren't you?

Well... maybe. See, with my deluxe hosting at Jungle Webs I get a whole 100 gigs of server space. On top of that, wordpress is one of the free add-ons that installs EASILY on it!

Traitor!

I haven't decided yet. There is also Joomla to consider. It's another add-on that I'm really interested in. Plus, it's a CMS and most of the websites are going that way. It'll be a good excuse to get to learn it and perhaps set up a blog on it.

OK... whatever. Just remember... you have some gigs coming up.

Exactly. I think learning Joomla is going to make me more marketable.

Like I said... whatever. What about that vlog you were going to start.

I'll get right on it after I mop the house.

Da Count - sharing the blame

2007-07-26T21:23:00.001-07:00

Well, the interview is now on Fresno Famous. Go ahead... read it... I'll wait.

::whistle::

::whistle::

Done? OK. After reading it today, it brought to mind my count for this week. It is "the many" who over the years have bought into my insane schemes and made them happen. From mounting the odd wacky plays... to backyard theatre... to a theatre company... to an arts festival... to some other projects, activities and events that I'll remain silent on for the moment. But without them none of it would have been accomplished. I could name all of them but it would take easily a year if I started now. It just goes to prove that no one is an island and that things can happen when people pull together. That whole "village" thing that was bandied about some years ago happens to be true. Whether it be in the personal, professional or practical parts of our lives.

So, to those of you who have... and those who may not know you have... please know that you count. Not just on my crazed schemes... but to everyone around you in your everyday lives. I am not foolish (or vain) enough to think that these accomplishments are mine alone... they are ours. And this is hardly the end. Cheers!

To find out what Da Count is all about click the flashing sign above.

Oh, BTW... the HNT shot below was done straight... no photoshop magic in that one except for cropping out the barbecue. The setup took all of 5 minutes.

If you are in and around the Big NO this weekend come see THIS & THIS. Here is the promo video again just to goose you along.

More later... perhaps,

EDIT: 11:30 AM, Friday
So, I just got done having lunch with Mum. While I was doing so I flip open the newspaper (which I rarely do) and lo and behold... the interview is right there (picture and all) in the entertainment section. I left there for her to read if she so desires to.
.

sitting and biding my time - HNT!

2007-07-25T23:18:00.001-07:00

sometimes it's all you can do.

Cheers and Happy HNT!

* EDIT: Haloscan is being hiccupy to day. If you come by and want to leave a comment and Haloscan is being a bugger... click HERE!

I did something tonight...

2007-07-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't done in a long time. I went for a bike ride at 10 PM. That is the wonderful aspect about most Summer nights in the big NO... they are balmy and perfect for something like that. Riding around my neighborhood in the dark of night... then getting home to a tall glass of iced tea. Perfect.

AWARDS - YOU LIKE ME... YOU REALLY LIKE ME!

If you are a regular visitor you would have noticed that I rarely do memes, etc. When I do it is usually something that really tickles my fancy. In this case I couldn't pass up the Schmooze Award that the always delightful Lime kindly bestowed upon me... and I am honored and flattered. She also said that I qualified for the Creative Blogger Award. So, I'm nicking both awards to bestow upon 5 bloggers in each category... then they can pick 5... and so on and so forth. (I think that's how it works.) Though I am not going to hold any to it... they may or may not choose to keep it going. I am also going to try not to do repeats from her post or mine (per award).

::drumroll:: And the POWER OF SCHMOOZE award goes in no particular order to...

Airplanejayne: Apart from being a fine human being in real life (with those wild ranch BBQ's), APJ is quite the schmoozer in the blogosphere. She thinks she is being sly but I've spied her on many an occasion come over to surf my blogroll. She is not the only one but she actually makes contact more than anyone I know. if that is not schmooze... what is?

Tish: A delight (and quite the hottie) whom I actually spent breaking in the New Year's with once via chatting... I think has one of the widest circle of blog friends around. She is actually involved in a Blogathon this Saturday to raise funds for the Glaucoma Foundation (click here for details) so go by and support a good cause. You really have to be an ace schmoozer to do something like that.

Jay: She is a fabulous writer whose blog I came across not too long ago and I have been hooked ever since. Really she easily qualifies for the next award as well. Though I put her here mainly because the numbers in her comment section are so impressive. One of the few bloggers I know of who can make an entire colorful world so vivid just from a simple walk around her city neighborhood.

Osbasso: The Grand Emperor of HNT. Need I say more? The man started a movement and has met several personally on his travels. Sure, he usually frequents and comments on the sites of those of the female persuasion... but seriously, can you blame him? That's schmooze!

Barry: He is a fringe performer friend who is currently criss-crossing Canada on tour bringing his funny and droll shows to 9 Fringe Festivals this Summer. Not sure about blog schmooze but you really have to see this guy work a line waiting for a show. His adventures on this tour is being chronicled on his blog (a fun read BTW) and he also seems to have a strange obsession for bathroom signs.

::drumroll:: And the CREATIVE BLOGGER AWARD goes in no particular order to...

Heather: Her photographs are stunning and here is someone who could easily define blogging as an art form. She expresses in almost a stream of consciousness and sometimes dreamy surreal way all (or at least most) of what is her life. Often cryptic... yes... but you never miss the poetry of emotions that flow from her.

Cosima: This German expat lives in Hong Kong and shares a unique perspective of that and her life with a sometimes arresting candor. Yet there is a constant inquisitive nature that draws her visitors in with the warm embrace of sharing to where her delight of discovery becomes ours.

Zonthar: He has been a long time friend... though I will say (and this is totally unbiased) that he probably holds more talent in his little finger than most of the strutting peacocks in the business deemed "talent" all put together. He really should blog more because when he does he totally enthralls. Go over, give him a read and goose him to do more.

Kfarmer: She will be the first one to refute this... but let me tell you this solid woman's life is art. Just read about her daily adventures on her farm growing vegetables, raising her chicks, hanging with dog, cooking up a mess and loving... and loving totally her brood... and you will get a sense of what I speak of. She truly creates with the elegance of simplicity.

Kien: One of my oldest friends in the world. Just listen to his music... that part is obvious. But more importantly here is someone who has gone through hell and back and has never given up the joy of discovery or the drive to strive... that is the mark of a true creative.

Cheers!

EDIT: 10 PM, Wednesday
Thriller in Manila (prison). OK maybe not in Manila... but in the Philipines for sure. Talk about doing time creatively!
Philippine Prison Reenacts Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Video

Add to My Profile | More Videos

more shameless promotion (with an edit)

2007-07-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I finish cutting this tonight... and the shows are coming up this weekend. So if you live around the big NO... come on down and catch these fine shows!

More in the AM... promise!

EDIT: 10:30 AM, Tuesday
I just sent off my responses of an email interview to Fresno Famous that will be featured on Friday (I think). Now, I either have to snap a pic or hunt for one in my archives. Hmm... I wonder if they will post a half nekkid one of me. LOL!

Also, I have to begin promotions on the next presentation of Rogue Year Round. Yes, it is going to be a barrage over the internet and probably going to annoy some on MySpace. Well, I'm not apologizing for it in advance because the whole exercise is to get Butts In The Seats. The point here is we are not just promoting to friends and supporters but also to potential newbies... and with the attention span these days people forget very easily. (That's just one of the many reasons... but no one asked choosing instead to throw barbs.) I'll have you know that the last promotional thrust pulled in at least two thirds of the paying audience who were exposed to anything Rogue for the very first time... and they had a bloody good time.

The Rogue was not created to be some sort of "insiders club" but something to be inclusive. What I really don't appreciate (for the Rogue in general) is certain "insiders" had chosen to air their disdain of my previous methods via blogs and comments... which is a public forum. Either support the event (by showing up) or don't (by not showing up). If you want to question my methods... shoot me an email (and I will patiently provide an explanation of the "whys") but airing it in a public forum (via the power of the internet) is just plain unprofessional and counter productive to all many are attempting to accomplish. I'm all for debate and discussion... and if you are an insider... lets keep it within the confines of a meeting (one on one or via email)... but snippy blogs and comments that are open to the public just smacks of juvenile attention seeking. There... I've said my peace and for the record, I don't hold any grudge or ill feelings about what transpired... just saying.

Now back to editing the many videos that are laying in wait.

time is close the waiting closer to done

2007-07-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is not only in reference to several upcoming projects... but also to several personal aspects of my life. Like for instance...

MY NEXT PLAY...
which I think is ready to be written. Yeah, this is the one about the terrorist chef. Ideas have floated enough in my rabid mind and fermented enough to commit it to paper. Should be a fun little ditty that involves real food. Now all I have to do is block out a chunk of time to plunge into my bliss. But that will have to occur right after a few...

VIDEO PROJECTS...
that I have to complete for some clients. There is one I need to finish editing by tomorrow and another that will be reedited soon... but there are others in the works. In fact, I begin shooting one tonight that involves hot belly dancers and fire. Sure, hate me if you must. There are also some personal projects that I also want to shoot and cut. I'm actually thinking of getting into vlogging... perhaps as a weekend post... what do you think? Oh yeah, actually there have been a few other projects I have to cut sooner than soon. Like for instance, some of the footage from...

