Naturally Optimistic

Why must artists be so tempermental? I mean really. Festival A sent back a very long and almost nasty email back to Jason after we ditched it. For the first time EXPLAINING things that probably would've made us feel a lot better about the festival to begin with! WTF? Now they are PISSY and demanding a RETRACTION (um, to whom?) and saying that this was "defamation" (um, I've never had a legit festival ask me for $$ - other than a submission fee before). Yeah, Fishy. Whatever. I refuse to let it get me riled up. My choice would be to not respond at all. But of course Jason's response is "we're at war now." Does it have to be so dramatic? Maybe this is why I'm not a "real" artist. *sigh*

I just found out from commenter Jonathan (thanks for stopping by!!) that the lead actor (Ulrich Muehe) in THE LIVES OF OTHERS passed away recently. Seriously - rent this film. It is amazing. And yes, the fact that is a directorial debut sort of blows my mind. I am saddened, however, that I will not get to see any new performances by Mr. Muehe. About 10 years ago (maybe a few less...?) I started watching the BritCom series FATHER TED which I absolutely adored. I fell in love with the quirkiness of "Ted" and loved his antics and his inappropriate behavior and everything that went along with it. As I had finished devouring everything I could of his on DVD I learned that he had already passed away. I remember sitting at my desk at work and crying because I had been so affected by this man, and yet he was already gone. It sucks when you get to appreciate things...and yet they're already past.

My business partner Jason participated in Duluth's own "Celebrity Dance Challenge" yesterday (yes, pseudo-business owners are considered 'celebrities' in Duluth). This is the 2nd annual of these events and is put on by The Minnesota Ballet which is a professional dance company here in town. This is their kick-off fundraiser for the year. Jason danced the 'contemporary tango' and he was great! I laughed my ass off when he agreed to be in this back in July but he really committed and pulled of a very nicely done number. We're using the footage for our next film WHITE MAN'S WORLD so it worked out very nicely indeed. I'm very proud of him & his dancing accomplishment. He was awarded "Judges' Choice" - which in my opinion was the 'real' winner. Everyone gets an award - be it "best stage presence," "most enthusiastic," "most romantic" etc. The actual "winner" of the whole shebang is pi...

Sent to me by Sarah H.