Friday, Nov. 20th, 2009
Apparently, my associates and I do not have a
clear understanding of how we read and answer
fan email. I thought we had a new arrangement
whereby I would read them all but answer
only a few. The others would
answer those that sometimes needed a reply.
With this plan, I have had the time to read
each one with care and "interest". I have no
precise idea of how many of you there are.
It is such a fluctuating matter. All I know
is that answering an email "honestly" takes
twice the time that it takes to read one.
In the future I will try to keep more in
touch with my cohorts who at least
acknowledge all of those worthy
of such under Visitors' Corner.
Thursday, Nov. 19th, 2009
A useful reminder:
In putting my daily diaries
together, I occasionally over look clumsy concepts
or just plain mistakes in my typing till after they
they have been mounted on the site for you to see.
Trying to avoid this habit is not easy for me. I'm
sorry.
I suggest you review "yesterdays" diary, ie. your last look,
the next time you check in for any thing new. Quite often
between two entries, I myself ,catch and correct an
over-looked error or badly expanded concept.
If I don't, for heaven's sake, tell me. jf
******
As you might already know, this coming weekend will be the entry of Mark Lawrence's
new concept for a storefront display of career highlights ( yours truly ) in the
framework of a 12 page calendar ( Lots of photos along with comments on my 12 choices ). jf
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009
Mark is working on an unusual holiday presentation
due to be mounted before the end of November...
in time to become a unique seasonal gift idea for yourself
or your favourite D.S. buddy. We will be coming up
with all the details in a day or two.
Monday,Nov.16,2009
A turn that had brought about the advent of
Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows and my playing of that role
was ultimately confirmed by a
strange Saturday afternoon meeting to
which I was invited at the A. B. C. studio on West 5?? St. back in 1967
I had already been picked to play this new character
Barnabas, and of course, all the way over to the meeting,
I dreaded they had changed their minds. That was not the case.
They merely had wanted my input as to how I should go
about playing it.
And who were 'they'? I can't remember them all. Dan
Curtis was still in Europe finishing up a project there.
Robert Costello Associate Producer chaired the meeting,
I'm sure. Then there was Ron Sproat. These two men
were my guiding lights. We seemed to think and
spark alike.There were other writers present
as well as one or two tech people, I guess.
Ron Sproat was the only person I had known before. We had been
students at the Yale Drama School some years back. ... I as a Director, Ron
as a Playwright .We crossed paths in our assignments at Yale often.
We got along just fine in our new surroundings. He was a great help
to me indeed in forming the image of Barnabas that seemed to work so well...
I suspect, even, in the casting besides.
May Ron rest in peace. Jonathan.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009
It's getting to be a habit. Check out the corrections
for yesterday's Nov. 15. I think/hope its clearer. jf
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009
An extraordinary day, really. Mark here on an unscheduled day.
Later Donald Frid called unscheduled in the midst of our
talk about him... wondering if he, too, would be here today. "Yes".
Subsequently, both of them,
before leaving, helped me plug into Episode 370,
one of Angelique's killer attacks on Barnabas with
Josette in the wings. This was my first real "pick and watch" dive
into a D.S.Episode in months. The episode had
just finished when the telephoDne rang again
...this time Jim Pearson, of all people from afar, in
company with
Marie Wallace, calling from New York. Miracles?
jf
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009
World War 1, 1914-1918 ( originally, The Great War ), World War 11, 1939-1945
and the World of last week in Texas will never be forgotten.
***
The sunny weather around here these past few days
has been like early September...unbelievable.
However the leaves are gone so it's back to the cellar to
screen possible features for our website... suitable for the
winter season and Burbank next summer.
We'll be back to you shortly. Keep in touch with our
Latest Bulletins. jf
t
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Yesterdays "Monday 9th" article has undergone
a number of changes ( clarifications ) since its beginnings . We
suggest you take another look at it. jf
Monday, November 9, 2009
Many of you presume miracles flowing from
my 84 year old brain as I try to make
sense of this piece of machinery that I don't
think existed when I was born.