FRIDAY NIGHT...
that will go into another promotional video for Suicide Lounge. BTW... Friday was a blast. (see slideshow below.) It was something I had been needing for a while. Being holed up for as long as I have been due to circumstances and obligations at the homestead has somewhat curbed my social life... so this change was a good one. I think everyone at the gig had a pretty good time... and so did I. Plus, a good time was had without the need to get blotto and be crass in order to have it. There was actually sparkling conversation, easy laughter, great live music and the random sarong wearer. That along with the fresh fruit, sangria and devil's brew proved to be quite refreshing. Thanks to all of those who added your shine to the festivities.

Anyway, the point is time ain't stranding still and neither can I. If something is working... forge ahead. If something isn't... try to fix it... and if it still isn't after that... at least I know I made the attempt and effort and move on. Hubris will only shrink and limit one's world... and there are too many wonders out there to take in with the sliver of time we are granted in this life.

Have a great week!

Perhaps more in the AM.

i needed that

2007-07-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Da Count - hangin

2007-07-19T23:36:00.001-07:00

The ability to just hang with friends without an agenda. That is becoming more and more of a luxury these days... so when the opportunity arises I jump at it. Like tonight, I got to hang with Solitaire and Kowboi and it was really nice to just shoot the shit and down the beers. No big production number planned... just sitting around enjoying each other's company... talking about this and that... just hanging. So, that is my count today... hangin... and I've really been needing it of late.

To find out what Da Count is all about... click the flashing sign.

EDIT: Found THIS STORY on Frogway linked to my latest Picture Daze post.

EDIT 2: Just a thought on the story in reference to me being/working from NY. (Sure, a couple of my plays have been done in Brooklyn... but still!) This is not the first time it has happened. On another occasion yet another writer had me living/working in SF. For some reason they seem to think that placing me (as a playwright) in these cities somehow adds a certain "gravitas" to my persona (or perceived quality of work) to the reading public. For the record... I have never ever in my 27 years here said that I lived/worked anywhere other than Fresno. I am proud to call this place my home... or I wouldn't still be living or working here.

EDIT 3: The widgets were fun but they were hanging up the page load of my blog. So, they are gone.
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HNT - past & future tense

2007-07-18T19:03:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just have to look both ways.

Cheers & Happy HNT!

Picture Daze #10 - Frogway

2007-07-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

(be prepared for several video views.)

Googling "Frogway the Musical" and here are a few things I came across. This picture (to the right) is the cast of the upcoming production for one. A fine looking bunch don't you think? The director is also an actor of renown. There is also a Malaysian Idol finalist and another emerging Pop Star as well as a former Miss Malaysia/Universe in the present cast. (Here are some other cast photos.) The power creative team includes the likes of a Musical Director who composed this and of course my always amazing collaborator Mike (seen here playing with... believe it or not... my cousin, Jeremy at a recent concert). Even a couple of the Malaysian tourism sites have it listed as an event. Dang... it's quite a change from 27 years ago.

If you have followed this blog you've been privy to how this project came up again... to part of this latest rewrite process and working again with Mike here & here. So, how did this all begin?

On... meeting Mike
Mike and I met through a mutual friend (David Lim aka Kien) who was playing in a couple of bands together - Windjammer & Vintage. (There may have been another club band but the name escapes me at the moment.) Being a student at the time (HSC) I was somewhat of a "hanger-on" for the most part. I think it was during one of the Jazz Festivals/Concerts that Mike used to organize, that he may have first really noticed me. On the day of the concert they were short a group to perform... so they cobbled something together with musicians from several of the existing groups and called themselves "Lost Hopes". I was called in at the last minute to narrate a story of sorts backed by the band... their cue to break off into an extended jazz jam was me finally ending the story with the words "lost hopes".

Mind you, the concert had already begun when I got a call at home that this was happening. I jumped into a taxi... got to the venue with 5 minutes to spare before having to be on stage... all the while Mike and David were talking me through the idea. Got on stage... music backing started, I did my thing and I think this Zappaesque experiment was pulled off. It was after this over roti chanai that Mike asked me if I was interested in putting words to a tune he was writing. Shortly after that I brought the idea of Frogway to him.

On... our original working methods
We would usually work at Mike's place of business. He was giving organ lessons and we would steal into one of the practice rooms to hash out the songs. Sometimes he had the tunes that I would lyric to and at other times it worked the other way around. I recall one afternoon within a 2 hour period we managed to crank out 3 complete songs. We went to a local coffeeshop right after to celebrate buzzing with excitement over what had just occurred. I remember Mike exclaiming "Sometimes I wish I had 3 or 4 hands so I can play all the musical parts!" To which I replied, "I'd just settle for the other one I have to be functional." Back then... and again recently our collaboration always involved a healthy dose of good natured jibing of each other and laughter.

On... the original production in Malaysia
Mike was leaving to attend the prestigious Berklee School Of Music in Boston. I was left back in Malaysia to attempt putting a production of the show together. The plan was when he came back for Summer holidays we would mount the show. In March of 1980 I received news that I was accepted to college in California. This ramped up my own efforts to get the play produced before the end of August.

There was a certain naive "let's put on a show" Andy Hardy quality to the beginnings of all of this. I recruited potential cast & crew members from college mates, boy scout friends and friends of friends. My cousin Anna Kronenberg had her own dance studio. She kindly allowed us the use of it for rehearsals - rent free... all we had to pay was the utility bills... and also agreed to choreograph the show.

Then things got a little complicated. We needed an already established organization to produce the show because of all the red-tape, permits, etc that was going to be involved. (I remember having to send the script to 7 government departments for approval.) This proved to be a challenge as none of the established local theatre folk were really willing to go in with a bunch of upstarts. We finally approached NAMEO who agreed to umbrella us... Mike and I borrowed money from our parents and we began nailing the production together.

Well, things were moving along pretty well... then 2 weeks before opening I was in a car crash and split my nose open. One of the lead dancers and promotions manager was also in the car. It could have been a set back but the show went on to open with the 3 of us injured jumping back onto the stage. Mike and Anna kept things going in rehearsals and probably fixed some of the more glaring major mistakes I had made as a first time director.

The show opened at the University Kebangsaan Auditorium, July 30, 1980 (I think). It played for 5 performances to a total audience of about 1500. (I think again) For the most part everyone had a good time and we fulfilled at least the requirement of entertaining them. The entire cast and crew was made up mostly of unknowns and first timers... all of whom put effort, energy and joy on that stage... and it showed. The reviews in the press were mixed to say the least. Each of the 3 newspapers had reviews that ranged from excellent... to fair... to scathing. After recovering production costs the profits were donated to a couple of charities.

On... the production in America
In Fall 1980 both Mike and I were studying on different coasts in America. In 1981, I had switched majors from journalism to theatre at which time I had shown the script to one of my Professors. A staged reading of that under the Playwrights Theatre program was mounted. After that, my professor, Edward EmanuEl mentored me on the rewrites. Structurally the script became a lot more sound and 4 more songs were added. Mike and I wrote those over the phone and used the US Postal Service quite a bit back then. The current revision was conducted via Skype.

The play was picked up for production by the University's Experimental Theatre Company in the Spring of 1983. It was directed by french student Eric Duret with musical direction by Robert Paul and choreography by Chris Mathias. The show played to 4 sold out performances in the Arena Theater California State University, Fresno.

Impressions of the show
Both the original in Malaysia and American productions had several common characteristics.

An infectious enthusiasm and charm.
A raging "can-do" attitude.
A good natured horny cast. LOL!

Both productions had their unique challenges. Though I can't help but feel that there is a certain vibe with this show that ultimately inspires those involved to go above and beyond. I don't think anyone has walked away from the show not being pleasantly surprised at how far their capability reached.

It's not Shakespeare... at best it is a bauble... but one with an infectious heart and soul that winks and dares the different... and the brilliant music sings that. I did however rediscover during the latest retooling, that the show does indeed have a special hard to be explained magic about it. I think both Mike and I have been happy to come across that on our paths again after 27 years.

To the cast and the crew of this upcoming "re-premier"... my sincere hope is that you too will find that magic... and hold on to it. It is that which all these years I have held on to in all the creative projects I have undertaken to date... and it continues to serve me well. In essence, Frogway 2007 really is a brand new show... but Mike and I took special care to preserve the original magic and charm in it.

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE... AND GO SEE THE SHOW!

To everyone who has been involved in this hopping joyous insanity over the years... a big THANK YOU. And Mike... once again thank you for throwing your trust to this quirky serani hanger-on so many years ago.

EDIT: August 6
I have created a FROG BLOG HERE! (Forgive me Lord for the bad rhyming couplet puns.)

EDIT: For other Picture Daze posts form my old blog CLICK HERE!

still stalling for time...

2007-07-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

... cuz the scanner is fritzy. While you wait (as if) here are a couple of public service announcements.

First off... if you happen to be in the Des Moines area... the Fringe Festival is coming up this week. Go see Mia and Starr in their shows... they are totally FAB! (Click their names for their MySpace pages.)

And if that wasn't already enough... mark your calendars for the next Rogue Year Round! Click the poster for readable info!

ryr2

And if you haven't seen the video below yet... go ahead click it.

and while you wait for...

