To all who read this…blog, or ramble, whatever it is: I sure hope there’s something (or some things) of interest here for you. I see the metrics rise monthly when it goes out to you, and think, hey great, the whole readership is checking in. The least I can do is give you something of value among the rambling for your trouble. I love writing it, I love writing, period. Love/hate, you know. It’s not like a water tap, turn it on. But I’ll keep doing it until it’s dry. Onward.

Enduro reminds me of motorcycle racing, a lot of it airborne, but it also means perseverance (in Latin). And I saw something enduro-related the other night while watching the CMA awards that got my attention; Jelly Roll's award for new entertainer of the year.

He’s a large, passionate fellow and he addressed his win with the fiery gusto of a revival tent preacher. Take a look here at his unprepared speech about perseverance. Whew. I’m a big fan of well-placed passion and this man just doesn’t hold back. I remember thinking that some ironic, amusing TED speakers could use a touch of this. And it also brought to mind the tent preacher scene in True Detective #1 which was absolutely mesmerizing; this is just the teaser as they (X and YouTube) took down the whole scene, but it’ll give you a taste. I’m looking forward to True Detective #4 with Jody Foster, set in Alaska, coming in January. Nic Pizzolatto writer of all the TDs is a genius.

Books!

In this tattered globe’s current state, diversion is called for, and here are a couple of pop-culturish offerings I swear by and laugh with. The first dovetails with the enduro theme, Keep Going by Austin Kleon. This wise kid is less than half my age, yet I take his advice freely and often. This is his best book and I keep it handy to open at random and clear my head with a page or two. I recommend this lively collection of affirmations to…anyone. And The Fran Lebowitz Reader is full up with her own brand of wonderful advice. In Tips for Teens, she says, “Stand firm in your refusal to remain conscious during algebra. In real life, I assure you, there is no such thing as algebra.” Sage. Again, I recommend it for all.

November’s No-strings Free Giveaway

It’s a  gently used, freshly laundered (size large) t-shirt from EXIT, a head-banger outfit in Chicago which may or may not still be in business. A classic, either way. You might get twenty bucks for it on ebay. You might wear it to your next class reunion or to a holiday party. How you get it: be the first to comment below with your email address and I’ll contact you for your mailing address, stuff it in a softpak and ship it to you free of charge. Make your day, punk? Heads up; there will be a free…thing offered every month. If you look closely, that skull has a gold tooth. Neato.

A Few Words About Maui

Above is a before and after of the old Seamen’s historic hospital—note huge anchor to the left. We rented the bottom floor and the top was occupied by the architects who restored it. The “we” referred to, was a small ad agency that serviced some retail accounts on the island and a Westin hotel on the big island. We flew cheap standby on MidPac with work to deliver there and always caught a flight. The ocean view from this place was unobstructed back then (80’s) and we would have meetings in the front yard on chaise longues. With refreshments. Those days, man.

The structure is one of few in Lahaina still standing, but probably not for long. If you saw the Nov.19th 60 Minutes you saw the heroic Maui Fire Department, the hero who saved them, and the aftermath of what they were caught in, trying to slow the firestorm. If you can help, Maui has a long way to go; google aid to Maui and you’ll find ways. The Salvation Army, for one. The survivors are homeless. And buzzards circle, trying to buy their land.

Whoops, Outa Time

I had (much much) more, but no time left—I’ve got a Stage 32 class on preparing a pilot, in less than an hour—and no time tonight either as it’s Chiefs vs. Eagles* on Monday Night Football. After a bye week, I miss Taylor Swift’s boyfriend and that quarterback, too. I’ll leave you with yet another Bo Diddley youtube, this one about how he recorded his first big hit. Pay no attention to the really dopey titles someone stuck on the visuals, and some of the visuals themselves. Just turn the sucker up, close your eyes and lean way into it. Have a great super cyber black whatever (Thanksgiving) and I’ll get started earlier in December. Keep on truckin’ and xxo G

*That didn’t go well. But we’ll play them again.