Dear Diary - the arkirby.com blog

Observations from a sleepless night

2011-09-22T13:40:00.003-05:00

(Author's note: There is language included in this post that I would not normally use in my writing. But sometimes you just have to drop an f-bomb. If this is an issue for you, I suggest you don't read any further.)It is a morning of struggle for me. I am confused. I am angry. I am sad. And I am tired, because I didn't sleep last night.The trigger for my sleeplessness was the execution of Troy

Hunter Thompson, NaNoWriMoand finishing what I started

2010-10-18T09:42:00.003-05:00

I’ve spent a good bit of each morning during the past two weeks re-reading Hunter S. Thompson’s Songs of the Doomed. It’s an interesting read, consisting of essays and snippets from throughout the good doctor’s career, beginning in the Fifties and leading through his arrest, prosecution, and successful defense against a variety of drug and other charges in 1990.I’ve always liked Thompson’s work,

Fingers Burned, Lessons Learned

2010-10-05T14:46:00.004-05:00

As soon as we made the left out of the gas station and onto the highway leading back to the interstate, Jean leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. "Thanks for doing that," she said, leaning in close to my ear. "Of course," I said, eyes smiling behind my sunglasses. "Why wouldn't I have?" "We're in a hurry, for one thing,"

Headed for the hills -- part I

2009-08-31T14:09:00.007-05:00

The soreness today surprises me. I suppose it shouldn't, yet it does. I've been quite physically active during the past several months, and at age 43 I think I am in the best shape of my life. But after nearly a thousand miles in the car, a full day in a canoe, three nights of camping and an outdoor music festival, some soreness is bound to be expected no matter who you are.Yet I digress. Nobody

Mark this day -- and mark it well

2009-07-14T11:40:00.008-05:00

It's July 14, which means two things: One, it's Bastille Day (vive la France!); and two, it's the day the first episode of Committed made it's way, kicking and screaming, onto the World Wide Web.It hardly seems as if a year has gone by. It's been a busy one for sure, filled with ups and downs and related twists and turns. Of course, the year has hardly gone according to plan; schedules have been

True customer tales (Part I)

2009-07-10T08:01:00.009-05:00

Working as a bartender gives a person a unique view of the human condition. I get to see all kinds of people come through the Pork Palace, from hurried businessmen having a cocktail before a business dinner to families picking up food for a reunion and many more. Some of these customers I have already classified (see "Customers: A Scientific Breakdown"), but others... well, others require their

The best day of my life

2009-07-08T11:29:00.005-05:00

I posted a status update on facebook this morning that stated I was "looking forward to the best day of my life."Some might wonder why I wrote that, especially considering what all is going on in my life these days. Just today, I woke up a tad out of sync with the world, experiencing one of those days where there are lots of little things going on that make you just want to get back into the bed.

An uninvited guest

2009-07-07T08:41:00.009-05:00

Most weeknights after I get home from the Pork Palace, sometime around 10 o'clock or maybe even 10:30, you can find Jean and I sitting in comfy chairs on our front porch or the back deck. We like to sit and talk, have a beverage or two, check out the fireflies and enjoy each other's company. We listen to the crickets, chat about whatever happened during the day, and generally just relax and

B-I-N-G-O!

2009-07-06T09:41:00.006-05:00

I've know for years that gambling, especially sports gambling, was big in Alabama. Now it looks like electronic bingo is giving it a run for the money -- but legally, and without any effective regulation or enforcement.The Birmingham News published a special report on this rapidly-growing phenomenon on Sunday. News staff writers Kim Chandler, Charles J. Dean and Kent Faulk created a series of

Stubbing it out after 25 years

2009-07-02T08:05:00.002-05:00

With all the other positive change happening in my life, I've decided to make another: After more than 25 years, I've decided it's time to quit smoking.The reasons for my decision are many, but the main one is this -- it's just time to do it. I've tried quitting a number of times before (with varying rates of success, but obviously never entirely successful) but I think why it never stuck before

Library provides inspiration

2009-06-30T09:07:00.002-05:00

Jean, my youngest daughter and I went somewhere Saturday morning I haven't been in years -- the Homewood Public Library. It's a shame it's taken so long for me to get there, because we came home with some really good stuff. Jean's selections included a couple of yoga titles and some audiobooks to listen to in the car. Juliana picked up a couple of books for tweens which she finished in a single

