My brother the home movie clown

I put this together the summer of 1966, house-sitting before grad school at my parents' home in Medford, using dad's home movies. Great fun. But it still feels like Bill was stolen by aliens.

Unblah

Cooking, which always improves my mood. Going to have salmon tacos for dinner! Inspired by the lodge's excellent version.

Blah

In a big funk since Sketch died. 

Strange, strange Internet

Way back in the day, in the early year of the World Wide Web, I was commissioned to write a book about the new digital environment, which I called SECRETS OF THE WEBMASTERS, a book about how to set up a web page. I had put up the first website for Screenwriters and Playwrights, after all, and at the time was ahead of the curve. I wrote the book but the publisher went under before it got published. Nonetheless, it had an ISBN number and early marketing efforts, so there is online evidence that it existed, although never published.

But I just found this:

Top download audio book Secrets of the Webmasters in Spanish PDF DJVU FB2 by Charles Deemer 0945264208

Very weird! I had to join something to download and didn't but what the hell? Well, the manuscript did exist, so this is possible, I suppose, but man is it weird! Moreover, the book is about html 1.0, so it was obsolete a year after I wrote it! This, if it exists, is an historical relic.

Of course, I never got royalties but I did get, and I kept, my generous advance. When was this? The early 1990s, I think.

Hot off the press

The Last Song of Violeta Parra, my one act hyperdrama selected for "the canon of first generation hypertext," my best known work internationally. Now in paperback! Of course, it also is online, free, and much easier to read there, but this will give it additional exposure.

What Prof. Ensslin wrote about it.

Too late?

Today's headline.

As UN Climate Chief Urges Immediate Action to Save Planet, Extinction Rebellion's New Book Gets Rushed to Press

Read it. 

Anybody actually CARE? It's like watching slow motion extinction.

A new rhythm

Everything, EVERYTHING, is different without Sketch at my side. A very difficult transition,.

Harriet wants to get another dog. I don't. I suggest she gets a cat.

Reflections on the design of a hypertheater

I’ve written seven produced hyperdramas, and each has been performed in a real space, on what would be called “a location” instead of “a set.” But what if a theater company wanted to specialize in the productions of hyperdrama? Would they have to find and rent an appropriate location for each new work? What would the design of their performance space look like if they produced all their hyperdramas “in house”?

  I’ve given these questions considerable thought over the years without much satisfaction. This morning, however, I awoke with the design of a “hypertheater” in my head. If I were younger, I would jump on this because I think it will work. Instead I put down my thoughts for the possible inspiration of younger theater artists.

Read it. 

Grief

I feel more gut-wrenching grief from the passing of Sketch than I felt for the passing of my parents, my brother, or my best friend. The dog was a constant companion for almost everything I did for over 17 years.

Memorial

The runner

In his youth, Sketch loved to run. Check it out.

New morning

For almost 18 years I've started my morning by tending to Sketch, usually having been woken by him. This morning, no dog. Different. Sad. Empty. A very silent house.

Sad sad day

A best friend gone. Peaceful exit.

Last photo

Sketch died in Harriet's arms at home.

Sketch

Loved his blanket!

Loved my nose!

Loved just hanging out!

R.I.P. Sketch 2001-2019

Realities

1. After the Mariners historic start, the Astros came to town and swept them in 3 games. The fantasy is over. The real challenge begins.

2. Signs that Sketch, our 18 year old rat terrier, is on his last legs.

3. Have an idea that may FINALLY give me a sense of wrapping up my writing career. A tangible, end of the road symbol of sorts. More later, perhaps.

4. Hangin' in like Gunga Din, still.

Perspective

Harriet and I live a charmed life. I don't have to look around much to realize this. We complain, of course, but complaints reduce to concerns of ego and fantasy. Man, life could be so much worse for us, so I celebrate our good fortune.

And bitch in between ha ha.

A surprise!

We saw our tax guy Tuesday. He filed electronically. Today BOTH state and federal refunds showed up in our bank account. This must be a record for IRS efficiency.

The Mariners needed a miracle to beat the Royals. They got it, and return home 13-2, sweep in hand.

What a start! I was pissed when management traded away so many starters and icons, but maybe they know what they're doing. But it's a very long season. Still, what fun to root for the best team in baseball at the moment!