2007-07-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

... my hardly anticipated Picture Daze post... enjoy this little ditty from "Jihad the Musical". Special props to my friend who sent me the link via email today.

A couple of old features may return.

2007-07-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to bring back Picture Daze for a while now. First it's a great excuse to scan in those old slowly disintegrating photographs into digital format. Plus it also gives me an opportunity to record and share some stories. So, look out for that... probably tomorrow or Monday depending on when I can get the scanner to get working again. I'm thinking that perhaps this will occur at least every other week.

I was also reading last year's "Untitled 5-3-1" project (you may remember it as the Mina story) and am considering doing another one some time over the Summer. That story developed over 11 parts and was fun to do... plus it turned out OK. (Actually, it wouldn't be a bad movie.) If you missed it the first time out... HERE is the link to the first installment. I have yet to edit it but it's not too bad as is.

That's it for now. I've been working hard to make this a lazy day.

EDIT: Sunday, 10 AM
Slept in a little so I think I'll get some lunch ready before anything else is planned.

OK... fine... HERE!

2007-07-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

9 Short... but, eh... what the heck! Here torture yourselves with this.

Da Count - a break from the triple digits

2007-07-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

It was a balmy 95 today... and it's slated to be 98 tomorrow. A welcome relief from the crazed triple digits that had a lot of folk cantankerous and/or crazed. Now it is a given living in this area that there are going to be triple digit days... but what recently passed was exceptionally oppressive. So, when the temps dropped... boy, was it welcomed with open arms. So, that is my simple count today... pleasant weather.

To find out what Da Count is all about click the flashing sign above.

* On YouTube Subscriptions - only 9 more to go! (see post below) UPDATED: 1:00 PM!
* Is that it? - If I'm so inclined... there is a good chance I just may extend this post later. So, look for the edit. Right now I have to go dumpster diving... don't ask.

EDIT: OK... if you live in and around the Big NO... a few of us are meeting at the Starline Grill, 7 PMish for "Tempt The Fates Friday the 13th". Yeah, its just a bad excuse to get together and have a few drinks... so, feel free to join us!

holding on - HNT

2007-07-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it's all you can do.

BTW... I will post an embarrassing video of me singing (horrendously) at my final performance with Suicide Lounge from a couple of weeks ago... IF... 20 or more people subscribe to my YouTube channel by 6 PM PST Friday, July 13! At the moment I have 18 subscribers... the magic number is 38! (2 post down is my latest video.) Just sayin...

Cheers and Happy HNT!

so, a few weeks ago...

2007-07-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

... I eluded to the fact that I had made some purchases. Well, here are pictures of the Canon HV 20 and the Canon s3 is that I got. The "getting to know you" period is still in progress and I am enjoying every minute of it. I am still only scratching the surface of these babies' capabilities... haven't been disappointed yet as to what they have done so far. This period of yet another learning curve also extends to the Adobe Premiere editing software that is on the new computer which is dedicated to just that.

These are not only for fun. I have decided to explore yet another medium of storytelling with them and hopefully also to create some cash-flow while doing so. Some of the results can be viewed in the post before this one. So, I'll be posting videos as I go along this ride here... but if you would like to subscribe to my YouTube channel... CLICK HERE. I also have an account at Daily Motion HERE.

I'm discovering that I really, really like cutting (editing) as a form of storytelling. Am I giving up theatre? Probably not. This just extends and varies what I do... and perhaps to a wider audience. Who knows... there could be some video HNTs up ahead. ::wink::

If you got the new iPhone... here is a blending question answered. I hope this finally puts that one to rest.
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I cut this today

2007-07-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

It's a mini-doc of my artist friend Aileen

Aileen - working artist
Uploaded by dathang

EDIT: This is the way to do it!

I'm still cutting...

2007-07-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

... video and have yet to put together my powerpoint presentation for Tuesday. Powerpoint... woo hoo! So I'm taking a little break at the moment just so I won't get all google eyed. I may even indulge in a bit of a nap just so I can get back to cutting with fresh eyes.

So, there's not going to be much of a post from me today. Perhaps you can catch up on what you missed over the weekend.

this that and the other

2007-07-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

AT THE HOMESTEAD
The last three days has been a flurry of activity over at the homestead. I may have mentioned about 3 weeks ago how some good and wonderful folk have volunteered their time and effort to help with things around here so that it's more livable for Mum. Well, on the 4th the next work day began at 8 in the AM. The mission was to get the swamp cooler running again and the bathroom floor redone.

The swamp was accomplished by 10 the next day... but the bathroom will probably only be accomplished sometime Tuesday. These wonderful folk have (at the end of each day) put in a temporary floor and re-hooked the toilet so that Mum could use the facilities at night. It's all good and needed to be done as the water damage on the floor was more extensive than any of us would have guessed (leaky sink was the major culprit).

However, all this activity has thrown the schedule off and quite disorientated Mum. Not having the bathroom available while work was being done has also confused her quite a bit. I found her this morning standing in the kitchen in a stupor not knowing where to go. Also the flurry of activity has contributed a little to her ongoing obsession about the phantom "new house". It will take a little time, effort and reassurance to get her back into a routine and to get her locked back in to "homestead mode". No fault on any end... the work had to be done... and the upcoming efforts to get her back to feeling comfortable again will be as well. Plus she'll soon be able to go in a nicer and safer bathroom.

THE BLAZING HEAT AND BAD AIR
Oof, it's been bad. This current wave (which mercifully is ending soon) has really done a job with congestion issues all around. Adding to this is all the fireworks over the holidays that has only added even more to make the air in the bowl we live in heavier. Once again, no fault or finger pointing... heck, celebrations still have to take place, don't they? I took one of the stellar folk who was helping with the work being done out to dinner last night at a local Vietnamese noodle place. Just the ride there and back with the windows down did me in. Plans I had to go out and join some friends at a local watering hole last night literally went out the window. Here is hoping a small system comes in to blow all of this schmutz so that we can all breathe again more easily.

Hmm... I'm wondering if everyone around here would put in clean bags or filters into their vacuum cleaners and collectively turn them on outside in their yards... if that would help clean out the air a bit.

Perhaps more later...

UPDATE:
She began reclaiming today by insisting on sweeping.

On another front... I don't care if they are cubs... this monkey has balls... and the ninja sound effects are fun too!

Monkey And The Tiger - Click here for the most popular videos

Da Count - in the moment

2007-07-05T18:03:00.001-07:00

There was something the lovely (and talented) Joy mentioned in her post about Sunday night that got my noggin cranking. She wrote about knowing that it was good but feeling emotionally numb. Strange, but I have often felt the same way... after it (whatever "it" might be) has happened. - only a few years ago I think I finally understood why... at least for me.

Very simply put... what was is over... it is not happening anymore. Like we actually expect some kind of instant-replay-best-of reel will hit us in vivid Technicolor accompanied by the swell of lump-in-the-throat soundtrack by the likes of John Willams! Godot ain't arriving. You see, the conventional collective psyche has pushed several ideas over and over again that frankly society has now been brainwashed by certain notions. NOTION 1: It's all about the goal. NOTION 2: Live your life to make memories. NOTION 3: If you do not have a rocking "afterglow" at the end... it (there's that "it" again) couldn't have been good.

How many have of us have ignored life as it was happening because of this? I confess that I bought into this whole package as well... until I realized one day that I was actually enjoying something WHILE I was doing it or WHILE it was happening. That "being in the moment" is not (for the most part) ground moving or earth shattering. Not unlike enjoying the company of a friend while it is happening... or savoring that meal as the taste explosions erupt in your mouth... or how heady the forest or the ocean can be just because you are there... or heck... even completing a post for your blog! It's easy... it's happening... it's now. There won't be an epiphany right after or an awards ceremony down the line. Have we been so programed to believe that if a "big movie moment" doesn't occur that the section of our lives we just experienced is of no consequence? Seriously, try to chronicle 5 minutes of your life tomorrow... heck, why wait... go for it today - every action, sensation, thought, observation, emotion, intent, etc... it may just astound you how much is actually happening.

So, my count is appreciating the moment as it is happening... even the not so pleasant moments because through each one we are made aware that we are indeed alive and living. It is true that some will be more memorable than others... but all of them are ours.

To find out more about Da Count click the flashing sign above.

EDIT:
BTW... if you live or are near the Toronto area... check out Barry's (Jesus In Montana) & Baba's (Rap Cantubury Tales) shows. They are fringe performer friends and their shows totally ROCK!

pondering independence - HNT

2007-07-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

... how fragile it can be ... how easily it can be eroded without vigilance... by all means celebrate the ideals and principles today... but don't forget to claim and live them tomorrow.

EDIT: I'm adding this here (from 4 posts down)... just in case you missed it. It was one of the many highlights from our show on Sunday. Plus it sort of fits HNT. It's called "Ma Babee Stole Ma Butt".

and sometimes... thats just how it goes

2007-07-04T05:44:00.000-07:00

If You Had A Bad Day - The most popular videos are here
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so, did you laugh or feel compassion?

bracing for the triple digits...

2007-07-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

... at least in Fahrenheit terms. Yep, the next week or so the temps are going to be scorching. They expect 102 today... 107 tomorrow and perhaps even 109 on Friday. Hmmm... I'm thinking a big bowl of gazpacho and a couple of watermelons in the fridge may just be the thing to do.