Creative productivity

2009-06-24T10:30:00.002-05:00

It's a busy week on the creative side for me, and I'm digging it.Work continues apace on Episode 31 of "Committed". It's a good bit, with more Liv and Tal and their daughters, plus a tale of conspiracy regarding that most Birmingham of landmarks, Vulcan. I think it's going to be a good one.On a more business-related side, this is also the week I do the layout for the Magic City Blues Society

A testing day ahead

2009-06-23T08:56:00.004-05:00

I think today will be a test.I've never been particularly good at time management, basically because I'm easily distracted. I'll start working on something, get my attention drawn to something else, and before I know it the day has gotten away from me. This particular trait creates a number of problems, the most significant one being that I never seem to get anything done.I've know for years that

Little o' this, little o' that

2009-06-22T09:38:00.003-05:00

Oh, so many subjects on which to opine, and such strict self-imposed limits on my writing time. But such is the way I am finding that I have to deal with things. On to the blather!City Stages is over. Didn't miss it a bit. Hope it sticks around and brings in some acts next year that I might actually want to see.Father's Day was great. Seriously. Jean had a card waiting for me when I awoke, we got

Haiku for my 1987 Mercedes

2009-06-19T10:54:00.000-05:00

From death of one BenzLife is granted to one more.Surgeon or Frankenstein?

City Stages? Don't think so

2009-06-18T09:43:00.003-05:00

Top five reasons I won't be attending City Stages this year (in order of ascending distaste):Doobie Brothers38 SpecialStyxREO SpeedwagonLynyrd SkynyrdTo paraphrase the famous line, what we have here is a failure to entertain. These so-called "headliners" could barely comprise a one-day redneck fest at Verizon Wireless Music Center, much less Birmingham's "world class music festival".Ah, but such

Enough whining already!

2009-06-17T09:57:00.004-05:00

When my eldest daughter was but a tot, she had a horrible habit of whining incessantly when things did not go her way (as they so often do when you are four years old). I would tell her "no" for something -- a toy, a snack, whatnot -- and then she would begin. Pleading, whining, sometimes even tears.My standard response to this behavior was to say, "I can't hear you when you whine," and then I

After what seems like forever, a new episode!

2009-06-16T09:02:00.000-05:00

It only took a month (ha!) but I finally posted a new episode of Committed on my site. I'm pretty pleased with this one, especially the back-and-forth between Tal and Toby. I think the bit about the neighbors is pretty good, too.In any case, stop reading this right now and get over to arkirby.com to read the new episode!

The best laid planssometimes work out okay anyway

2009-06-15T09:43:00.002-05:00

What a weekend it was to be. Last week, I got almost caught up with the yardwork. This weekend, Jean and I planned to spend the morning on Saturday sprucing up the outside of our home, trimming, weeding, planting, and all sorts of good stuff. Then we would go to the Blues Society's Junkyard Juke for an afternoon of blues and beer outdoors. We would get up on Sunday and hit the yard again.Then the

Knee-jerk reaction is spot-on

2009-06-12T10:10:00.005-05:00

When I read yesterday in USA TODAY that Sammy Hagar had teamed up with Joe Satriani, Chad Smith and Michael Anthony to create a new "supergroup" (their words, not mine) named Chickenfoot, my first reaction was "Why?", quickly followed by "Good Lord, what a horrible idea."The reaction was not just a response to what might possibly be the worst band name of all time. It's just that I don't think

Life inhibits art, at least for a while

2009-06-11T12:22:00.003-05:00

So, another long silence has come and thankfully gone. It's been almost two months since I've posted, and nearly that long since I've put up an episode of Committed. Life, as they say, has gotten in the way and instead of imitating art, it has been inhibiting it.What it boils down to is that there has just been too much to do during the past several months, including major repairs to our deck (

Not dead, at least not yet

2009-04-22T22:13:00.001-05:00

I love Mark Twain. Particularly this quote: "Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."On the same line, I'm not dead. Neither is Committed, although it might seem so. I know it's been almost a month since I a) put up an new episode or b) posted on this blog. Life has gotten in the way of writing. There's been a death in the family, the loss of a pet, a blown engine on a car, taxes... I could

Newspapers: A dying breed?

