Michael, Michael, Michael...

I just read the reference to this in the "Blue Collar Director", Bubba. You're going to deprive these people of the joy of hearing this story? It IS too funny, you know.

How much will you pay me to keep my mouth shut?

;)

Just kidding, old friend. That WAS a good time though. What I remember of it...

Sparky

Sparky --

We will not be discussing in an open forum any and all events that have occurred while under the influence of alcohol, will we? Or, to quote an old joke, "Now, Doctor, we're not going to hurt each other, are we?" Besides, didn't I spend a lot of time trying to teach you that in-jokes are only funny when everone's in on it?

As for the rest of you, I want you to know that my wife doesn't hold me responsible for anything that I can't remember and if it's good enough for her, it should be good enough for you. Besides, it's a story that doesn't translate well into print. You'll have to trust me on that. If you really want to hear the story, go to Michigan and give Sparky two beers and then ask -- after two beers, you can't get him to stop telling stories. Or you can come to Dover and give me a bottle of wine. I won't tell you that story, but I would probably tell a few at his expense.

Good to hear from you, boy. How are things? How's the family?

Keep the six pack and let's not even talk about cheap burgundy... make a few bottles of Pinot Noir and cure Sparky's fear of flying and anything's possible. I think his wife's using martinis on that particular affliction with some success.

Of course, make it a case of Pinot and we've got a party that may start with the Palm Tree Incident, but who knows where it'll end up. Start us down memory lane and we can keep it going as long as the booze holds out. What is about theater people and war stories, anyway? Is it just because we're better at telling them or better at embellishing them?

That and the fact that most of us are naturally incredible hams who love an audience! Even better if that audience are a bunch of other incredible hams who can truly appreciate our experiences and our hammy-ness! *grin!*

Spark, if you think you can bribe me with a bottle of that cheap fruit-flavored California rotgut you think is wine, you better think again. Especially after reminding me of one of your more spectacular evenings. You're going to have to at least bring me something that has a cork, for cryin' out loud. Didn't Charlie teach you anything?

Besides, when have I ever shied away from someone telling a good story on me? After all, there's more than one way to be the center of attention... and between you and me, Bruce and Charlie, I think we've covered most of them.

Anyway, if you promise to bring me something nice, I'll not only let you into the house, I'll let you sample some of my prize Napping Bear. Made it myself. Yep, that's me, M.V. Polo, amateur vintner... along with all of my other hobbies.

So, all the barnyard effluent aside, how are you? What are you working on now, or are you just being Daddy? Not that that isn't hard enough!