and now I just have to get some dates for work set. Could be quite a few, and all of them local.

Keep those parts crossed…

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ocvictor and I were talking about this last week. Thought I’d open it up for some chat.

What do you make of the spate of programs on TV right now that are about, for want of a better word, macho men and occupations? I’m thinking of “The Deadliest Catch,” “Axemen,” the new one about oil workers, that one that’s starting out soon about tow truck drivers in Chicago, etc.? To a lesser extent, it would include things like “Dirty Jobs,” “Man vs. Wild” and “Survivorman.”

It’s not that women don’t appear in these programs, but they certainly focus on occupations that seem to be primarily filled by men, and which have a certain level of physical danger involved.

I’m curious: do you think there’s something in the Zeitgeist that’s pushing this stuff to the fore? Why is there is this sudden demand for these shows?

Any thoughts?

OK, here’s the whirlwind version of the last couple of days:

— Gotpoetry Tuesday was quiet. Seven readers in the open, small but attentive audience. Faro couldn’t make it because of last minute band obligations — by the way, he and Capri got engaged (!) — so poetry and music night was a bit different than it is usually, but a fun night. If you weren’t there, you missed me singing and playing. Take heart that this was not a bad thing. You missing it, that is.

Next week, it’s theme/new poem night. Your theme is “I don’t know…” which should make for some interesting work, since poets usually know everything. 😉

— If everything falls into place today, I may have a BUNCH of new, locally based consulting work over the next few months. Today will be crazy getting things lined up (Lea, I got your message; no chance to record today but tomorrow may be good — will let you know later) but I’m keeping my fingers crossed; please help by crossing something of your own.

— It seems that I’m going to be visiting some parts of the US I don’t usually get to in August. Doing a bunch of one day workshops all over the country on each of the Mondays in August. Most of these are a fly-in Sunday/fly out Monday night lighting round, but I may try to drop into readings here and there if anything is going on.

Dates (and this is all the info I’ve got right now):
August 4: Scottsdale
August 11: Westchester County
August 18: Austin
August 25: Atlanta

As I said, these are likely drive by visits with little time for socializing, but I’m open to readings, maybe even features if I can swing them; no telling yet. More as I know more.

— Speaking of gigs: Duende (and hey, me solo if that’s more in line with your place) are still open to local gigs/short drives if you’ve got anything coming up. Anyone?

I’m outie; off to be a consultant for a bit. Back later.