on March 17th, 2008 by mark
I was on the short list before I knew it, I suppose. I have a friend named Tom Mason. Tom was actually the very close friend of a friend of mine named Chris Ulm. Chris, a writer and video-game producer, was the drummer in a band I played in lo these many years ago. Edd, Chris and I played rather vigorously throughout the 90′s and got so that we were fairly good. Good enough to play a few clubs, some parties–and practice like nobody’s business up to 8 hours a week, while working day-jobs (I as a teacher and Edd and Chris as graphic artists and writers).
Anyway, Tom was Chris’s partner and worked with Edd as well. He knew I was a wine guy and he called me to ask if I was interested in doing some wine writing. I was flattered, honored–and lucky, I think. But the result is real pride of accomplishment.
I immediately sent off a letter, links to pieces I’ve written, a resume and I was awarded with a chance to write on spec. which I passed. The result is that I get to add to my list of clients, or to my portfolio—or, well, to people I’m writing for–The Best of Everything. Scroll down and look for “best wine openers.” That’s my piece. I’m part of the tribe now which excites me to no end.
The site is a top quality storehouse of information, marketing and links with some really great writing (if I do say so myself) and a brilliant design. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
My other clients have me chasing down stories, too-and so I’m blessedly and happily busy writing, interviewing, calling, etc. Why, my phone rang today while my kids and I were in the library preparing their projects and the Mayor called me. Yep–that’s the big time, people. I got a phone call from the Mayor of my hometown to get a quote on a local parking issue that the city council is looking at. Does it sound like I’m bragging? Well, if it doesn’t, then I’m not trying hard enough…
I don’t mean to, though. I really don’t. It’s not a bragging thing, really. I’ve been at it way too long for that. I think, to be honest, that I’m currently undergoing an extreme infusion of “fruits of my labors” happiness. I’ll try not to be proud, though because I actually put some stock in the whole Judeo-Christian ethic of pride going before the fall and all that. I’ve written previously that I don’t rest on any laurels, and I won’t start now. But I need to record, more than once apparently, that working your tail off–really putting your nose to the proverbial stone and all that, is a worthwhile endeavor.
Meanwhile, Hewitt’s interview with John McCain was great today and I highly recommend it. You know, often-times we find ourselves quoting that song by Tina Turner from the Mad Max movies, “We don’t need another Hero…” I’ve come to the conclusion that we do indeed need another hero. I’m pretty sure we haven’t had one since Reagan and yes, he counts. The Cold War’s victory in our hands was largely due to Reagan’s policies and it was Reagan who brought back a mentality of lower taxes, which is something we need to keep re-learning. I digress. Before Reagan, you have to reach back all the way to Kennedy before you reach another heroic President and he was heroic for his actions in the Cold War as well. Bay of Pigs was a mess, but the Cuban Missile Crisis was his finest hour and it was indeed a fine hour. Before him? FDR.
So, as you can see, we haven’t had a truly heroic President. I think President Bush comes close actually, though I know I’ll get a howling of disagreement. I focus only on his wartime record which I think history will record well. But, the President has too many detractions for me in terms of his big government attitude to be truly heroic.
McCain on the other hand is a hero–already. And we need a hero, yes, yes we do. We need a man who will say the things Senator McCain said today. We need a wartime President who also has an eye on limiting government spending, allowing the American people to rise to their own abilities and can get us all behind the cause of freedom and behind the idea that we have dangerous enemies from whom we should not become distracted.
To be honest, some of my own family and many I know are saying they aren’t excited about this election. They weren’t McCain supporters and find it hard now. I, however, am more excited about this election than any since 1984. That was my first election and I voted for Reagan. I did become a Democrat in 1988 and stayed one all the way through Clinton’s first term. But I never got excited about Clinton. I sat out the 96 election on account of the flu, but I wasn’t stoked by Bob Dole. In 2000, I worked for McCain but when he lost the primary, I wasn’t excited about Bush. In 04, I was supporting Bush, but I wasn’t vehement about the election. This one, though-carries with it some truly stark differences and we need to think about that.
We need a hero. We need John McCain
Posted in Culture, Work/writing life
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