Beginning around 70 years old
every word has been a study.
Every sentence, indeed, has been a
miracle on my screen. Some times it can take
me almost half a day to get out a message
of average length in a clear sensible manner to
anyone of you, believe it or not.
For me, the Text book cannot
help very much in the middle of, or end of
a misbegotten sentence.
Get out of it yourself. That's it for now, I guess.
jf
Diary
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Have had no response so far re my Sunday remarks earlier
today about the possibility of my cohorts being outraged by some future
plans/ideas I had for the website before they even knew what they were.. I apologize.
Diary
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Busy developing further uses for my basement space
while trying to classify the rich collection of readers'
theatre that one day soon I'll be resurrecting on the
website...not forgetting, of course, my exploits into the D.S.
Episodes...all this one way or another ahead. jf
Diary
Friday, November 6, 2009
( Sorry, I can't make it any larger for now.
Not bad, though! Still, I swear it 's grown since I started. )
This morning I landed on Photo Gallery and got
the surprise of my life. A neat little review of career
highlights. Check it out at Galleries.
Am anxious to get a vocal reading going on Monday
next. jf
Diary
November 5, 2009
Just finished catching up with my review of the
latest Feedbacks come Visitors' Corner. I would
like to have made up a short review of some
memorable comments.
One of these days I'll get Mark
to show me how to dance back and forth
on this key board with relative ease.
With the help of our cohorts, we are bracing
ourselves for a large plan of expansion throughout
the site. Let me assure you this is not just day
dreaming.
It may not be spectacular or even noticeable
at times. It will be a plan, including one or two Frid
readings along the way, to be put in place
before the new year 2010... allowing us to begin
preparing for Burbank next summer once again. jf
Diary
November 2, 2009
I'm just doing some practice exercises with
Mark overseeing. Thought you might be
interested. No?...Oh. Curse you all. jf
Diary
November 2, 2009
Mark has arrived to set the sizes back in order,
and to give me a little lesson on how to avoid the recent problems that
seem so elementary to some... but challenging to myself.
Mark: "I have just corrected the below date from the 10th month to the 11th,
and as you can see in comparison to the typing below,
we now have Frid's standard diary size back. I am showing Jonathan how to
get that size back when it flips back to the wrong smaller size."
Diary
November 2, 2009
Another goof to start the week from yours truly
See below
We'll fix it when Mark gets here... as well as print sizes.
After that, less self exposure for a while. jf
Diary
November 1, 2009
After every journey I make from your "Feedback" announcement
(I don't think you get to see that ugly word at your end)
to your place in dignified "Visitors' Corner"
( that means you've been good, I suppose ).
I, myself, am left largely confused.
I'll be back after lunch to try and make my point
before confronting Mark tomorrow with the whole mess. jf
11/1/09...4pm
I think my real problem is I got my start with the computer too late in life. I can hardly read
the small size of this afternoon's printing for one thing... and not prepared to spend the rest of the day
trying to match it to the original size above.
But I do love and respect the constant correction demands of the computer.. . and ,of course,
the amazing patience and humour of my friends and associates. Bless you all. jf
Another point I wanted to make... big size... You may like it.
You may not. I've developed a habit of reading all the daily
"feedbacks" without necessarily coming up with an answer.
They are all read for sure and answered if possible.
If I can't be brief, YOU try.
Most of you are probably better at that than I am.
Maybe I'll learn something. Thanks
j/f
Diary
October 31, 2009
Mark's here, I'm getting a lesson. See you shortly.
10/1/09 same day continues
Huge overhauls still taking place in my cellar
space in order to improve the flow of goods
to our storefront. Lots of new photos, bulletins,
articles and essays.will be made available
before the year is out. Keep in touch.
