BIG FISH

I was checking-out Facebook profile of the very cool guy and was pleased to see that, in his list of favorite films, he placed Tim Burton's BIG FISH first. It is a really charming movie and the role of the son, William, is played by one of my favorite actors, BILLY CRUDUP. I don't know Billy but, in addition to being sensational in SLEEPERS, I did catch him on Broadway.

The book, BIG FISH, while weighing in at less than 200 pages, reads like an epic. As a fan of Greek mythology, I was crazy about all of the references to Ulysses that author DANIEL WALLACE placed softly throughout the bigger-than -life story about the life of a man. As a son named William who also had but a brief chance to try to learn all I could about my dying father, I cannot read BIG FISH without crying. As for the film? It is almost as good as the novel.

A few days ago, I wrote about another "W" writer, DAVID FOSTER WALLACE who recently passed away. I'm big on "W' writers and I list Daniel Wallace right up there with DFW.

The kind of writing I aspire to is done so well in BIG FISH. The story has other layers, waiting underneith, for those who wish to look. For others, the surface story is just fine, too.

Some rainy night, consider renting the film BIG FISH. Or, better yet, some rainy day, read the DANIEL WALLACE novel.

-WW

DAVID FOSTER WALLACE

MY favorite author OF ALL TIME, David Foster Wallace, died on September 12th.

If you ever want to know what original writing feels like, read anything by him... an article, an essay or a novel.

Consider The Lobster, for example.


RIP DFW

www.davidfosterwallace.com

OL' BLUE EYES BLUE PERIOD

This painting, done by FRANK SINATRA, was owned by his pal (and my friend) JILLY RIZZO.

A mutual friend asked me to share Mr. Sinatra's art with you, so here it is.


Blue-ish, schmoo-ish! To me, it is water-ish.

JASON MRAZ

WE SING WE DANCE WE STEAL THINGS.
So I'm taking a little break from writing and decided to play some music. I'm listening to Jason Mraz "Live High'' and his music allows me to do just that!

(Note: Someone asked me why I don't write about John Mayer and I told them that he does enough of that himself.)

Jason Mraz is without a single doubt the best lyricist writing today. I don't know if it's his background in musical theater, his respect for pop, hip hop, jazz, rock, Kenny Rankin and all things that rhyme and chime in the night, but whatever unique combination makes up the music that is Mraz, count me as a loyal listener, as a guy changed for the better. Oh, and if they ever want to make a GREAT remake of The Wizard of Oz, commission Jason Mraz to do the score. If ever a musical wiz there was, it's him... Mraz is every bit as good as Yip Harburg, Johnny Mercer and Larry Hart put together.

I can't wait to hear what's next!

No, this isn't my deadshot

No, I'm NOT dead! Just dead tired.

It's weird seeing a picture of yourself sleeping. In college, a girlfriend told me that my eyes didn't quite close all the way when I slept, saying that it kinda freaked her out.
I remember being glad that she didn't have any other complaints.
A few years ago, while being fitted for a contact lens, the doc told me the same thing, saying that my lids don't shut all the way. I told him he was lucky that he didn't have to sleep with me to notice. He didn't get it and I don't see him anymore.

So anyway, for some weird reason, late last night, a sleep-over-type friend snapped this of me while I was unconscious.I was up late editing my new novel and then just crashed.
I just hope I look better when I'm dead.

JASON HEWLETT- The World's best all-around entertainer you've probably never heard of...yet

JASON HEWLETT

Now here's a guy who is without a doubt the "NEXT BEST THING."

Living righteously and raising a beautiful family in Utah, JASON HEWLETT primarily does corporate gigs, 'one-nighters' and other private performances, knocking 'em dead, show after standing ovation-filled show. Fueling his high-energy act is the fire of ambition that burns brightly in all real stars- and stars to be.

I heart Jason Hewlett and, after you've caught his act, you will too. May I suggest that you take a moment and look at his website... www.jasonhewlett.com

MICHAEL JACKSON RUNS OVER WILLIE WATTERS (SERIOUSLY)

Where in the world is Michael Jackson? Well, here's right here in Las Vegas.

I know because I ran into him over the weekend. (Actually? he ran into ME.) No big deal- he was in a wheelchair and bumped-into me at a local bookstore. My foot is fine, thanks.

Which store? Well, my SECOND favorite bookstore chain... the one that has a strict policy of NOT TELLING when celebrities come in.

Recent gossip magazines are running photos of MJ taken at the West Charleston Barnes & Noble, a store that employes really cool people (especially in their cafe) but Mike ran into me across town, at a store where I am proud to say, I'm kinda well known.

"Um... sorry," the high-pitched voice said, softly.

"No, no, my fault,' I replied.

Now I'm no Michael Jackson expert, but I can say with confidence that the pop star is a gentleman. Smooth on his feet, sloppy in his wheelchair, Michael Jackson is a gentle man.