Mark L. Van Name's Blog, page 287

How big a geek am I?

My car's been approaching a mileage milestone--all "1"s, 11111 miles--for some time now, and being a numbers geek, I've been unreasonably excited about the prospect. Tonight, as I was driving back from a concert by Sarah's orchestra (more on that tomorrow), I realized the changeover would occur during this trip.

In a flash, I knew I had to photograph the magic moment.

This task was not without its challenges, because it was after 10:00 p.m. and I was going 74 miles per hour on a 65-mph fre...

Cosi fan Tutte

A while ago, Sarah's orchestra played for a partially staged version of this Mozart opera, so of course we went to the show. I enjoyed the music, the orchestra's performance of it, both the singing and the acting of the performers, and the minimal staging.

The story, though, pissed me off. Lorenzo Da Ponte's libretto played with a well-used device: fiancee swapping. An older man says that he can prove to two young men that all women are fickle--and he can do it in one day. At his urging,...

Just how much are the Spanish into ham?

This much:

Yeah, that's right: Ruffles with ham flavor.

Sorry about the wrinkles, by the way. I carried that bag all the way back from the Barcelona airport after Scott and I consumed the contents while waiting for our plane. When he first told me we had to buy some chips, I argued with him that potato chips were both unhealthy and unnecessary, but after he showed me the bag, I knew instantly that I should have trusted my son. Of course we had to eat them!

Lest you worry that these chips ta...

Kick-Ass

Four of us went to see this movie Saturday night, and I rather liked it. Of course, I'm a card-carrying fan boy, so I would, but I think the movie provides enough genuine heart and action to attract a far wider audience than just those geeky enough to harbor strong feelings about whether it should be "Doctor Who" or "Dr. Who," a topic the refreshment-counter attendant and I were discussing before the film. ("Doctor Who," of course, and I will brook no argument.)

The plot proceeds basically as...

Saint Jacques, take two

I gave this restaurant a rave review a while back, but a single meal can often be deceiving. So, both to get a second take on the place and because it was so good, a group of us headed back there last night. I'd talked with the owner beforehand, so he had made a special menu for us--not a tasting menu, but a new, one-night-only menu from which we could order.

We tried almost everything on that menu.

It was all great.

Amazingly, this meal was even better than the first one we'd eaten there. ...

Why so much?

A lot of folks ask me why I stay so busy, sleep so little, maintain the pace I do, and so on. Some then say that they think it's because I must like being so tired, or that I crave the adrenaline rush, or that in some way I must love this pace. I've thought a lot about this question, and I think I understand the answer.

It's not that I love the pace. I don't. I'm fed up with the stress and the fatigue and all that those things cost me.

What I love is all the stuff I get to do. I love growin...

Two new albums you should pre-order

I'm excited about both of these CDs, and I recommend you start planning now to listen to them.

The first is The Hold Steady's Heaven Is Whenever, which is due on May 4. I've praised this band before and seen them live twice; you don't want to miss them if they come near you. The little I've heard from this CD is wonderful.

For example, check out "Hurricane J," the first single from the album.



For Sarah's take on this album and band, go here.

The other upcoming must-have CD is The Gaslight A...

Fun facts about Jump Gate Twist

You won't be able to buy the book until July, but I've now reviewed the page proofs, seen the cover text, and am basically done with it. So, I thought a few fun facts about it might amuse you--and explain why this is a must-have volume even if you already own the first two Jon & Lobo novels.

It has an awesome John Picacio cover.

John worked long and hard on this piece of art, and all the effort shows. We're hoping this very different look helps the collection reach a different audience than t...

On the road again: San Francisco, day 4

In an act of optimism that would make Dave cringe, I'm writing this entry and will post it from the plane home from DFW. Yes, I'm feeling that good about the flight. Why? Because today's two flights have gone flawlessly so far: on time departures, early arrival, upgraded to first class both legs, quiet seatmates who kept to themselves, plenty of water and Diet Coke. Hard to ask for more from a plane flight.

Jump Gate Twist seems to be jetting its way toward production, which is proper for...

On the road again: San Francisco, day 3

More secret work I can't discuss. Sorry about that.

In additional news, I've reviewed the proof pages for all the new stuff in Jump Gate Twist. I'm excited to see that book. I think you'll really enjoy the new material. It plus the Picacio cover are worth the cost of admission even if you already own the two novels. Come on, admit it: You want to read a Lobo Christmas story.

Dinner was at Max's, which has one of the best patty melts ever. Yes, I ate one; no, I shouldn't have. It sure wa...