Hope you lik this weekend front page. jf
Diary
October 30, 2009
A huge amount of activity in and around my website is
going on these days and I keep getting lost all the time...
until my computer expert Mark Lawrence comes to the
rescue. It is a practice I have to control...a nuisance at 83. Oh
to be simply 3 again. but I wouldn't want to do that right now. So...
jf
Diary
October 21,
2009
CLICK HERE
FOR A
VIDEO PRESENTATION
following the above presentation...
click here to view the
Britannica Articles
Diary
October 21, 2009
BY THE WAY, WOULDN'T IT BE NICE IF WE COULD SAY TO YOU ALL THAT
WE'RE EXPANDING OUR EFFORTS TO REPLY TO YOUR FEEDBACKS ? ...
OH ! WHAT WE COULD ACCOMPLISH WITH
3 OR 4 MORE HOURS A DAY !
Diary
Tuesday,October20,
2009
It's Tuesday and with Artur's help ( my gardener wizard )
my October 10th entry is as precise as my beautiful garden.
(Some staff monkey business in operation around here)
Diary
Monday, October 19,
2009
With Mark ( my computer wizard ) absent
for two days, I'm quite confused again.
My October 10th entry seems to be lacking a precise
heading from the very start... that is "Episode 331."
Until Wednesday, when Mark will be here,
please settle for this explanation. Thank you. jf
P.S. I'll likely be proven wrong in all this
but I wanted to be sure you yourselves
were not left confused.
Diary
Tuesday, October 13,
2009
Mark mounted this shot as
representing for me a mix
of "Frid" and "Barnabas"
(albeit many moons ago)
from one of a seemingly
endless supply of photos
popping up from the
storage quarters of my
basement. jf
Diary
Saturday, October 10,
2009
Lately I had been reading pieces of script from Barnabas’ early presence on Dark Shadows when suddenly I came upon a piece that began to capture my special attention… worthy, perhaps, of a renewed exposure of its contents on one or two of my website locales such as “Frid Diaries”/“Frid’s Essays” etc..
What caught my attention was the importance of the action itself as it really begins to ignite the hopeless lies of Barnabas which now begins to dominate the Barnabas story.
This particular “episode 331”
demands and receives the impressive acting skills of Joan Bennett, Louis
Edmonds and especially David Henesy as young David.
After some 40 odd years, it has been my first serious study of my own acting
efforts… matching those around me. Oh yes, I can still pick away at a slip here
and slip there in the following scene, but Barnabas keeps Frid out of real trouble
by having to disguise himself in lies as he begins his very own stumbles in front
of the inquisitor Roger Collins.
Take a look. Click HERE
Diary
Friday, October 2, 2009.
So?...So!
If
you happen to have a request or complaint not yet
acknowledged, say on the diaries, please let us know. jf
We
will be adding new items for sale very soon.
Keep in touch.
***
Diary
Monday, Sept. 21,
2009
Results from Saturday 19th's meeting:
Though I'll always be confused between
reading books from page one to page two
and reading computers from page two to page one,
I'll still try hard to understand. jf
Diary
Friday, Sept.18,
2009
Tomorrow (Saturday) a group of us
are meeting here to map out a period
of Fridian activity stretching from now
to the end of the year with an
emphasis on:
(1) Store front sales
(2) Developing early plans for the
Burbank Festival 2010
(3) Renewing
my ancient custom of reading tales
in prose and rhyme...that's to say,
some more vocalizing right
here on the
website.
(4) Future focus on the Burbank Festival
next summer.
Diary
Thursday, Sept. 17,
2009
A quiet afternoon alone to reflect in spite of a
seemingly endless list of happenings to deal with ahead.
No matter/nuts, I'm going to dream anyway.
No more putting off my current favourite
reflection...my current obsession...with a follow through
to my earlier reference
September 7 to theD.S. Episode #33I.
I want to display
a good part of it it on this website with the permission
of those in charge to demonstrate once and for all the great
acting potential of Dark Shadows actors. Here is a sample. It
was smooth. It was elegant. It was honest. And I am proud to
have been in there with them for this particular episode. jf
Diary September 14, 2009
For me, perhaps the most appropriate innovation of the August Festival
was the presentation of Elaine Nacanther and Valerie DiBiase……two oustanding
examples of
the now legendary fans that once made it almost impossible to enter the D. S.
studio on Manhattan’s upper west side while actors were inside rehearsing or
preparing for the following day’s taping.