This also means that the daily routines... cleaning, cooking, etc... MUST absolutely occur before 10 or 11 in the AM. If I know what's good for me this will happen. I actually began that routine this morning... the laundry was crispy dry within an hour. Huh, could be a good time to do my bedding in the AM. I do so love sun dried clothes and sheets.

The other bad thing about the high pressure and the heat in this region is that the air gets heavy. Really, it becomes pretty unhealthy and respiratory maladies begin to abound. It is one of the few places in the world where people develop asthma later in life. Between the proliferation of pollen in the spring and fall... plus the dust and heavy air in Summer (yeah, you should have seen the mound that came just from the air condition filter when I cleaned it out today)... it just wears on the body after a while. So, staying indoors becomes an essential thing to do.

Though, to balance things off... the nights around here are gorgeous. The temps drop about 30 degrees to a balmy mid 70's or so. Perfect whether to sit around sipping on sangrias and munching on cold cut fruit. This activity is good with or without company to share the experience. Hmm... let me put mangos and a papaya on my shopping list. There... done.

I also have a huge presentation to give to folks in the arts community that I'm preparing for. ( O.K. it's not that huge but it could mean business potential down the line.) This amended routine will afford me uninterrupted time to get it all spiffy. Yeah, it involves cutting video, powerpoint, etc.

Anyway, I suppose I should get started. Oh, and have a safe and fun 4th y'all!

a couple of highlights from last night

2007-07-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah... the crowd was actually pretty decent last night... considering that it was a Sunday evening. We had a very short span of time to get the word out due to an administrative snafu. The promotional blitz seemed pretty effective... even though some of those we knew complained and took issue with it. Oh well... ya can't please everyone.

These are only 2 of several highlights of the evening. They are from the Suicide Lounge set. Once again, a big thank you to everyone involved... the members of Suicide Lounge, the cast of Tale End, the wonderful staff of the Starline, the box-office and tech staff and everyone in the audience who came out to support us and enjoyed an entertaining show.

the gig last night...

2007-07-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

... was really good. Those who turned up to experience it had a good time. Those who didn't... too bad, they missed a good show. This one meant a lot to me on many fronts. It was my last performance with Suicide Lounge... for a while at least. For Tale End... well, to make a long story short... I have sold exclusive rights to the show to a more than worthy company. So, both are going on to bigger, brighter and better things.

It was fun nevertheless... here are some pics. None of tale end as photogman was too sucked into the whole deal.

EDIT: More pics

A big Thank You to everyone who made it possible.

blue moon special

2007-06-30T21:01:00.001-07:00

Heck, no one comes by on weekends anyway. The choice was to sit around and twiddle my thumbs... OK... one thumb twiddles the other just sits there not doing much of anything... or perhaps do a random post. Random post won out... after which I just may pop in a movie.

Speaking of movies... I re-watched Towering Inferno yesterday. Yes, I'll cop to the fact that I do own several disaster movies from the 70's... that I'll also admit I enjoy quite a bit. It's a guilty pleasure I've had for years. Yeah, most of them are cheezy... but that's half the fun. I think what has stuck in my mind is going to see them in the movie theaters and taking minor bets with the friends I went with on which characters would make it and which would bite a movie death. The bets were always taken out in the lobby as we looked at the cast pictures displayed on the poster. I remember that there was also always a display of production stills. Do they do that anymore? So, disaster movies became sort of a perverse sport. The only thing I do not own yet are the "Airport" movies. (The first one is still the best of the lot.) I still laugh out loud at "Airplane" because it is such a great take-off on those. George Kennedy sure got a lot of work when that genre hit. I think he was in just about every "Airport" ever made as well as "Earthquake" (dang, talk about cheezy).

My other guilty pleasure are horror movies from Hammer Studios... also from the 70's. Yeah, there are a lot of things from the 70's that I like. Can't help it... those were my formative years. Anyway, those movies still tickle my fancy. OK... admittedly the gratuitous and copious cleavage shots did help "up" the appeal quotient... but those guys knew horror. Really... the English have the blood and gore down to an art form from centuries of indiscriminate blood letting in their history. It really shows in these movies... and they are not even really trying... just cranking them out. I suspect that the tale of Sweeney Todd is just a charming bed-time story for the kids over there. Even watching these movies today... the blood seems redder than red. (For us color blind guys... this is big.) Plus, many of the movies actually had plots... bonus! Hmmm.... perhaps a Hammer movie is in order tonight. Vampire Lovers or Dr. Jekyll & Sister Hyde? Perfect for a blue moon night, don't you think?

I think most of what needs to be set-up for tomorrow has been taken care of. Now, all we can do is hope that a decent audience turns up to the gig. It's not exactly Shakespeare... but it will be a fun show for those who turn up. What happens tomorrow and how it happens will be a major factor in some decisions that I'll be making soon.

Now I think I'll pop a movie in... hmmm... let's see... oooh ... Taste the Blood of Dracula...

EDIT: 10 AM, Sunday
Speaking of Sweeney Todd... did you know a movie version of the Sondheim musical is currently in production directed by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp in the title role? Yeah... cool, huh?

mind meanderings on this and that

2007-06-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

It seems as if I always have to start it... get it going... then they will jump on board... maybe.
To be honest... I'm getting a little tired of this. It's not one project... this is the case in several things I have my hot little hands on at the moment. "Oh yeah... we support you... 100 percent behind it." So, then I send out emails requesting assistance in certain aspects... crickets chirp. Discussions lead to decisions that affect these projects... yet I (who technically am spearheading these projects) am not informed of these decisions. Some aspects of these projects affect a few other folk... but... crickets chirp loud.

Yes, I am passionate about what I do. I also have very well thought out ideas and methods of achieving goals in the short and long term. I am very emphatic about expressing them too. However, I am also open to other ideas. Even if I am still not convinced that those ideas are as good as mine... I will capitulate to the majority. But, dammit... let me know what the final decision is. Lately, all I've been getting is the cricket chorus.

I very rarely voice my opinions unless I get all sides of the story (especially on the big stuff)... and even then it is iffy.

More often than not... this is not a luxury that has been afforded to me. Look, I am used to the slings and arrows of criticism in a lot of what I do. Heck, I imagine other toddlers when I was born had issues with my thumb sucking techniques. I take it as part and parcel of my lot in life. Sure, I do have views and opinions and I do express them... and more often than not only after weighing in what the other side has to offer. And in the immortal words of a certain very wise Mr. Gump... "That's all I have to say about that."

My other lot in life is facilitating opportunities for others.

These incidents have happened of late and made me smile wider than the man in the moon inside. It is really astounding to watch something creatively gel. And to watch the sparkle of greater possibility glinting in the eyes when it happens. It's a quiet rush that has no equal. OK, perhaps as equally rewarding is being present for the entire process that eventually ignites that moment. This one balances off the first two.

OH, and if you live in the Toronto area...

The Fringe is coming up. I highly recommend you catching the shows of THIS & THIS performer friends of mine... and pass the word, won't cha?

So much for now... perhaps more later.

Da Count - memory trigger

2007-06-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

So... on Monday, I finally burned the songs from Frogway. I popped it into the cd player in the house. Mum listened to it and it triggered memories from 27 years ago when it was first produced. Happy memories. Memories of pride. I finally told her that it was being produced again. She beamed. I know that in her mind... that is the only show I have written... but thats OK with me... very OK. If that doesn't count... I don't know what does. For the past few days... that is all she has been buzzing about. Thank you, Mike.

If you want to find out what Da Count is all about... click the flashing button above.

EDIT: 9 AM Friday

These fine talented folk are appearing on stage July 1.
So, we'll see you there... right?

and thus it begins!

2007-06-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

Well, rehearsals for both shows are in full swing. Hopefully, my promo promiscuity works its magic and we get a good house for the gig. My tactic at the moment... sheer annoyance. Bombard the internet with notice and hopefully folks will turn up just so we will shut our traps. If you have a MySpace and have friended any of the entities that are connected to me... you'll definitely catch some of the blitz. Several bloggers from other parts of the continent have also picked up and posted the video (two posts down)... thank you! If you have a MySpace... copy and paste and send this out as a bulletin and help us spread the word!

We had a rehearsal for Tale End... and it is not the same old hat. The cast and I are infusing some new stuff into it. With the time away... ideas have percolated even more.

On other fronts... it has been a good week with Mum. All in all she seems a lot more settled this week than most.

Perhaps updates in the AM.

EDIT: 9:15 AM
Just purged some dead links off my blogroll. It's always a little sad to do that but I do understand that folk give up blogging for various reasons. Glad I had a peek into their insight and perception for the time when thewy were active.

The Garage (Turtle Dove) Theater is being reset today. It was left a shambles from the time of the Rogue. I've decided to get it back to where it was and perhaps even more than it was by maybe buying THIS... I said maybe.

Well... off to do some damage.

my body clock is all out of whack...

2007-06-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

... from pulling an all-nighter. If you haven't seen the video yet... check it out in the post below. I'll probably add more content to this post later in the AM.

EDIT: 9:45 AM, tuesday
Oh yeah... feel free to steal the video if you are so inclined. I looked at it this morning and thought to myself... "Self, that turned out pretty good." Sometimes looking back a day after creation I look at it and go "eh." or "what was I thinking?" ... but this one was "yeah." And BTW... I posted on daily motion and they flagged it as "inappropriate content"... WTF? Anyway, here is the code if you want it:

It's going to be a busy week around here. Rehearsals for both shows... more promo... general chores... but I think it will all be fun.

Perhaps more updates later.

EDIT: 1:00 PM
So, this is how much of a promo ho I am... the video has been posted HERE.

You just got to be there... the show features me & me

2007-06-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

There'll be more later when I'm more lucid.

EDIT:
So, I stayed up all night editing the video. Got up at 10 AM and am still a little out of it. Been busy blitzing via the internet to promote the show. Myspace, email lists, blogs... I can be such a promo ho, ya know?

Well, the real news is all of it was done on the new equipment I acquired recently. I really like it and there is still going to be a "getting to know you" period before it fits me like a second skin... so to speak. Good hardware does make a helluva difference... and it doesn't have to break the bank.

Anyway, if you are in the area... come by and see the show. Oh yeah... the song in the soundtrack on the video is one from Frogway.

ROGUE YEAR ROUND with Suicide Lounge & Tale End!
A double header you can't afford to miss!

$10
6:30 PM (Doors open at 6)
Sunday, July 1

STARLINE Performance Venue
831 E. Fern

more info: at the Rogue Year Round Page!

come by later for...

2007-06-25T00:12:00.000-07:00

a post and a new video!

tagging me self silly

2007-06-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

I first saw this meme over at Mark Leslie's then over at Addict's so I decided to tag myself. I haven't done one of these in a while... so, why the heck not?

Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog

LECRAM'S RANDOM FACTS/HABITS (or boring things you never wanted to know about me.)

1. Even though theatre is my life and I have lived in America for over half my life I have never seen a show on Broadway (even though I have been to NY)... but I have seen several in London's West End. Yeah... strange but true.

2. Whenever I acquire a DVD (even for a movie I have never seen before) I always watch the "extras" before the movie. I hear that this is one of the sure tests for a true nerd.

3. My life is broken up into periods of being ultra high profile social or super hermit recluse. I enjoy both but not all the time.

4. Somewhat related to # 3... friends over the last few years have commented that going out in public with me feels akin to being part of a rock star's entourage. OK... actually they complain that they can't take me anywhere because I seem to know everyone. This is plainly false... everyone seem to know me. LOL!

5. If I am creatively blocked or come to a cluster-fuck while developing a project... a trip to the toilet usually fixes the problem. Further evidence that my work is crap inspired.

6. I rather let things pile up (like the dishes) before taking care of it in one fell swoop. Somehow it brings a greater sense of accomplishment when the task is completed.

7. I hated the taste of chocolate until my mid-20's. That's all I'm going to say about that.

8. Some of the most terrifying scenes I have ever seen on the screen that still haunt me today are from Disney movies - Snow White running through the forest and the "death coach" from Darby O'Gill and the Little People. Even now if the low branches of a tree brushes up against me in the dark of night - I will freak. Yet I have never had problems camping in the jungle. Go figure!

I'm not tagging anyone (I think self fulfillment is best kept as just that) ... but if you want to tag yourself... have at it until you have hairy palms. Just let me know you did so I can go read.

Da Count - when it quietly goes right.

2007-06-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

No fanfare. No earth shattering epiphany. No big production number. Just when things fall into place what a rush that can be... albeit a private moment... and anything intruding is on yout list to be beheaded. And on the surface it all seems so... almost mundane. But for that moment it makes all the difference in the world. You know it is not going to be forever... but for the moment it is prime. It is those moments that makes your heart well up and you know you are in the "groove". It can be as ordinary as achieving just the right crease whilst you are ironing.... or something more momentous. I'll let you fill in that blank via the comment function.

To find out what Da Count is about... click the flashing sign above.

EDIT: Time Wasters.

Sorted Books - funny and interesting groupings of titles.
Hmmm
Perhaps I should pick up chess.
The Museum of Hoaxes

sour green mango

2007-06-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

I just devoured one dipped in a little salt. Bought at a local Asian market a couple of days ago. Best eaten when it hasn't ripened yet. I'm still floating in the afterglow of that tart euphoria. One of my uncles had a huge tree of that particular variety growing in front of his house. I remember picking them off the low branches as a boy. This same uncle had a cockatoo who was quite the diva. He would sing two lines of O Sole Mio and actually take a bow right after by tucking his head under his right wing. Taste does indeed trigger memory recall. Sure, you can find them (green mangos...not cockatoos) pickled in brine or a chutney... but nothing beats fresh.

So, of late references to food have been bombarding my psyche. Recently I quoted something I heard my father saying a long time ago. "Love truly begins after the flash of passion has boiled down to a simmer." That's cookin, baby. Where's Hank Williams when you need him? I've even been dreaming about nosh. OK, admittedly a fair amount of these dreams also involved sex... but food was prominently featured.

I can only surmise that this convergence of the culinary in my life at the moment is directly related to the current play I'm developing. Yeah, it's about a terrorist chef. The pace of development is actually occurring pretty fast. This one is coming quite easily. No, I haven't written a lick yet. Waiting for an opportune moment when I feel that it's fully cooked enough before I will allow myself to be lost in my bliss.

What surprises me is that it took me this long to actually attempt writing a food related play. I originally come from a culture that is practically obsessed about food. It's not unusual for people over there to drive for miles in the quest for a certain dish that is served in some shanty hole in the wall. Really, Malaysians make no bones about the fact that we live to eat. BTW... HERE is a really good Malaysian food blog if you're so inclined.

I cook. I have even "trained" most of my friends here to the point that if I do serve a "full tilt" curry that they will gobble it up while sweating and tearing profusely without moaning about the hellish heat index. I've run a food business... and may again soon. Some of my favorite movies are food related... Tampopo, Like Water For Chocolate, Big Night... just to name a few.

So, yeah... I think it's about time, don't you?

and today was indeed spent...

2007-06-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

... tweaking the new machine and uninstalling and installing software. Then I began optimizing the machine with Crap Cleaner... swear... its the name of a real freeware program. Don't believe me, huh? Well GO HERE. Nya... I say get it to clean up those unused registry entries that is just bogging down the system! Then I defraged the computer. There is a HD optimization program that is being touted ... but it's $90... so that may have to wait. Right now the new machine is purring like a big satisfied puss and is taking Hi Def video from the camera like a hooker takes the cash before spreading her charms. OK... now that my inner geek has been satiated... I can move on. Oh... did I tell you I have a switchbox that controls both PC's with 1 keyboard and 1 mouse and shares one monitor? OK, OK... promise... no more geek stuff!

There is still more promotional stuff for the upcoming Rogue Year Round show that I had planned to complete today but may not until tomorrow. Actually, there is a lot more in that area that still needs to be done that I don't want to think about at the moment. You are turning up for that... right?

OK... so it's boring mundane stuff in the post today. But on the upside... the sky didn't fall on my head either. I did get out for a bit this afternoon to shoot some video for a mini-doc that I'm doing for an artist friend. Yeah, you'll see it once it's done.

If you want some good reading... go over to Zonthar's as the 5th part (with tons of pics) of his London trip is posted there. Blimey, that was quick between parts... perhaps he knows something about the sky falling that we don't?

Oh, and if you are visiting here from Ottawa... go see Barry Smith's show in the Fringe... it's worth the ticket price... really, it is. You can thank me after you saw it.

Cheers!

a royalty payment came in today...

2007-06-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

... though I'm not planning on retiring on it. It's been a while since I've received one from a production for one of my plays that (other than writing it) I have no hand in producing. It's nice. I really need to see how I can keep this trend going.

Speaking of trends...
I totally geeked out yesterday with the whole Britain's Got Talent thing (see post below) by constantly refreshing an update page whilst the broadcast was going on across the pond. It was actually kinda fun getting caught up in the frenzy of that. Even found a YouTube user (myredroom) who posted videos within 10 minutes of the end of the show. I'm usually (or at least been in the last few years) more of a trend monger than a follower... so this was a refreshing and fun change to be partr of the crowd. As I stated in an earlier post I don't usually watch these kind of shows but Paul's story was so universally compelling that it was worth the ride. Besides, I am such a sucker for the deserving underdog story.

And speaking of geekiness...
The power unit for the new computer arrived today. Installed it along with a new video card and have it up and running. Just need to install the video editing software in the morning... a couple of minor tweaks and it will be ready for use. This I'm really looking forward to.

Another thing I'm looking forward to...
Is having a midnight snack of the meatball curry I cooked today. It's a lighter curry which I also plan to devour in the morning with some toast.

And speaking of balls...
Ms. Joy had a hairy experience that she blogged about. Of course she faulted me for getting juice all over her... but she is the one who squeezed the damed things.

BTW... the pic above is the base of one of the lamposts in my neighborhood. Bet the guy whose name appears on it wishes he was getting royalties for his stuff.

the anticipation builds...

2007-06-17T13:52:00.001-07:00

... to see if Paul Potts wins on Britain's Got Talent!! You'll get it here as soon as I do. (Really, I can't believe I'm this sucked into this.)

