And Another Human Shows Up

Jane and I brought home a baby girl a few months ago – Elizabeth, and she is… little.  In the sonogram pictures, she looked a little bit like a panda.  Yes, a panda.  I know, I know.  What a relief!  So that’s her nickname – Panda.

Jane was great during the ordeal; however, I grew queasy once I saw the size of that epidural needle.  Looked like cool equipment but it got to Mr. Toolman.

I look at this sweet, innocent, wide-eyed baby and think, how nice – she has no idea about global warming, her country’s astronomical debt, or the Jonas Brothers.  Frankly, I’m a bit envious.

Bringing a baby home also brings some changes within the household.  First of all, friends come calling to meet the newest family member – mostly women gathering around the baby taking turns holding her.  I keep a safe distance, as women in mass can be intimidating and frankly quite dangerous.

Bringing a child into the world really makes me think about the grand tragedy of a child taken away.  I can only begin to imagine how my friend, John Travolta, is suffering.  Out of total respect, the schedule of Wild Hogs 2 had been put on hold.  I look forward to seeing John and the ‘boys’ from the cast again and riding the ‘hogs’ across Europe…oops – did I reveal too much?

The Business of Movies

My film, Crazy on the Outside, is completed and I will begin the next phase of marketing, trailers and all that business stuff after my summer vacation.  It’s an interesting new process for me, which creates both excitement and anxiety.  It’s a giant thing to make a film.  It seems to be an even a bigger challenge to get it into theaters.  I’ll keep you posted. It was a wonderful challenge and privilege to be a director.

The World

The situation in Iran reminds me of the power of an idea. I am a very interested in  the Persian experience. I feel they are much closer to the citizens here than both government’s project. We have certainly had a messy history with meddling in their affairs in the past. It’s yet to be seen how this silence, patience or measured response by our President will play out.

I did a 20/20 with Bill Weir of ABC News. We ventured into the situation with the auto companies. I am a lifelong gear-head and am very sorry some of the US car companies got caught with their oil pans down. Losing sight of what they do best. Carefully take a peek at Ford’s line-up you will be impressed. And try not to look at the new Camaro in person, bad timing aside, it reminds one of the passion cars can bring out in us, or at least a car guy like me.

These times dictate some prudent and truthful look at ourselves and perhaps out habits.

I am considering mounting a comedy show so I can express in humor, the state of things as I see and feel them… stay tuned.

Creating

My old art days die hard -- I am creating some fabric designs for shirts. I know, I know, I don’t want to hear it. When they are finished, I will model the designs myself -- and I will be totally nude under the clothes.

Technology

Oh yea -- might get this Twitter thing working. Susan here, and I, are working it under a phony name to get my feet wet. If I see some use or fun in it I will add to this technology. Any impressions or advice is welcomed.

Small business is our lifeblood so as an experiment, we created what I call a “faceplate” for a cool ass small business I found in Burbank that makes handmade shoes called Cydwoq (pronounced sidewalk).  Susan, Kelly, Kim and I created a short video; an active welcome for their site. Go to the site and check it out. We are experimenting to find a more active way to present the sites of any business using our expertise in writing and post-production at a low cost.

That is it for now.