Those were difficult times for me…the earliest days of my attempt not only to
stay
afloat along with the show’s more experienced actors…but also to try breathing
new
life into a challenging new character meant to salvage the story line from
whatever it was that it lacked.
The writers went to work with their new strategy of horror. My strategy, if I
had one,
was “be a polite gentleman” and those fans in the street somehow caught on to
this strange combo.
~~
Time is a killer of memory,
however, so I’d better get a back on track and move-on with
regard to the Newark Festival already way back in August 2009.
To a degree, however, the memories of this past August have already
rebounded relatively easy. My basement is still far more than a bright
reflection of the visions and sounds from that event.…
enough to sparkle another festival…this time in Burbank California again…
in the summer of 2010.
And my recollections of
festival 2009 are for the most part
delightful in spite of the failure of my grand blueprint for the occasion which
was to
give a lot more time to mingle with the the festival attendees not
only at the merchandise tables but in the halls generally. Hah?!?.
It seemed I was using every one’s back to push my way around. “Move.. move”,
I would whisper or grunt in their ears. It didn’t take me long to learn that if
I stopped
even for a second, a mini festival would assemble. I certainly wasn't
trying to neglect them deliberately.
Nor did I hope I seemed grouchy about it. On the contrary it became a kind
of game of hop scotch.
Any way, by the end of the festival, I found myself with a goodly list of new
acquaintances.
Of my prose and verse
contributions, my favourite was my "Third Level".
Of course, the recorded "Frid Connections" is still the highlight for hilarity
of all my endeavours.
It seems I am forever busting to prove myself a comedian. "Solemnity" for
me is a cinch.
I was sorry, indeed, not to
have been able to do the "remembering of lines" together
with John Karlen. We weren't able to agree on the comic punch line of the
piece.
Anyway, it was to have been my gratitude in comic terms for what John
had done for me so often back in those early days.
On one of my pushing escape
efforts I caught a surprising...quick glimpse of my young
niece and nephew seated at our merchandise table doing some good business
work for us...or so I was told. No time to indulge in family pride.
I had to keep pushing on to avoid a typical mini Frid festival chaos.
I hope this gives you an idea of what I experienced at this most recent gala
affair.
Diary September 8 < 2009
The first work day of the final season of the year, I guess.
(Just where does winter fit in?)
For me it's a private solo day...no cohorts here to
salvage me from endless mistakes. By hook
or by crook, it's all up to me.
I'm going to take a break right now...to check out
any incoming email and one or two other items. jf
Diary September 7 < 2009
Another passing thought having nothing at all
to do with festival magic in August, of course, which I have
promised to finish at this time... more or less.
But yesterday, I happened upon an early episode #331
of Dark Shadows, ..where David, is
attacked by Barnabas as a flying bat. The scene
that follows features a group of actors
( including Joan Bennett and Louis
Edmonds )
all of whom were performing at their best.
A friend watching with me commented on the
remarkable talent of young David Henesy himself.
Yesterday, I felt privileged to have been
a part of this distinguished company.
And it has taken me some forty odd years to come to
this conclusion. JF
Back to the Newark Festival for the rest of the week
and all the people there my deepest gratitude for all
they did to help me along.
Diary September 5 < 2009
Thank all of you who advised me after the recent festival
to take it easy for a while. Well, I've done just that. I'm now
beginning to get moving again...after this short period of
rest. At 84, however, it's sometimes puzzling to sense the
difference...And now everybody seems to be revving up for
Burbank again. "We'll see" is my own motto these days.
Meanwhile, I'm working on a sort of multilateral coverage
of the recent Newark Festival.... It wasn't all jut hiding
behind the person ahead of me in the halls and elevators.
DIARY SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2009
What was so important, but off-centre about this
arrangement
of pics, etc. when first published back in ’07?
Simple, Barnabas does not get centre stage.
Compensation somewhat! See back side below…
~
MORE ON SUCH MATTERS UP AHEAD!
Diary August 24 < 2009
...and now the talk is back to Burbank
once again...Will I make it?