HERE IS THE VIDEO

NOW JUST THE RESULTS...

Yep... he won! (posted 2:30 PM PST)

EDIT: And for a special friend who pulled "daddy duty" recently (not to take anything away from daddy... but we all pitch in when its needed).... and all the Dads out there... here is 6 year old Connie in the finals.

And here is the WINNING MOMENT.

a spark of talent

2007-06-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

OK... I'll admit it... I'm quite taken with the Britian's Got Talent show... at least via YouTube of late. It started with Paul Potts (you can see his semi-final performance in the post below this) who did get into the final which is tonight in the UK. So, UK readers... if you watch it come over and tell me in the comment section who won.

In the meantime... here is another of the acts from the semi-finals. Although she didn't get into the finals... still... DANG!

I very rarely watch these kinds of shows... PT. 2

2007-06-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

The video in THIS POST... made me blubber a few days ago. Well, here he is in the semi-finals... I hear the finals are on Sunday. The sound mix for broadcast isn't great but nevertheless.

To find out if he got through to the final...

Couldn't be more official than this!

2007-06-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

BTW... today's Da Count is below this post. So, click the image for a bigger version.

Da Count - watermelon

2007-06-14T22:19:00.001-07:00

Yes, I said watermelon. Especially, on triple digit temp days like we've had for the last 2. Fresh cut watermelon from the fridge... ya just have to count that sometimes. Heck, I had it for breakfast this morning... slurp!

To find out what Da Count is all about click the flashing sign above

more lecram in one evening than should be legal - HNT?

2007-06-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

OK... it's official now. 6:30 PM, Sunday, July 1... be at the Starline performance venue for the double-header return of Suicide Lounge & Tale End! All of this for only an uber affordable $10 bucks! I'll wait until you all mark your calendars............................k? Good. I perform (if what I do actually constitutes performing) in one and wrote the other. More details and promo will bombard this blog soon.

In other brief snippets:
Follow the adventures of performer Barry Smith as he hits several Fringe Festivals over the next few months. Who knows, he may be in a town near you soon (he is in Montreal now) and his show is definitely worth the time to catch. Plus, he's always a fun read.

My friend Zonthar's adventures in London part 4 (of a trip he took last year) is now posted. Another fun read.

Yeah... I cheated and cropped a pic that you may have seen before but Cheers and Happy HNT anyway!

I very rarely watch these kinds of shows...

2007-06-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

... but this video made me verklempt and brought a tear to my eye today. Not only is this particular aria always been amazingly powerful in itself (obviously abbreviated in this clip) ... but made even more poignant within the context of what you are about to watch.

my day? ya really want to know?

2007-06-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

Was up by 5:30 AM. Lolled around a bit in bed enjoying the glow of the dawn breaking outside. Thinking to my self... "Self, this could be quite a day."

Got on the puter and the net at 6:30 ish. Had a great chat with... could tell you but then you would want to take a hit out on me. Anyway, halfway through... thought I'd better fix up and serve breakfast for Mum. A vegie omelet with rice and a dab of soy. So good I indulged myself as well.

8:36 AM get a call informing me that a friend has passed away. The good thing (if there is a good thing about this) is that he went peacefully... and quick... like during an afternoon nap. Chatted with informant (and dear friend) on the horn a bit more and came up with a cool and quirky idea for a project we are working on... so call started sad but ended up creative.

Farted around surfing and doing business on the net. Write email of apology for flying off the handle on Sunday night... offer to make up by buying a whole steak sandwich. A friend comes by looking to buy a domain... hook him up... he buys 3.

11:03 AM... Get an email that another friend is playing hooky. Invite friend to "hang"... friend takes me up on invitation and says will be over in an hour or so. During same email session Mike (in email) says that last song for Frogway is done and is online to Skype. Fire up the Skype engine and voice chat with him. Reworked song lyrics are transfered as well as music. Different from what was originally pitched.... but it totally works!!! Yay!!!! Chat a bit more about progress of show (it's all good) and end call.

11:26 AM... head to kitchen to cook. Cook. (Pork soup with cabbage and onions.) Another friend comes by to ask if I can drive his car back home from the airport to avoid long term parking. Sure... I'll do it this afternoon when friend who comes to hang drops by.

11: 40 AM Serve Mum lunch. Go to bathroom to shower before friend who is going to hang arrives. There is crud in the shower. I have seen this before. Flush loo... crud comes up from shower drain. SHIT! The damn thing (sewer) is blocked!!! I have a web client coming over before friend that hangs arrives. Friend that hangs arrives. Call rooter service. Serve friend that hangs lunch. Web client calls... I beg to reschedule... shit is hitting the fan! Rooter service calls... service agent will be over in half an hour.

20 minutes past noon... rooter service arrives and I explain that sewer vent is actually located in neighbor's yard in the back (don't ask). We go over and I knock on door. Neighbor's son... draped in towel (probably interrupted his "afternoon" delight) very nicely says, "Do what you have to" closes door and gets back to his bitnezz. (Sorry,, dude... but... as you were and more.) Rooting begins as friend who (patiently) hangs surfs on computer. Rooting goes on and on and finally... it drains!

2 PM... $145 later I clean up the shower and take one. Tell Mum that I'm going out for a bit. Propose to friend who hangs that after we drop friend who needs car pick up at his car we go to Big Lots. Friend is dropped off at car rental place... we head to Target. Return a swimsuit (very pretty bikini with gold specks) buy 18 cotton panties and head to Big Lots!

2:45 PM... Cruise aisles of Big Lots... and there is lots to see! It's one of the few places that I actually browse and not power shop. (Really, virtually impossible to power shop there.)

4:32 PM... we have already even done a third of the place but there is a Mum feeding coming up. We pay for the goodies (some of which we didn't need... but it's cool stuff, dammit!) and head off to the homestead.

5:14 PM... Mom feeding. After which friend who hangs and I head out to the usual watering hole. We drink, eat and chat. Very enjoyable and the first relaxation of the entire dar

6:43 PM... After 2 scotch sodas... friend who hangs drives and drops me at the homestead and been a real joy to hang with... thank you so much! Get home and I serve Mum ice cream.

This is the most I've been out in eons and I needed it bad. Tah Dah!

and on it goes

2007-06-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

On Saturday a small army descended on to my house and helped clean and fix things up here. Organized by a friend they helped make living conditions around the homestead much better. Thank you all who came by to make this happen. I am both grateful and humbled by your gift to us.
I blew my top last night over a professional situation that has been a mounting source of frustration over the last couple of months. I probably shouldn't have but I did. I hate it when that happens and am sorry at how it happened.
That being said, I refuse to capitulate to a no-can-do point of view without even the consideration of trying.
However, I am also beginning to tire of facing the same battles I've fought all my life.
I need to make time to get out a little more even though the situation calls for me to be around the homestead a lot more than it used to.
There is a LOON IN JUNE over at Jungle Webs. .NET & .ORG at $8.75... .COM are $6.95... .INFO are .99! Plus if you plonk the following code (5NC25) in at checkout... you get a 5% off for orders over $25! Shhh... tell everyone!

yeah, I was one of those kids... pt. 2

2007-06-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

click here for pt. 1

Anyway, my love affair with music through the medium of vinyl just intensified with age. By the time I was 12 I owned the original box set of Jesus Christ Superstar. (Look, this was a pretty big deal... at least I thought so when I was 12.) Now you have to understand that the edgiest musical I had heard up till this point was West Side Story... so this was pretty damn radical... WTF - a rock opera? Yeah, I totally devoured it. Played it over and over again. I have on occasion boasted that I can do the entire thing all by my lonesome ... orchestrations and all... and proved it at least twice. Of course, this was when I had a bed with a roll-away underneath... that was my stage. (Sidebar: I did see the original London stage production when I was 15... yet another blow away moment in my life.)

So, my teen years were the "record exchange" years. Friends like Kien, Vert and I exchanged albums. Yeah, a lot of them were pirated albums. But within a very short while we graduated from top forty bubblegum like Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep (swear it's a real song... just click the link!) to the "heavier stuff"... you know, what back then was referred to as "underground music". Stuff like Deep Purple . Coincidentally Ian Gillan sang the Jesus part in JCS so this was especially potent heady stuff for me personally. BTW... I like Machine Head (Gawd, every guitarist I knew would play the riff from Smoke On The Water)... but In Rock has always been my favorite. Later it was Black Sabbath, Yes, King Crimson and Led Zep. We would sit around listening to the riffs... oohing and ahhing over the solos. Which is when we decided to form a rock group called KISMANTAB... we got as far as the album cover design, I think.

The one funny thing I distinctly remember about buying records back then was walking out of the store and making sure to keep it out of direct sunlight so it wouldn't warp by the time you got it home. Plus the album designs got fancier and fancier that one was always tempted to buy something just because the cover and the fold-outs looked so damn cool.

Even when I moved here in 1980... one of the first things I bought was a stereo system and obsessively was on the look out for record sales. I do have to say that my taste in music was always and still is very eclectic. Yeah burned through the natural (and limiting) music chauvinism of my teen years pretty quickly actually. Now, if it sounds good to me... I like it.

