What's the last book you read?
Do plays count? "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare.
Ask @dangertim
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Would you erase your most precious memories to become smarter?
Er, what? I fail to see how erasing memories would make me smarter. I assume you mean that removing current memories would make room to store other things like piano lessons or something.
Sherlock Holmes may agree with you, but I don't think the human brain quite works like that. And the human experience itself tells me that some of my most precious memories are also connected to my most hideous mistakes. And without the memories of those mistakes I would probably repeat them, which wouldn't make me smarter at all.
Sherlock Holmes may agree with you, but I don't think the human brain quite works like that. And the human experience itself tells me that some of my most precious memories are also connected to my most hideous mistakes. And without the memories of those mistakes I would probably repeat them, which wouldn't make me smarter at all.
What is the last thing you do before bed?
Most nights? Curse under breath about not going to bed earlier.
Lately - sigh and wonder how much sleep we will get with the new puppy around.
Lately - sigh and wonder how much sleep we will get with the new puppy around.
People you may like
How would you explain your basic life philosophy?
I'm not so good at practicing it, but if I'm putting together a pithy statement on how to live your life I would say: Chase your dreams when you're young and let nothing hinder you. People who get stuck and make excuses are still stuck decades later.
What is the furthest place from home you've visited?
Midlands of Scotland surrounding Melrose.
If you were stuck on an island and only could have one person with you, who would you choose? Why?
My wife is extremely resourceful. If anyone could get us off the island, it would be her. And if we never left, it might be okay.
At what age do you consider someone old?
A few years ago, a friend told me that you’re OFFICIALLY OLD once the product of your current age multiplied by two is older than you can imagine living. (Essentially, you're old once you are certain there are fewer days ahead than there are behind.)
It’s an arbitrary rule, but one I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
I turn forty in two weeks. I’m sooooo very not ready and have been whining, kicking, and screaming for a few months. I’ve really let myself get bogged down to the point where I’ve posted photos of the death carousel from LOGAN’S RUN on social media. You know, because... funny, right?
Now that age forty is imminent, I’ve decided that my previous reaction was super-undignified and worse, it pushes people away from me. This epiphany makes me pretty angry with myself. As introverted as I am, I miss people sometimes and would hate that my malaise has become so unattractive that they avoid me. It’s stupid, it’s pathetic and self-serving, and as of now it stops. My new attitude is “F**K YOU FORTIES! I’M GOING TO OWN YOU, DECADE - AND YOU’RE GOING TO LIKE IT AND BEG ME FOR MORE! AND WHEN MY FIFTIES COME AFTER THAT – THEY’RE GOING TO BE MY BITCH TOO! BRING IT.”
So there.
Coming back to the question: I don’t know your age but I assume you’re younger (after all, it becomes more probable every day), so here’s a shortcut on this subject for when categorizing yourself as old is appropriate.
At some point you realize the number is irrelevant. Yeah, I know. Eye roll. You’ve heard some well-meaning someone say that before. And if you fear aging, it’s a LOT of someones. It’s cliché and easy for people to say, and therefore easy to ignore until you understand they were right. This being the case, I will be less frustrating and more specific. Though your body may have begun its rebellion, you're really not old until you’ve done one or more of the following:
• You have CHOSEN to stop being active physically and/or mentally.
• You have GIVEN UP on your dream.
• You have become so entrenched in your habits and opinions that YOU CAN'T ADAPT.
It’s an arbitrary rule, but one I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
I turn forty in two weeks. I’m sooooo very not ready and have been whining, kicking, and screaming for a few months. I’ve really let myself get bogged down to the point where I’ve posted photos of the death carousel from LOGAN’S RUN on social media. You know, because... funny, right?
Now that age forty is imminent, I’ve decided that my previous reaction was super-undignified and worse, it pushes people away from me. This epiphany makes me pretty angry with myself. As introverted as I am, I miss people sometimes and would hate that my malaise has become so unattractive that they avoid me. It’s stupid, it’s pathetic and self-serving, and as of now it stops. My new attitude is “F**K YOU FORTIES! I’M GOING TO OWN YOU, DECADE - AND YOU’RE GOING TO LIKE IT AND BEG ME FOR MORE! AND WHEN MY FIFTIES COME AFTER THAT – THEY’RE GOING TO BE MY BITCH TOO! BRING IT.”
So there.
Coming back to the question: I don’t know your age but I assume you’re younger (after all, it becomes more probable every day), so here’s a shortcut on this subject for when categorizing yourself as old is appropriate.
At some point you realize the number is irrelevant. Yeah, I know. Eye roll. You’ve heard some well-meaning someone say that before. And if you fear aging, it’s a LOT of someones. It’s cliché and easy for people to say, and therefore easy to ignore until you understand they were right. This being the case, I will be less frustrating and more specific. Though your body may have begun its rebellion, you're really not old until you’ve done one or more of the following:
• You have CHOSEN to stop being active physically and/or mentally.
• You have GIVEN UP on your dream.
• You have become so entrenched in your habits and opinions that YOU CAN'T ADAPT.
What is your favorite source of outdoor entertainment?
Hickory smoked noms.
Would you rather wear a snow suit in the desert or be naked in Antarctica?