Diary August 21 < 2009
(revised)
I'm wondering how long I can keep
this bundle of promises up to scratch.
These too are bound to be a wandering
if not rough collection of manuscripts.
I've been out of
practice these days, of course, what with
all the preparations for the
Newark festival last week.
At my age I sometimes feel like
quitting for good.
Other times, well, with some help and
organization, "lets get started" after a
few deep breaths...before the end
of August.
For the past six months what a team
we've had ! Dedicated teams like this
can do miracles!
Diary July 29 < 2009
After the Festival...then what?
Right now, myself and my cohorts are running
headlong into the best organized festival
of the past three years since my
return to the fold.
Unlike any other festival in the past, Frid's private collection of
life long memorabilia will come
up for auction, and/or sale, and/or just plain perusal.
Be sure, by the way, to check out Marcy Robins's latest Shadowgram.
It tells you every thing you'd ever want to
know about what goes on at any time
in our world of shadows.
All the above preparations for Festival'09
are beginning to allow us time on the side to work out some ideas for the future...following all the fun and games of the Festival itself coming up in Newark...ideas that will keep us busy for many months ahead.
More on all this later as we move along. Jonathan
Your thoughts?
Diary Update July 24 < 2009
I'm determined to get back
with the Diaries after all
these weeks ( seems years ).
With the Festival demanding
attention every hour of the
day, I'd better get with it.
We've already given you a
look-see at the hotel premises.
At the moment all I can tell
you is what I hear through the
grapevine...that we are sold out
re room accommodations and banquet...
well, I'd best keep it cool till I
know the whole story.
Besides I've lost my touch with this key board and it's getting late.
I will be back with more
soon. JF
..,,,,,
Diary July 9 update < 2009
(yet another adjustment to this ongoing tell-tale event)
June 20th...A week or so ago from Augusta Georgia....
describing all the excitement
brought on by my appearance
there back in the seventies or
there abouts
It immediately brought on
vivid memories for me as
well...hysterical memories,
really...a hellish and hopeless
situation but worthy of a
thousand laughs before we
were through.
The following is a feedback from Edie of
Augusta Ga. June 20 2009:
"When I was a child, the high point of
my day was running home from school to
watch Dark Shadows. I didn't think
anything could be more exciting until
the day I heard you were coming to
Augusta Ga...my home town! The streets
were mobbed as your Augusta fans waited
to get a glimpse of our beloved Barnabas.
Seeing you in that sedan fully costumed
waving to us all...that was the most
exciting day of my childhood.
Thank you, Mr.Frid, for the wonderful
memories".
And thank you, Edie, for your
interesting and flattering comments.
What made my day, however, for better or
for worse, were the following upshots on the tour of the streets at the time you describe the scene.
During the motorcade ride along the
edge of the town, the camera-crew guys on
the van ahead of me were yelling
back at me to wave at the barren woods
to my left where most of the cameras were
shooting from, also they could get a better line to the right side of my face, I guess, while the crowds to my right behind me screaming for my direct personal attention. Can you imagine how idiotic I must have
felt throughout the whole scene: me waving at
the trees to the left leaving my fans to
the right and the back of me unattended.
I hoped the trees were getting a good
unexpected laugh from all this attention.
Love yuh/all jf
Diary June 22 <2009
Take a look back at Sept.17.
We've added a row of photos
of the various chambers,
halls, lobby and dining
room...you name it...put out
by The Renaissance-Newark
Hotel.
Some of our own
personal photos will be
shown here shortly on The Diaries .
I am hoping to accompany my
nephew Donald Frid on an
other expedition to Newark
next month. Don is hauling
a car/van load of my
personal possessions destined
to be sold, auctioned etc. at
Festival time. I bet
he's got s secret plan
to hop over to Manhattan
(25minutes away) before heading
home.
My Computer-master Mark
Lawrence beside me here
( also was my driver
boss on my earlier trip two or
three weeks ago ) has
been sorting endless numbers of
photos of various descriptions
here this morning...Wow!
and another month and
a half yet to go.