So, I have to thank the record player for this. Especially the early years of playing every record in the house. I'm not as obsessed about owning cd's or mp3's these days but if something strikes my fancy... I just may plonk down the 99 cents for the download.

EDIT: So I've had pizza for lunch... completed it with an ice-cream drumstick (yeah, I got mum one too... she is happier than a clam now.) While rereading this post I suddenly had the urge to hear this song. lol... beats me why... but here it is.

Anyway, I am taking the rest of the afternoon off and indulge in some DVD watching... cut cold watermelon by my side and an iced cold drink. Cheers to lazy Sunday afternoons!

Da Count - gonna let the music say it

2007-06-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

So, I've been posting about Frogway all this time that you are probably sick of it. Well, ::drumroll:: here is one of the new songs created by the M & M Song Factory for the show - music by Mike and lyrics by Moi. This version is actually a demo that was cut about a month ago to sell the show to the producers. There have been minor tweaks that have occoured since... but for the most part this version is pretty close to what is now. My count is that it came out pretty well. Yeah, I do think they'll be snapping their fingers to this as they file out of the theater.... at least, I hope so.

Enjoy! And when you are listening... just do what you're feelin!

If you want to find out more about Da Count click the flashing sign above.

EDIT: Posting this early as I'm going out tonight for ArtHop. Whoknows this post may extend after that.

for the past 3 days after breakfast...

2007-06-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

... I go in for my hourly check to find her sitting in the living room. In the corner, by the door her handbag is stuffed with her essentials. On the floor next to it a wooden hand carved Madonna ... something that I had won on a dare in my teen years. She is waiting for the "transport" to take her to the "new place"... this elusive property that someone has supposedly bought for her. Of course, the transport never comes and after I serve her lunch she goes into her room to lie down. I know the memory of today will slip away in her sleep and she will be waiting again tomorrow.

In variants of this living fable that she is living out, I have already moved to this new place... even though I prepare her meals for her every day. In another she wants me to visit her when she is moved so that she will know how I am doing.

Last night as I sat outside enjoying the breeze and skinning a mango, I wondered where this obsession to move came from. Then it struck me. I recalled an on and off topic of discussion between her and my father when I was younger. We lived in class 4 government quarters even though Dad was entitled to better living accomodation. That's where it must have begun. Maybe promises were made... though I don't recall any being made. Perhaps that's where I learned to make few promises... and to keep the ones I did make.

The irony is that he did provide the opportunity to move. His pension after his death when I was 12, provided the capital to buy a new house. One that she owned outright... one that she sold years later to buy this one when she moved out here. Perhaps in her mind "moving to a new place" never really happened... perhaps the yearning has resurfaced once more because it wasn't something they did together... that even though she has owned her own home it still didn't count without him.

Perhaps it is something I just want to believe just so it makes some sense to me... simply a way to continue coping.

busted power unit

2007-06-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

I was setting up a new computer today and the power unit is busted. So it's going back and I get a replacement in 2 weeks or so. Sometimes it just goes that way. Anyway, I was thinking about upgrading the present one to handle video editing... after a bit of math it was better just to get a new one dedicated to doing that. Yeah, I'm taking that on to earn some side income... and it may be time to try my hand at movies. I look at it as a business investment.

So, this gives me a little more time to clear out the unnecessaries and claim the office as my own once again. After the last 4 years of it being Rogue Central... it will be nice to have the space back. There are stacks of things that I have to weed through... but I think reclaiming space will be cathartic to say the least. At least the office will be a little bigger when that pile goes out. Who knows what treasures lurk in there?

This that and the other... bit by bit it will all get done... only to find more junk from elsewhere to hoard. All my piths are back again though.

Thats it for now. Hmmm... what's on PBS?

It has been delivered

2007-06-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

The final script for Frogway has been sent to the producers. What? You thought it was done 4 weeks ago? Come on Lecram... it was part of a Count for crying out loud! Yeah, it was... but that count was celebrating the opportunity to re-do something that was first done 27 years ago. I didn't exactly stand around in a flight suit saying "Mission accomplished", did I? And I'll be the first one to tell you there are probably more tweaks to come... but they now have a new and vastly improved full working script... with the definitive lyrics and all.

SO WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THEN?
Well, it started off as a nip and tuck 4 weeks ago. The more we got into it the more each of us individually realized that we almost had to treat this as a brand new project. Old songs were reworked and new ones developed. The plot was further developed and adjusted. A tighter integration between all the elements were worked on.

Back in Malaysia a power production team was assembled. Mike took several creative meetings with the team and a lot of great creative ideas were shared to further enhance the piece. Finally both of us got to go to our corners to choose what could be infused into the piece without compromising it's original charm.

Auditions were held last week as both of us worked feverishly to complete our individual tasks... him with music arrangements, me with rewriting certain sections and "spriting" up the rest of the script. (BTW... I have also been told that the cast is pretty powerful as well. On Friday and Saturday we pulled 2 lengthy sessions via Skype going through the script and songs doing more fixes. I finished the final clean-up by 4 PM yesterday and sent it off via email.

NOW WHAT?
From what I gather rehearsals happen in July with previews at the end of that month and the show runs August 8-26. So, if you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia around that time... go see it and let me know how it went.

THOUGHTS ON... ... working with Mike after a 27 year break.
It was most enjoyable. We both bring different things to the table yet there is a sympatico between us... so it's more like a banquet than bones of contention. Even differences in opinion are handled with mutual respect with either of us deferring to the better idea. Though we are both very easy going... we are also both pretty anal about striving for excellence. This re-collaboration of the M & M Song Factory half a world apart will hopefully lead to more collaborations down the line... since we now have the means and know it can work.

... the show itself.
I think the show is what it is. It was a charming piece 27 years ago and it's still charming now... just a lot tighter, fuller and slicker. Our experience over the years has really paid off and I think the final product will celebrate that. The music is really good and the script is tons better than what was. I think we have managed to reinvigorate a freshness and zest into it... a quality that was it's strength originally. I am curious though as to how this production will be pulled off. I am a little disappointed that I can't make this opening night... but thrilled that it will be happening anyway. This is also the first time in a long while that I have been the playwright and only that on a project... I actually am enjoying that quite a bit. This was what I set out to be in the first place so many years ago... the wordsmith who cranks it out for others to produce.

What is strange is that I moved away from this genre of theatre a long while back... yet I found it oddly stimulating as I worked on it. So, in a lot of ways this wacky idea about a musical centered around a singing frog has come full circle. It belongs to the director, designers and cast now to make it their own. I'll keep you updated on it's progress as soon as I get them.

Anyway... so much for that for now.

then you awaken at 3 AM..

2007-06-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

... and wonder what happened? What happened is you popped in a movie at 9 PM, fell asleep in the middle of it not realizing you were a lot more tired than you thought you originally were. Yep, that's exactly what happened last night. So, it's 4 AM now and you are scratching your head on what to post.

Hmmm... perhaps I'll pop that movie in again... a couple more hours sleep would be nice.

yeah, I was one of those kids...

2007-06-02T22:27:00.001-07:00

... who wore out the grooves on the record with repeated playing. Some of you are blinking blankly after reading that. Oh forgive me... remember those black disks of vinyl that you played on something called a phonograph? Yes, those curiosities from... what? No, it's just a nasty rumor that Nero was playing one while Rome burned... or that it was popular during the black plague.

Anyway, as a child I recall the first EP I wore out had "The Teddy Bear's Picnic" song on it. I would listen to it over and over again and stomp around like a bear... or at least simulate what I thought at the time a bear looked like stomping around. I recall in my 20's I actually loved the song even more because I thought it had a cool creepy element to it... then again everything seemed to have a creepy element to it in my 20's.

The only LP's I owned between the ages of 5 and 8... owned only because my parents bought them for me... were soundtracks from musicals and this Louis Armstrong album. Oh yeah... I would absolutely kill em at family functions with my Statchmo impressions... personally I thought I was at my peak doing that at about 7.

The musical soundtracks I played the most were My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. OK... I'll cop to the fact that I had a huge crush on Julie Andrews... more so in the Sound of Music which I saw on the big screen 7 times. (Yeah, I still think the gazebo scene during "Something Good" is kinda erotic.) I knew every song on those albums inside out. I was known to break out into song at the drop of a hat... I still sort of do that but I do chose my moments now for maximum impact. Usually at the most inappropriate times. Though at the time those were my favorites, I had this insatiable need for music and played every record in the house... soaking in anything from Mantovani to Acker Bilk's Stranger on the Shore.

Dropping a needle on a record on a lazy afternoon and getting sucked into the music emitted by the speakers... ah, that was the bliss of a simpler time. Even the pops and crackles from a scratched record was magical.

EDIT: This post seems to have connected with a lot of you. Thanks for sharing your own experiences in the comments... I guess a lot of us have fond phonograph memories. I was thinking of continuing with a part 2 and 3 anyway. Watch out for it on the next Saturday Stories this coming week.

Cheers!

click here for pt. 2

Da Count - notions realized.

2007-05-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

It's a haze at first and over time percolates enough for you to commit it to paper. Strings of words with questionable rhyme endings. You work on it some more. A tune arrives and you continue reworking so that it scans just right. Then it arrives in a realized form you listen to it and are actually amazed that the whole thing works. It happened to me this week.... songs from Frogway professionally recorded were sent to me. A private pride welled within and brought tears to my eyes. It may not mean much to anyone else but me at the moment but it's my count for the week. Can't share any at the moment as things are still under exclusive production wraps... but as soon as they are off you'll be able to hear them here. Until then... just do what you're feeling.