2009-03-16T22:22:00.002-05:00

Interesting program on NPR today, especially for a former journalist as myself...Today's "Talk of the Nation" focused on the state of journalism in America, with a focus on the closings of the Rocky Mountain Daily News in Denver and the Post-Intelligencer in Seattle.Both papers ceased print operations within the past two weeks. When you combine the closings of these two papers with the statement

Episode 27 is now up

2009-03-13T15:04:00.001-05:00

It's been a long week, but a good one, culminating with the posting of Episode 27, "The Bachelor Pad of Doom."For the first time in a long time, there have now been two episodes posted on consecutive Fridays. Woot!I like this episode. I think it gives a little more insight into Christian. And there are some sexy parts with The Professor as well.Now on to Episode 28!

At least I'm not the only one

2009-03-10T09:54:00.003-05:00

So I'm not the only person in the area who thinks Davis Cup tennis and transit funding are related.In this article from al.com, John Archibald also links the two. If we can do such a great job on a small thing like a tennis tournament, why can't we do it with the big stuff?Ah, questions that deserve answers.

Better late than never, right?

2009-03-09T22:36:00.003-05:00

So I lied on my last post.Not only did I not get Episode 26 posted until 10 days later than I said I would, I didn't get an e-mail out until a full 10 days afterward.But it wasn't time spent in vain, and it wasn't an outright lie. I thought at the time that I would have an episode out the next day. But as I revisited it, the piece changed direction on me, and it turned out to be a bear to write.

Long week gets longer

2009-02-27T15:31:00.004-06:00

It's been a long week, and it's getting longerIt's Friday afternoon and I am still working on Episode 26. Outside projects have taken up a lot of time during the past two weeks, and I am fairly well behind in my writing.Last week, it was working on the video for the Australia job that took all the time. This week, it's the March edition of Magic City Blues News. But the newsletter is put to bed,

At long last, updates to arkirby.com

2009-02-25T08:53:00.003-06:00

It took a few more months that expected (mainly because I never made the time to do it), but arkirby.com is now updated!I am many things -- writer, husband, bartender, father, etc. -- but one thing I am not is an experienced webmaster. As such, little things I do to my site often have unexpected consequences. For example, several weeks ago I quite unintentionally deleted all the navigation from

"Committed" makes Scribd's Hot List

2009-02-24T07:49:00.003-06:00

So somebody actually is reading the thing...As of February 21, Episode 9 of Committed, "Tal and Liv Make a New Friend" made the Scribd Hot List! In this episode, our heroes meet Gnorr, the alien who gives them their powers.According to Scribd's website, the Hot List "is comprised of documents that have received a considerable views, likes, comments, and favorites in a short period of time."So

And then there was a post...

2009-02-23T06:57:00.005-06:00

OK, so it's been months and months without a post. My attention to the blog has been lagging, to be certain. With luck, and a bit more focus on my part, that will be changing. However, it's not like I've been slacking on other fronts.One of the things that has been taking up a great deal of my time as of late has been the search for a new (paying) job. While I enjoy slinging drinks at the Pork

All the plumbers in the house, pull your pants up

2008-10-19T08:11:00.003-05:00

Ok, so Sarah Palin was on SNL last night. The opening bit was weak (I thought Alec Baldwin dissing her to her face was pretty funny), but the rest pretty much sucked. On the other hand, Amy Pohler's rap was hilarious -- check it out:McCain got spiritMcCain got styleBut don't let him creep you outWhen he try to smile'Cause that smile be creepy...

Bring in the haha

2008-10-18T00:28:00.001-05:00

OK, so this will entertain and amaze you for minutes... but it is pretty clever.Palin as presidentClick around and enjoy!

Crazy busy ahead

2008-10-15T09:11:00.003-05:00

It's a good time at the Casa Kirby/Campbell these days. An incredibly busy time, but certainly a good one. The Redheaded Hippie Chick and I are experiencing one of those rare but wonderful periods of incredible productivity, creative and otherwise.Jean's yoga instructor training is in full swing, and I believe it is an enjoyable challenge for her. I'm proud of the way she has gone full-bore into

Lucky episode 13

2008-10-12T22:24:00.002-05:00

With a little luck (and a good deal of work), Episode 13 was posted this evening.I actually wrote most of this episode more than a year ago, back in August of 2007. I thought it would be a neat idea to take a look at "the morning after", as it were. What would you be thinking the morning after you got super powers? And thank goodness it came when it did. With me being sick all week, coming up

What a week (sniff, sniff)