Scary at times. Jonathan
P.S. I intend to give you
a clearer picture of the items
to be featured on both my
Sat. and Sun. programs by the
end of this week.
Diary June 21 <2009
From the disgraceful state of
affairs throughout what we
normally like to think of as
a current state of affairs
guiding this website...including
these diaries, we are determined
to right all wrongs just as soon
as possible.
Diary June 21 <2009
"Swelling Activity" indeed!!
While my cohorts plunge into
the massive business of sorting
out photos, table displays and
schedules etc. for the August
Festival, I myself will be bringing
my personal presentations into
focus for August 14,15 and 16.
Diary June 17 <2009
I've been told it has been a month and
two days since my last diary entry.
From here on till August 12, the
day I depart for Newark and the
2009 Festival, I intend to keep in
touch with you all as activity swells
around us. Already I'm trying to
catch my breath from our first trip
to seek and find. This past weekend
I spent a considerable length of
time getting lost along the endless
corridors of the Renaissance-Newark
Hotel.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
However a productive meeting finally
got under way. We "cased the joint" figuring the layout for displaying tables, for example.
Diary May 15 <2009
Serves me right...every time I neglect the
"Diaries"/ "Diary", or whatever I call it, I have to
re-learn how to do what I'm actually doing right now. Whew!
If I were only a 3 yr. old again! Starting to compute at 80
is a pretty risky business. I'm busy enough
already re-learning grammar and spelling.
You know...in mid life I was constantly repairing
whatever were my skills as an actor...one problem
I'm famous for and indeed it will be celebrated,
if you please, on the first day of this
summer's D.S. Festivals when John Karlen and I
will have some 'fun with an early scene typical
of many others we shared later in the game.
Looking forward to seeing all of you
come August 14th.
In the meantime...bless you all
Jonathan
Diary May 11 < 2009
DSome more Q & A that you might find interesting.
Sam writes: Jonathan, What was director Oliver Stone like to work with?
Reply: Under the circumstances...he did pretty well. jf
Adam writes: DEAR MR FRID, JUST WAS LOOKING ONLINE AND CAME ACROSSED YOUR WEB SIGHT, I KNOW YOU PROBLEMLY GET 1000S OF EMAILS ABOUT HOW MUCH A FAN PEOPLE ARE,OK IM ONE OF THEM,I WAS A FED EX DELIVERY PERSON, AND HAVE MET SOME GREAT ACTORS, CHRISTORFER WALKIN,TONY GOLDWYN IM FRIENDS WITH,GENE HACKMAN,WOODY ALLEN,WESLEY SNIPES,ROBERT REDFORD, BONNIE FRANK, THE TERMANATOR ARNOLD,SORRY CAN,T SPELL HIS LAST NAME, SO JUST A PEEK WHO I HAVE MET, BUT I HAVE TO SAY YOU ARE ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVS,HOPE YOUR DOING WELL.
Reply: Glad to see my name in such illustrious company.
Julie writes: I read in Marie Wallace's great memoir "On Stage and In Shadows" about your work together on "The Lion In Winter". Something she brought up was talking about choosing music for the play, and you ran an absolute gamut, using everything from period music to Bing Crosby! As a musician, I gotta love you for being so e clectic in your choices. Would that have been an MO for you if you'd had the chance to direct more, or was this an aberration?
Reply: Aberration? Good heavens. Hardly.
Belkys writes:
Mr. Frid, I am 41 years old and became a fan of Dark Shadows 14 years ago. In the last year I have become to have many medical problems and am currently healing from the latest surgery. I have Dark Shadows on dvd and have been watching them again through my healing. Your role as Barnabus was wonderful and it brings me great joy to watch them again. I love the way you always tried to continue in character no matter what went wrong. God Bless you and continued health.
Reply:
Now there is a compliment, thank you
jf
Ann writes:
Hi Jonathan
I hope you're on your way to a full recovery, and that May brings
some warm, sunny weather so you can get
out and about and enjoy your garden.
I was wondering about your time at RADA, During your "stint"
there did you meet anyone else destined for greatness?