To find out more about Da Count... click the flashing sign above

a little more intense than first anticipated...

2007-05-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

... but getting there. So, it'll be a little quiet around here for a while. But things are plugging along nicely. Though I can say I got anf email... the contents brought me to tears. But it's all good. Details to come.

Cheers!

O.K.... perhaps Thursday then...

2007-05-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

... as I am still at it.

In the meantime, if you are looking for a good read - Kill the Goat - pretty damn exceptional.

Busy creating...

2007-05-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

... for a deadline. See y'all Wednesday.

There's lots of other stuff to check out below... if you haven't already yet.

inner dialogue

2007-05-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

: I really want to!
: I understand... but we know that patience has always done well by us.
: So, has action.
: Always tempered with thought... our successes have always been backed by that.
: What happened to spontaneity? We have been successful with that too, haven't we?
: Yes, but all our quick assertive decisions were always arrived at through the balance of logic and a calculation of probability.
: Still a gamble.
: Calculated nevertheless.
: Hmmm...
: What is that "hmmm.. " all about?
: Nothing.
: "Hmmm... you're being a spoilsport hmmm?"
: It's just a "hmmm..."
: Sure?
: Promise.
: O.K.
: So, we wait?
: Look, it's not time wasted while knowledge is actively being acquired.
: I suppose. So, what we have now is what we work with?
: Yes, it is still new... we are still learning.
: And once we have figured how it works... then what?
: Then we can determine if what we want is truly a need or just an extravagance. Besides, we should never deprive ourselves of our most effective creative trigger.
: Limitation.
: Precisely.
: Ironic.
: Totally.
: What about the gut?
: It has it's place... but not this time. So, are we in agreement?
: Done. (pause) So, why is there the perception out there that we are not reasonable?
: Beats me.

Hmmm...

2007-05-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

TIME WASTERS:

1. That's a LOT of Pork!
2. Food Timeline

SUBJECT LINES FROM EMAIL SPAM THIS MORNING
These all appeared in my spam folder in order... and if you read them one after another a strange logic begins to emerge.

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Our SINGLES are Naughty - please date them this week
Cleanse your Colon of Excess Weight & Toxins
Make a difference as a nurse
Fight Back Against 'Tax and Spend' Liberals
Learn new Creative Painting techniques this summer
Enroll Today and Walk Away with a Pedometer
Improve your sexual life and save up to 80%
Grow Grass in the Shade or Shady Areas
Guaranteed Acceptance
Endless opportunities for interior designers
Classes start soon!

The annual Terrace block sale.

2 streets south of where I live this annual event was in full swing this morning. I could hear early vultures gather as early as 5 in the AM.

Actually, the Terrace sale marks the end of block sale season in the hood. just about every street here has one. It usually begins in mid-April and runs till Memorial weekend. Terrace Avenue is the grand-daddy of all the block sales here and features over 4 blocks of stuff from nicks to nacks to powerboats.

It's quite the fun excursion on a Saturday morning and if you are a deal-finder you could score quite the bargain. Yeah, the vanishing point in the above picture is about 2 blocks.

Teeming with folk the usually quiet neighborhood gets just that side of wacky once a year. Below is a slide show of my impressions of this morning.

I of course went in search of food and came home to stuff my face with pork tamales and eggrolls with a little chillie garlic sauce on the side.

BURP!

BTW... pics were taken with my latest toy... er... equipment... not bad, huh?

Is that enough of a weekend read? Now go out and burn some meat, eat some watermelon... or something.

Da Count - dementia & memory loss

2007-05-25T01:01:00.001-07:00

Granted these are strange things to count. They relate to my Mum who is going through it now. Let me explain. For a few years I worried that she was going to shuffle off this mortal coil as a sad and bitter person. Until about a year ago... this would have been the case. But something gradually happened in this process... her feelings and memories of "not being given a fair shot" began to slowly erase. For the most part it has been replaced by a sweetness and gratitude.

I use to stock the fridge with 5 gallon tubs of ice-cream... that she would devour in 3 days or less. I had to stop this as it was causing water retention and swelling up her feet. When I told her this last week she claimed that a "little girl" would come into the house 5 or 6 times a day to eat the ice cream. I couldn't help but smile at this. I guessed that the combination of dementia and memory loss had conjured up the little tomboy she used to be. The one who used to climb trees in her grandfather's house and get into all sort of scraps. The same one who loved home-made hand churned ice cream that was a specialty of my great grandfather who whipped up a batch every Saturday afternoon.

She is pretty lucid (or at least appears to be) for the most part. Now I am mindful that the combination of memory loss and dementia mixes in past, present and yearning into one clump. Yes, there are other aspects of her condition that continue to be challenging. Though for now what her brain is pulling and mixing in with the present are some of the happier memories of her childhood... and that is definitely worth counting. So now, once a week she gets a treat of ice-cream... not a 5 gallon tub... but maybe a quart on a Saturday afternoon.

To find out what Da Count is all about... click the flashing sign above.

it's 5 AM...

2007-05-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

... and I'm up looking at the first glow of the day begin to warm the sky. The pollen count was so high yesterday that I carried a numb headache for most of it... though it was evident at rehearsal last night that I was not alone. Hopefully today will bring some relief... but that may be too much to ask.

There has been a constant no-show at Suicide Lounge rehearsal... sad as it may be is not really surprising. We move on.

Supplies have been stocked up again. The big find were yellow mangos... the kind I grew up eating in Malaysia. (Third row down... second from the right.) This was the local variety that was commonly found. The flavors were not as intense as others but no less delicious. I also spotted the sour green mangos but demurred from buying any this time. It's my favorite. I can just eat one of those with a little dab of salt. An uncle of mine had a tree of those in his front yard that seemed always laden with fruit. Great for pickling and brining.

There was a time growing up when a dwarf mango tree of an exotic variety (anything but local) growing in one's front yard was quite the status symbol back home. If one was invited over for dinner it was a guarantee that one would be lead to the plant by the proud owner. He would then tell of his great adventure acquiring and growing it. Of course, it was quite the insult if one didn't admire it and say something like, "Wow, you are very lucky. That variety is tough to find/grow here." This would fill the owner with beaming pride and you would be promised a fruit as soon as they were ripe. I wonder if this trend still survives.

I've always thought of the mango as a very sexy fruit. The shape. the taste, the aroma... something very earthy about it all. Today, I plan on skinning and slicing the ones I found and chilling them in the fridge for a bit. Then, after lunch I will quietly indulge myself... savoring the sweet tartness of paradise.

EDIT: Images of my walk to the store and back this morning. OK, they may not be as interesting as Zonthar's recent travelogue to the British Isles or as fascinating as Cosima's Hong Kong adventures... but hey, they are pictures! Something to look at, right? Anyway, I usually bike to the store... today I walked. Feel free to click on them for larger sizes.

This is the path that began the journey. ::swell of music - theme from Lawrence of Arabia::

I ran into my friend and neighbor Chef Tony. We chatted a bit then we both went our separate ways. BTW it was his day off.

Ah... it's being sold. Jeffery Dahmer's mother used to live here... really! She was here when news of him being offed in prison came. The neighbors were very protective and parked their cars on the street so that the News vans couldn't camp out in front.

One of the oldest gas stations in the big No. It's actually designated as a historical landmark. Was once the "last chance gas" places before you hit the wilderness heading north. I love that the old ice room and pumps are still here.

This used to be on the edge of the wilderness... now it leads to one of the upscale old neighborhoods in mid town.

One of my favorite signs.

Mural with tagging on the side of the store.

Lion guarding a 4-plex.

One of my favorite adobe styled houses on my block.

There you have it. Oh yeah... I got cookies and milk. Oh, and I can't wait till tomorrow... just saying. ::swell of music again as screen goes to dark and credits roll::

I miss not going to...

2007-05-22T18:35:00.003-07:00

... the local java joint. Perhaps if I get my chores done early tomorrow I will. The whether is perfect right now and it would be nice to see the gang for a bit.

All the old routines I used to engage in have shifted dramatically. I'm not complaining... this shift was necessitated by circumstance. Actually, I don't miss the old too much... but a break from the present would be refreshing. Just for a change of pace if nothing else.

I wasn't as distracted today and did some needed cleanup around the house. These simple accomplishments made me feel a load better. Yes, there is a lot more to be accomplished and I'll take focused stabs for a couple of hours every day until I feel that the "unnecessaries" have been discarded. Lots of those around here at the moment. How and why do we accumulate all this stuff?

Like... why do I have 6 trench coats? Yes, I am a bit of a fan of noir... and Bogey does cut a fine figure in one... but 6 trench coats? Down the line I'll probably ask the same question about the piths I presently treasure.

Anyway, even after these accomplishments I was still not quite focused... so I popped in The Red Violin and watched it again. I quite enjoyed it again. of late I've once again taken up to watching movies in my DVD collection. Something I haven't done in over 6 months.

Hmmm... perhaps something with Bogart tomorrow.