Mark Chaet, my friend of 20 years, is a terrific guy, and a terrific actor. He’s also very smart — smart enough to take a look at how the odds have changed for screen actors. Mark knows a lot about these things — here’s his IMDB page, with more than 75 credits; and that doesn’t include any of his stage credits. If you’re trying to make a living as an actor, or considering it, this post on his blog is well worth reading.
A former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve tells us why we need less austerity and more stimulus.
Here’s a key takeaway:
“America’s infrastructure needs are so huge, and so painfully obvious, that it’s mind-boggling we’re not investing more. The U.S. government can now borrow for five years at about 0.75% and for 10 years at about 1.7%. Both rates are far below expected inflation, making real interest rates sharply negative. Yet legions of skilled construction workers remain unemployed while we drive our cars over pothole-laden roads and creaky bridges. Does this make sense?”
No, it doesn’t. And it sure doesn’t to my family back in New Jersey, many of them un- or under-employed because there’s no construction work.
It begins with setting up a paper tiger you can knock down easily. Then it goes from there. Here’s how.
Because we all need the upside now and then. Here goes.
David Lowery (of the bands Camper van Beethoven and Cracker) lays it all out: When you’re stealing music, you’re still feeding big corporations — but you’re shafting artists. (And you’re fishing around for self-justification.) This one post says it all better than I’ve been able to do in several discussions and emails with my own kin. If there are artists you like, you need to support them with your cash. (But then, we theatre people already know that.)
Wendy’s or Subway? Depends which way you vote.
(And I must be a ticket splitter, because while I prefer Wendy’s (a blue pick), I also opt for Xbox (a red pick).
Check it out while you can: puppies sleeping.
Just try to keep a straight face during this. I dare you.