I Had Lunch With Steve Martin

Mark Twain

Was thinking about him today and would like everyone to spare a thought for him, as he is a primary personal hero of mine.  A new book of previously unpublished writings was recently released called "Who Is Mark Twain?" and so it set me wondering.  As the publisher Robert Miller correctly observed, "Twain's the grandfather of Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Steve Martin.  He has such a dry subversive wit that you feel like he's invented modern humor."

So true...  He also lived in Hartford - his house is The Best thing in Hartford (although it has fallen on hard times.  I just tried to link to it and the web site was, disconcertingly, in disarray.) and he was a member of the Players Club in New York, as I am now.  (Twain was kicked out of the Players for debts owed but was able to talk his way back in and even have his debts forgiven.  They are in possession of his card table.)

Here's to Mark Twain.

Evel Thoughts

I was thinking today...  And would like to remind those who have looked askance at my singed paw that (tertiary personal hero) Evel Knievel is in the Guinness Book of World Records for "Most Broken Bones"...  and was also The Greatest Daredevil of All Time.  

You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs...