Vacation Catch Up:

Today is the gauntlet over at Cal State Fullerton. The hell race from department to department picking up all the bits of paper and plastic in the exact order, contract, ID card, Parking Permit, Keys, Admin, Pay Roll, Direct Deposit. After all this I get the privilege of teaching on their campus. This year there is another wrinkle, because of Arnold I get to work just as hard or harder but for less money. Why did California vote in an actor who doesn`t know the first thing about running a state?

Just back from the Grand Canyon. Spent a week camping with the family away from all electronic devices. No email, no posting, no idea what the news items were. Spent the last two days on the North Rim. Very nice, but try boiling water at 8,000 feet. Or hiking for that matter.

Just got the news that Virginia Davis has die at age 90. Disney`s first live action star was a talented actor who was feisty to the last. I talked to her for some time on the day that she got her lifetime Annie Award. She was sharp and insightful with a take on the beginnings of the Disney Bros. Studio that I was thrilled to hear. She was the only person who had worked personally with Walt who had nothing but praise for the man. (Eggs and omelets, you don`t run a studio without ruffling some feathers). She was a direct line back to the beginning of the studio and a great lady. She will be missed.



Russell Calabrese is trying to get some funding to start making an animated feature (Good for you Russell): Broadway Melodies: A Rock & Roll Mystery Musical - Animated Feature Film by Russell C Source: www.kickstarter.com

Russell Calabrese is raising funds for Broadway Melodies: A Rock & Roll Mystery Musical - Animated Feature Film on Kickstarter! A Feature Length Animated Film Noir Musical with a modern twist. Animation and music melded into edge-of-your-seat entertainment. (Good luck Russell I really want to see the feature)



My friend Kyle Boyd has a kid`s book coming out. He is back on the left coast after a goody time in the Big Apple. Kyle Boyd

My old friend and partner Ernie Pasanen has a comment on the passing of our teacher Ric Estrada.

Larry. Long time, no see. Damn, I got a lot out of Ric's class.

I thought that out of everyone who taught at Kubie-U, his lessons were the most practical.

I remember once when he wanted the class to create copies of work from other artists.
"So next week, be sure to bring in your favorite artist" he requested at the end of class.

So I said "But what if they're dead?"

I remember he laughed his ass off on that one. The next class, he had drawn on the easel pad a man dragging a coffin behind him, labeled "Piccaso", and a caption that read "I brought my favorite artist".

He will be missed.
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I am meeting with Ric`s son, Seth, on the 4th to film an interview for the documentary about his father.

Just finishing up cataloging videos and DVDs that have come into my collection in the last 6 months. I am currently on the 5th and last flat (24 VHS per flat, 50 to a 100 DVDs depending on packaging). It is a never ending battle.

Speaking of battles, I need to get ready for the long login at Fullerton. Charge the blockhouse!