Cool Hand Indeed

Butch: You know, when I was a kid, I always thought I'd grow up to be a hero.
Sundance Kid: Well, it's too late now.
Butch Cassidy: What'd you say that for? You didn't have to say something like that.


I was at a post funeral luncheon at the Elks club for my Uncle Joe when I learned about the death of Paul Newman. And even though we never met, I loved him.

I was first introduced to Paul Newman shortly after my parents divorced. My dad took me and my brothers on Sundays. And what do you do, with three kids? Watch Paul Newman movies of course. He was a man's man. And a woman's man. One look at him in his heyday and that's pretty clear.

But what I love about him, had little to do with his good looks. I loved to watch him act. He's one of the great ones. Able to act in a character role, and his adherence to privacy allowed the movie viewer to believe whatever role he was immersed in. Even in roles like Hud, where the main character was let's face it, a bastard, when played by Paul Newman, he was still like able.

And in an age where Hollywood marriages last about as long as a trip to the local drive thru, it was amazing he was married to the same woman for 50 years.

Long before charity seemed like a publicity stunt, he decided to give back and never sought out publicity unless it was benefiting other people.

An amazing actor and a great philanthropist, he will be missed. He represented all that was good in the world and we are all better for having him in it.
Butch Cassidy: Then you jump first.
Sundance Kid: No, I said.
Butch Cassidy: What's the matter with you?
Sundance Kid: I can't swim.
Butch Cassidy: Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you.

Don't Be That Guy

Fun with Joe

I'm Sorry

Dear Uncle Joe,

I'm so sorry that you had to leave us on Saturday. I've seen your kids and Nancy. They are sad, strong, and we had some laughs on Sunday. Sugar Bear and I visited.

My dad called to tell me that you were gone.

You've been a wonderful uncle and god-father to me, and I can't even begin to fathom how much I'll miss you. I loved watching you and my dad. Loved when you called him Tubby, and got him in line. I'm thankful you had each other to help each other when you both got cancer. I'm happy that my dad had somebody that truly understood how much it sucked.

I'm hopeful that you're with Butch, Hope and Bill, Gary and Carol. And that you guys are having a drink and playing music. I'm looking forward to gathering on Saturday to honor your life. Me and all your other nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters.

Thank you for all that you did for each of us.

We will honor you, love you, and cherish you.

Today and every day.

I love you-

Kook

Joe and Tubby

You chose your friends. But you don't choose your family. But sometimes you're lucky enough to have a family that feels instead like a bunch of friends?

I'm lucky enough to have that sort of family. One large extended family that I truly enjoy. And one of them, My Uncle Joe who is also my Godfather is very sick with cancer right now.

And it is fucking unfair and horrible. And what else can I say? I feel awful for my aunt and for my four awesome cousins who call him dad. Growing up with my Uncle Joe was a trip like no other. And the only thing I can really relate it to, is growing up with my dad. I'd say the two of them are the most similar in their sense of humor and depth of carrying.

And they both share the Vietnam experierence. And cancer. WTF? Uncle Joe used to make us have GI parties where we'd basically all clean up the house, but he somehow convinced us that it was fun. And he calls my dad Tubby, his childhood nickname, but my dad is sadly way too thin these days.

But they've always been there for each other and I know no matter where the other one travels, they will still be together.

If you've got any prayers or well wishes, please send em our way. We're not ready for our soliders to march on.

5 Years Already

Today marks the 5th Anniversary of the death of the great musical icon, Mr. Johnny Cash.

You can listen to his radio show, hosted by his friend Bill Miller.

http://www.johnnycashradio.com

5 years ago today, I was home from Atlanta for the weekend, to celebrate my best friend Connie's wedding, and I graduated from Portfolio Center the following weekend.

Full of a giant case full of giant size ads, that I dragged around till I landed my first job as a copywriter.

To all my fellow PC Alum, especially my writer class. Many memories of the Clairmont Lounge, the Waffle House, and of course Central City Tavern.

It wouldn't have been the same without you guys.

Yeah

The new 90210? Why did I even try? To say I watched it, is a stretch. It was on and occasionally, I looked toward the moving light and sound that is the marvel invention of television, but I have no idea what was happening. Nor did I care.

I'll just go back to my fond memories of the original. I'm not in high school like I was during the original run. It seems, "I'm just not into it."

No sleep again last night. Makes me feel surly and crazy. It's stress-related. I have high hopes for tonight's bed regime.

Tonight, I'll be making my last batch of Glop, that veggie heavy dish my Grandma Gotshall invented. I've got to do something with all the vegetables I bought at the produce stand this weekend.

Purple Violets, Wine and Lake Michigan

Weekend in Leelanau was grand. Beach, wine, other assorted libations, relaxation.

Finished the new David Sedaris book: Engulfed in Flames. I enjoyed it. He fits like an old shoe and it's comforting to read him. He makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. My favorite story in the collection was about a crossword puzzle and a fellow passenger on a plane ride. To see how they all tie together, read his book.

That being said, my favorite Sedaris is still Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day. Genius, both of them.

Watched, Dan in Real Life with Steve Carrell. It was a sweet story and a good one to watch up north in my opinion.

Yesterday when I got home, after I unpacked, I watched Purple Violets, the new Ed Burns.

I've got one word for you about Ed Burns: Yummy.

Seriously. This movie isn't for everyone, but I personally enjoy his films. They're always some aspect of human behavior or relationship that is focused on. Usually smaller budget and he wrote, directed, produced and starred in.

Go Eddie go.