2008-10-11T09:58:00.002-05:00

Okay, forget about viral videos. This has been a week for viral infections.To put it mildly, I've been sick as a dog since Tuesday. Fever, chills, body aches -- the whole kit and kaboodle. Sick enough that I not only: (a) called in for three shifts this week (that never happens); but also (b) WENT TO THE DOCTOR (that really never, ever happens).Unfortunately, the fine medical establishment

Updating continues

2008-10-09T13:31:00.002-05:00

Slowly but surely, things are moving along with the updates to Committed. As you might have noticed, I've started using Scribd to post new episodes. Part of that is for readability issues, and part of that deals with the reality of putting up one new page per week instead of five. Personally, I think the change is great.Last night, I got several older episodes changed over to the new format, and

Changes a-comin'

2008-08-20T08:17:00.002-05:00

Be on the lookout for a new feature on arkirby.com sometime in the next couple of weeks!First of all, there will be a new Feedback section on the site. This will allow visitors to post comments about anything and everything on the site. I'm still trying to decide whether the section will be moderated. My gut tells me to just let it ride and allow people to post whatever they want. I know allowing

Crisis of confidence

2008-08-19T07:40:00.003-05:00

Six episodes down, about thirty more to go.The six episodes of Committed posted, if you can trust the Open Office word count function, represent about 12,000 words so far. And if I keep going with the same format, there's about 60,000 words left to go. Counting my notes, outlines, and ideas, I've got probably a tenth of that already written.I don't know how many people know this, but a lot of

New comedy project in the works

2008-08-07T10:49:00.005-05:00

For the most part, I like writing. But sometimes I need to stretch out a little bit and try something different. This week, I'm doing exactly that.A good friend of mine, Lou Willie (of voice talent fame on radios throughout the southeast), is working with me on a short comedy video. I wrote it, he's producing and editing it, and we did out first shooting yesterday. I'm not at liberty to give many

Time for a change?

2008-08-05T07:28:00.003-05:00

Sunday nights at my house are starting to get very, very long.Because I post new episodes of Committed on Monday mornings, I spend a lot of time on Sundays getting the site ready for the new episodes. This involves several steps: breaking down the episodes into separate pages (I try to get them to between 500-600 words per page); building the new pages for the episode; updating the site

Because they don't have them at Publix

2008-07-17T15:06:00.004-05:00

I was driving downtown and had to stop when I saw this at a convenience store. And where else but a convenience store to get the freshest, juiciest pig lips?(I threw up in my mouth a little thinking about pig lips being juicy. Feh.)

Dang it, Al... quit taking my ideas!

2008-07-17T14:51:00.002-05:00

I've been struggling the past couple of weeks over an essay on renewable energy I am trying to write. In a nutshell, I think the Birmingham metro region could make an opportunity out of the current energy crisis by becoming a leader in renewable energy use and technology.Al Gore beat me to it.I'm still going to write the article, but I highly recommend you read his speech.He may be a policy wonk,

And then there was a novel

2008-07-14T00:16:00.003-05:00

And then there was a novel.Or at least the first bit of one. And it's up, online, for anybody to read.Can I get an amen?I'm pleased with the results so far. It's a good looking site, it has good content, and I am hopeful of the reception Committed will receive. Only time will tell.Jean and I spent most of the weekend tweaking arkirby.com even more, testing all the links, and getting Episode 1

Keeps getting better

2008-07-11T15:44:00.003-05:00

It just keeps getting better, I think.Although there is a seemingly never-ending list of things to be done regarding the arkirby.com site (not to mention Committed), it just keeps getting better. We're tweaking bits and pieces here and there on an almost daily basis in an attempt to make the site visually exciting and incredibly user-friendly. And I think it's working.But even the most attractive

A week and counting

2008-07-07T14:21:00.000-05:00

So here we are, one week to go from the launch of Committed. It's a heady time at arkirby.com! We're just about set from this end. The copy is in the process of being editied, we're setting up the proper pages, and we're looking for some sort of benefit to give to the loyal readers who register for the site (perhaps a downloadable PDF of each chapter after it is posted?). In any case, we've done

Wow - It's really here!

2008-07-01T08:06:00.000-05:00

Wow... I'm finding it hard to believe it's really July 1 already, and there's a website with my name on it that's actually available to the public. What you are viewing is the result of almost two years' worth of planning and dreaming, as well as a couple of weeks' worth of blood, sweat and tears to make it actually look like something worthwhile on the web. Jean and I have been talking since