During the Second World War, Winston Churchill’s finance minister said Britain should cut arts funding to support the war effort.
Churchill’s response: “Then what are we fighting for?”
Show some cube.
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Posts tagged as:
DIY
Greetings Vaniards –
You may have noticed our lack of productivity as of late. We blame the economy! Ok, it’s not the economy. We blame the Euro! Ok, it’s not the Euro. No wait! It is the Euro! Alright, it’s not. We blame the heat! Actually, that’s part of it. Summer is a crazy time for Mike and I in our pursuit to be responsible grown-ups. However, we can’t help thinking about ideas for the radio show or new movies, even while we’re busy with grown-up stuff. So we’re hoping by fall you’ll have more Vanish nonsense thrown in your face.
So thanks for checking in from time to time. In the meantime, feel free to explore our back catalogue of movies and radio shows.
If you don’t, at least check this out:
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Everyone’s seen things we wouldn’t believe. Including you. You need to share them through your art. Your moments contain visuals, thoughts, emotions, words and physical feelings. Use all of them or just one of them. Feed your art.
Show some cube,
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David Lynch is a genius. I love his movies although I don’t fully understand half of them. Comprehension isn’t the point. Pushing the limits of filmmaking and the subsequent viewer reaction – that’s where it’s at. As big a fan as I am, I’ve never seen Twin Peaks. Well, now I’m diving in. I was fascinated to find out that there are several moments in the series that were actually mistakes. A misunderstood line by an actor, a faulty light, a grip in the background – and Lynch loved them so much that he kept them in. I’ve already experienced a couple of them and he was absolutely right. Life is full of mistakes, and they’re usually more interesting than the script.
In Sweet Damnation, Brody is all of a sudden holding a wine glass and a beer bottle after a cut. (Casey was just transporting the wine glass for Trista between shots). Mike and I thought it was funny so we kept it. That is still one of our favorite scenes.
So make some mistakes. And show some cubes….I mean cube.
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To the crew at Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Let us know when we need to cough.
To the ladies down at Spectrum services. Be still our beating hearts!
To our Canadian allies. Come on down and enjoy sunny Minnesota when you have a chance.
To the Mothman Professor. Our intense emotions are distorting our memory.
To the crew at The Strip Club Meat and Fish. Your delicious steaks inspire us to make movies…about steaks.
To our Vanish Old Time Radio call-ins. Thanks for the booty and not-so-booty calls.
To our Italian listeners. We’ll trade you some Grainbelt Premium for some red wine.
To the Wisconsin crew at Andis Company. My hound dog needs some biscuits!
To the Minneapolis Underground Film Festival. We concur that big screens are nice.
To the radio show sponsors. Thanks for the complementary Kazoo pants and bucket bamboo shoots.
To the Dubliner. Your popcorn and Guinness are the best thing since toaster strudel.
To our viewers at Concordia University in St. Paul. Hell, at least you’re not in Moorhead.
To the legend known as “The Dane.” The preacher did it – case closed – I’m out!
To Big Baby Titan. I appreciate your wide eyes and confused looks when we FaceTime.
To Spindrift. You should offer Mike’s solo cover of “Afternoon Delight” for the Twins 7th inning stretch.
To our secret admirer at the New Jersey Department of Transportation. We thought the flowers were lovely.
To our friends at Dennis Kirk. Ride motorcycles or die tryin.
To the French Vanish Resistance. Leave us a message in French and we’ll translate to our own liking.
To the Legends. Thanks for watching yourselves at least 3 times a week.
To the Danish 10 Gallon Gang. It’s all about respect.
To the Rock Solid crew. Don’t try to talk shop when me and Mike are talking shop!
To the Denver Dre. Why don’t you get married? Helllll yeah!
To our friend Wally. Thanks for putting a smile on Lisa’s face.
To all of you reading this post. Show some cube.
And now ladies and gentleman, the human beat box…
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In the last Vanish Old Time Radio episode we vented our frustration with slow-mo walking scenes with explosions in the background. I believe the following clip says it better than we ever could.
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Jeff Hiller Acting Reel from Jeff Hiller on Vimeo.
Jeff Hiller is a funny guy. You may have seen a few of his videos posted on our site and you’ve probably seen him in a commercial/flick. He’s an old friend of ours and we preach his message as often as possible. He not only has the chops but he’s paid his dues. Check out his webpage at hillertime.com and spread the word.
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Last year I heard rumblings about the movie “JCVD.” It starred Jean Claude Van Damme and he played himself, obviously in the twilight of a strange career. People said it wasn’t the usual fare and he was quite good. Yeah yeah yeah. This guy was good?
So I went on with my life but then one day I ran into it at a Redbox station. Nothing else grabbed me so I forked over a dollar for it. The movie started with a vibe I wasn’t expecting and continued throughout. However, I was completely surprised halfway through the film. The following scene is a bit surreal and it doesn’t advance the story (Jean Claude being held hostage in a Belgium post office). But it makes the whole movie.
Maybe your opinion varies from mine but I thought he delivered in spades. According to Science Daily, unexpected events are more likely to be remembered than typical events. Remember the ending to “Seven?” Most people tried to forget without success. I still think about this scene from JCVD and how much I respect the filmmakers and star.
My point? The element of surprise is very sticky. No matter if your audience loves it or hates it.
So surprise us. Show some cube.
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The Russian Revolution will be analyzed! Da! Our analytics shows that Russia has some interest in the Vanish Old Time Radio. We’re flattered. We also pride ourselves on being good hosts. For all you Americans, we’ve provided the crazy woman speaking in tongues. For our comrades in India, we’ve provided Little Superstar. Now, for our Russian allies, we’re providing this little slice of joy. Da! DIY! Da!
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Ten years ago I was in London. Everybody raved about the theater scene and how you’d be an idiot to miss it. I complied with the mother of all productions: Les Miserables. We viewed the show from the Abraham Lincoln seats. The production was super elaborate with rotating stages, professional performers and expensive set designs. And I was bored to death. If i’ve offended you with this comment, here’s a tissue. It was boring. I’m sure buried underneath all the bullshit there’s a compelling story.
I guess I didn’t feel like digging.
Later on, I heard about a stage production of an old ghost story entitled “The Woman in Black” occurring off the strip in the back alleys of London. I had my doubts but at least I wouldn’t be blinded by the damn lights. We meandered through the old town district to a little theatre. Only three actors in the whole production: two guys and the notorious ghost, The Woman in Black. This show got under my skin. I never thought I’d be creeped out at a play. If you think it’s freaky seeing a ghost on the screen, think about a pale white lady in black walking by you in the aisle. In a pitch black theatre, no less. I loved it.
I’ve usually experienced the most gratifying art off the beaten path. I’ve run into people who scoff at it because it’s not “legit.” You all know what I think of them. Anyways, here’s a few items I’ve come across out in the wilderness:
- The Ten Steps – My buddy Andres saw this creepy short film at a festival in Denver. It finally turned up on Youtube.
- Daniel Johnston – I discovered his music from a documentary at the library. His first albums were so low budget that his raw melodies couldn’t be buried. If it doesn’t grab you right away, it will. The documentary is great too.
- In the Company of Legends – A few weeks ago I ventured down to Pine Island, MN to a small theatre in an even smaller town. I sat down with a full crowd and witnessed an evening of entertainment that doesn’t happen anymore. A great variety show with a vibrant life. You’ll recognize a few of the actors from the Legends. They’re even more legendary now.
- Running to Stand Still (Live in Sydney) – I know U2 is the epitome of the beaten path. However, only the die-hard fans have heard this version of a classic song. Great music and great drama.
- Seven Signs – I caught this documentary before a Legendary Shack Shakers show in Minneapolis. The lead singer created this brilliant portrait of the unknown South. Plus, my Denver favs Munly and Slim Cessna make appearances and provide the wicked song at the end of the clip.
Bottom line: Get off the beaten path and blaze your own trail. I guarantee you a few (or more) will wander down your trail and be glad they did.
Show some cube.
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Hola Vaniards -
The dust hasn’t settled but our minds are made up. We couldn’t stay away from your beautiful faces. The Vanish train is rolling down the tracks again with growing momentum. The pace is slower so we can enjoy the views a bit more.
Here’s the deal. Mike and I recorded a new podcast last night. It was fun and chaotic as usual. Look for it tomorrow night. We’re going to try every other week and see how it goes. I’ll try to put up a post of my rants on a weekly basis.
As for movies, something could happen when the snow starts melting. We have no idea yet. We’ll see where the train takes us.
Thanks for hanging in there Vaniards. If you’re in the Minneapolis area on Saturday around noon, swing by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design to see “Sweet Damnation” on the big screen. It’ll be a hot time in the old town.
Now a little something for all those evil doers out there. I’m talking to you, pal!
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Vanish got some good news a few days ago. “Sweet Damnation” was selected to play at the 2010 Minneapolis Underground Film Festival.” Saturday, Dec. 4 – Noon at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
New bat time, new bat channel.
We’re stoked. We don’t know what to think so we’re just enjoying it. We admit that our juices flowing again. A new script is waiting to be made. Our schedules for the rest of the year are kickin but….
2011?
We shall see.
If you can make it, we’d love to see you at the screening. We miss your glorious faces.
Show some cube.
BV
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