I don't think I'd go out of my way to do either, but I'm a bit more accustomed to overdressing for heat than auditioning for the Polar Bear Club. (And yes, the Texas Renaissance Festival can still be plenty hot during October and November.)
What's your currently favorite show on TV?
Well... DOCTOR WHO, of course!
Other (currently running) shows I enjoy include GAME OF THRONES, SHERLOCK, MASTER CHEF (especially the JUNIOR version), and GREY'S ANATOMY. I'm starting to get into anime and would recommend LOVE, CHUNIBYO & OTHER DELUSIONS to anyone. I've also been watching a lot of KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA and AKAME GA KILL lately.
I wish I could say there's some new STAR TREK on the air, but we live in a cruel world. However, I am very excited about THE X-FILES and TWIN PEAKS coming back in limited runs.
Other (currently running) shows I enjoy include GAME OF THRONES, SHERLOCK, MASTER CHEF (especially the JUNIOR version), and GREY'S ANATOMY. I'm starting to get into anime and would recommend LOVE, CHUNIBYO & OTHER DELUSIONS to anyone. I've also been watching a lot of KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA and AKAME GA KILL lately.
I wish I could say there's some new STAR TREK on the air, but we live in a cruel world. However, I am very excited about THE X-FILES and TWIN PEAKS coming back in limited runs.
What is your favorite place to eat?
I'm sure you mean "where?"
Who was the last person you said thank you to?
My father in law who planted a lime tree in our backyard last night.
What's the most expensive thing you've ever broken?
A leg. And... unfortunately not in a happy, positive, theatrical way.
I broke my right leg ice skating at a time when I was probably way too young to be out on the ice. The side benefit to this is that I zero memory of the event other than the intense awful itching of the cast. I have a scar on that foot to remind me, but that's a story for another post.
I broke my right leg ice skating at a time when I was probably way too young to be out on the ice. The side benefit to this is that I zero memory of the event other than the intense awful itching of the cast. I have a scar on that foot to remind me, but that's a story for another post.
Do you think that you’re a good person?
My depression tells me I'm awful. But it's an illness, and it often lies - so best to not listen too closely.
Depression aside, I've certainly done things I'm not proud of. It's probably impossible to reach my age without having at least some regret, and anyone who won't recognize that they're flawed in some way is lying or delusional.
But flawed is what it is to be human. Most of us aren't "bad" or "evil". Just human.
The trick is recognizing your faults and doing what you can to overcome them. Everyone's struggle is overwhelming from their perspective, so I try not to judge others no matter their situation. All I can work on is me. And I do. So I don't know if I'm "good" or "bad," that's a matter of the perspective of the person in front of you. All I know is I'm trying. I'm not always successful, but I think my heart's in the right place.
Depression aside, I've certainly done things I'm not proud of. It's probably impossible to reach my age without having at least some regret, and anyone who won't recognize that they're flawed in some way is lying or delusional.
But flawed is what it is to be human. Most of us aren't "bad" or "evil". Just human.
The trick is recognizing your faults and doing what you can to overcome them. Everyone's struggle is overwhelming from their perspective, so I try not to judge others no matter their situation. All I can work on is me. And I do. So I don't know if I'm "good" or "bad," that's a matter of the perspective of the person in front of you. All I know is I'm trying. I'm not always successful, but I think my heart's in the right place.
What music are you listening to right now?
Music is weird for me because once I like something, I'll listen the absolute crap out of it until I can't stand it anymore. Soundtracks for ATTACK ON TITAN; LOVE, CHUNIBYO & OTHER DELUSIONS; and the opening song for KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA have been in the rotation for months.
Months.
Last year there was a lot of Florence & the Machine, and my childhood was scored by John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith.
Months.
Last year there was a lot of Florence & the Machine, and my childhood was scored by John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith.
Which was the funniest proposal you got?
I got asked out on date during a live college television show in 1995. I couldn't accept because I was in a serious relationship at the time. I still know both women, but I'm married to neither.
What is one thing that many people don't know about you?
I have a few tiny unusual rituals.
For example, upon boarding an airplane, I will kiss my right hand and then lay it flat against the outside skin of the aircraft. I know it's weird, but it's meant to be a sort of blessing.
For example, upon boarding an airplane, I will kiss my right hand and then lay it flat against the outside skin of the aircraft. I know it's weird, but it's meant to be a sort of blessing.
What address will you remember forever?
The house I lived in during high school.
Who is the boss in your house?
Right now? Ugh. Our puppy, Usagi.
Have no fear, the humans will regain control in about 1-3 years.
Have no fear, the humans will regain control in about 1-3 years.
What makes you lose your temper?
Having to repeat myself because the other person isn't listening.
Do you always smile for pictures?
No. The only thing I do consistently in photos is tilt my head like my neck is broken.
Post a picture of your current lock screen.
Do you whistle in public?
Yes. And you have my permission to slap me upside the head if you catch me whistling backstage.
If you were going to do karaoke tonight, what song would you sing?
I would love to sing "Simple Song" by the Shins, but haven't found a DJ who has it. My signature tune is "Hungry Like the Wolf," and together my wife and I do an fairly entertaining "Africa" by Toto.
How often do you work out?
Not often enough, but I do an awful lot of extra walking since getting my FitBit about a year ago.
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