And no, it’s not that kind of rolling paper (you stoned-out zombies!). I found a really cool article on origami from the New York Times. It’s about how this ancient Japanese paper art has been taken to the next level. Check it out here:Cones, Curves, Shells, Towers: He Made Paper Jump to Life
The shapes that Dr. David Huffman created were just incredible. I’ll have to do a little research on origami and get back to you on my findings. Don’t know why I find it fascinating - I just do.
Later,
Chuck
After the last post, I have been shaken out of my “funk” and am ready to face the summer with renewed energy and enthusiasm. I sound a little like some kind of funked-up milquetoast (look it up, Richie), but it’s amazing what a little bit of outside activity and getting a few things done will do for the psyche.
And, I started taking a Stand-Up Comedy course at Mount Wachusetts Community College. At this point, don’t know that I’ve learned a tremendous amount since I had already done open mike stand-up (way back when in the early 90s), but it has started the creative juice flowing. I went back and pulled out the old jokes, and discovered that I didn’t write a lot of stuff that was out of date. The teacher of the class, Jerry Carruso, holds a lot of benefits and has a monthly cable access show, so I’ll probably try to do a little stand-up at one of his gigs to see if I still enjoy being on the stage. Who knows… this could be the start of a new phase in my comedy career.
I’m also trying to work on some stuff with my buddy Andy Grant. We have a couple of ideas for movies, and we’re working on treatments. We’re also both working on our own scripts, which is pretty cool. I’ve also got some renewed vigor for my novel, “Act of Remembrance.” People seemed to really respond to the work-in-progress, so I’m going to finish the damn thing within 4 months (and you can hold me to it).
In addition, I’ve decided to pull something out of the archives and get it going as soon as possible (probably within the next 6 weeks). It will be a new web-based comedy site, and I’m going to be leaning on friends (and friends of friends) to create a viral phenomenon that has the site all over the ‘net within days. Should be fun, a I think people are going to respond to it.
Finally, I’m running a contest to see if anyone is “listening” to the chuckbutt.com page. For the first 3 people who send an email to chuckbutt@chuckbutt.com, I will give them their choice of items from the chuckbutt.com store. Just put “Hello, is there anybody in there” in the Subject line of your email, and I’ll post the 3 winners (if there are 3 people looking at this piece of offal) at the end of the month.
Peace. Out.
Chuck
I’ve been having one of “those” weeks this week. I don’t know why, but I’ve basically had a hair across my ass for a good week or so, and it’s really starting to bother me. I’ve been cranky, been snapping at Michele and the kids, and really haven’t been too happy with myself at all.
I wonder why that happens sometimes? Or maybe, it’s just me. I get into one of these moods, and the littlest things will set me off. And it’s not like I enjoy being this way — it just comes out of me sometimes.
Does anyone have any suggestions for getting out of a foul mood? I went golfing today out in the sunshine. Great golf weather - 72 degrees, sunny, and a mild breeze. No bugs, no humidity - perfect. It seems to have improved my mood considerably, but who knows.
I think part of the problem is trying to do too much at one time, and not handling any of it well. I need to take a little time and refresh the batteries, but have no idea when that will happen. I’m heading off to Maine in a couple of weeks for a couple of weeks. Perhaps some time in the sun will help.
Oh well, enough of my belly-achin’. My life is so tough - boo hoo. When I think about all the pain and suffering in the world, and even in the good old US of A, I realize just how good I have it. A roof over my head, a beautiful wife who still loves me despite my numerous shortcomings, and two wonderful children who are happy (when I’m not in a bad mood) and healthy, and sharp as tacks.
Hope you’re having a great week,
Chuck
I just put the finishing touches on a new product called 101+ Letters From. It’s a book of pre-written letters that parents can use to create a special letter from Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and other childhood celebrities. In addition, there are letters for the 1st day of school, a bad day, getting braces, the first day of summer, etc. Basically, these letters are designed to create some memories for children.
If you’ve got children, or grandchildren or nieces or nephews you are close to, and would like to see the book, let me know. All I ask in return for a copy of the book is a testimonial (if you like it) or some constructive criticism (if you think it needs help). Just send me an email to chuckbutt@chuckbutt.com and I’ll send you a link where you can check out the book, and the bonuses that are included. It’s a pretty cool idea (if I do say so myself), and everyone I’ve shown the book to love it.
Hope you’re having a great week,
Chuck
Andy Grant and I just finished up with the Inaugural New York City Pitch Exchange. It was an eye-opening experience, and we’re both looking forward to pitching some of our ideas to Hollywood. Perhaps someday, you’ll get to see “Chuckbutt, the Movie.” Scary thought, huh?
I’ll keep everyone posted on what’s happening with the movie biz, as well as where I’m going with my life. I start a stand-up comedy class on Tuesday, so I may be getting back up on stage before the end of the summer (some of you know I did open mike stand-up comedy back in the early 90’s, and I didn’t suck totally).
Things are starting to come into focus a little bit, and I’m starting to figure out “what the hell I want to do with my life.” For those of you who care, I’ll take you along for a ride on the chuck-e-train.
Later,
Chuck
I’m heading down to New York City for the Inaugural New York City Pitch Exchange. Andy Grant and I will be taking a class on how to pitch to Hollywood execs on Friday, then we’ll have the opportunity to pitch some ideas to some Hollywood execs on Saturday.
Not that we’re thinking we’re going to be “discovered” at this event, but we are definitely looking to get some exposure to what the “biz” is all about. I’m in the process of writing a screenplay called “The Fourth of July” that I hope to complete within the next three weeks, and I want to try and sell it. I’m not going to be pitching this screenplay since I really want to have a finished product, but I do have a ton of other ideas.
Here’s a listing of the companies that I’ll be pitching to:
I’ve come up with 10 different ideas - two per company - and I’ll let you all know how things went when I get a chance. The Pitch Fest is on Saturday, so hopefully, I’ll have some good things to post on Sunday.
Wish me luck,
Chuck
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