(Notice I said 'anyone else'? - that's in
addition to you ;-), of course!)
Best regards
Ann
p.s. It's blowing a gale and pouring with rain here in Glasgow.
My neglected garden is more of a bog.
Reply: It's a beautiful day in May and i'm feeling pretty good. Possibly a successful student from another part of the world. The academy was very universal in it's enrollment.
Diary May 8 < 2009
Diary May 6 < 2009 made it. Diary May 6 / 7 < 2009 didn't. Click...blank...GONE...
So much for an improved essay written by yours truly yesterday afternoon covering the essence of the May 6 diary and adding a great deal of new information on how we will be steering our way through two or three months to August and the festival weekend... All gone in one misguided click on the keyboard... 2 hours of concentrated brain work, GONE.
Marcy, you're way ahead of me in staying on track at least.
Here are some recent Q & A that you might find interesting.
Ann writes:
Hi Jon
Greetings from sunny Scotland! Yes, it was sunny today
for a change, and I want everyone to know.
Just found your website and been reading through
some of your articles. You seem to have been very
pre-occupied during your early days on DS with thoughts of
being sacked. Have you ever actually been sacked from a job -
acting or other. Or, have you ever had a job where being
sacked would have been a welcomed relief?!
Best wishes.
Reply: Yes and no. jf
Linda writes:
It must have been very difficult going from the
stage to TV & finding yourself practically an overnight
success & very recognizable. Were you rather embarrassed &
uncomfortable making those personal appearances in public,
where you had to travel somewhere & then talk to the crowd? Then
the talk shows, where it was all about Barnabas & not the man
portraying him. You are not Barnabas, he was a character
you played, & yet people still cannot let go of that image
all these years later. It's like the 'Star Trek curse',
spending years in 'convention hell'!
Reply: Most exchanges with with interviewers discuss your
very own question. Frid vs. Barnabas.
Okay with me. jf
Dawn writes:
JF, I would like to know if there was one actor or
actress you specifically enjoyed working with on DS.
I know that you had a lot of scene interaction with
David Selby, John Karlan, Lara Parker, and Grayson Hall,
just to name a few over the course of the series. I've
heard that Karlan could be full of mischief and after
watching you two at fest last year, I tend to think
the rumors are true. I suspect that
Joan Bennett was a character too...
Reply: I would say John Karlen as Willie...
check above in my diary entry.
Matt writes: Mr. Frid, is there any role - and I'm thinking from classical theater (Shakespeare, etc.) - that you always wanted to play and never had the opportunity to do?
Reply: This was a directorial frustration... I have always wanted to direct a production of the play...The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas KYd. He was recognized as the great classic dramatist of English literature leading up to Shakespeare's time. jf
Diary May 6 < 2009
A much fuller coverage of what's coming along for
the latest news of the Newark Festival 09.
We are
giving Marcy a run for her money in ShadowGram.
Bless Marcy, at least, for her consistency and basic
info.
My part of the program promises some "classics" readers theatre
from the past and "classics" from literature never seen
before in our programs.
I will be sharing them with
you with live readings in person at the Festival
itself and with one or two live experiments here on
this computer as we move along towards August.
A very special hilarious treat for festival attendees
with John Karlen trying to put me straight in
line with a script...from an actual telecast.
This Festival is going to be a loo loo!!
Frid's Diary > April 30 < 2009
The end of a month filled with
aging and poor health thereby
unable to cope with a splendid
mixture of chilled, brisk sunshine
and healthy rain fulfilling the
first half of the old maxim:
"April showers brings May flowers".
Indeed there are touches
of colour around the garden
already... My face too!
I'll be getting back to you very soon!
Frid's Diary > April 12 < 2009 >
Some recent diary responses Rebecca writes: Dear Mr. Frid: I am a teacher, and have found Shakespeare quite transforming and inspiring for students who hate English class or don't like school in the first place. It's the words. There are passages which open up literature for these kids. I believe Shakespeare has the power to do that. I've experienced that myself. What passages or phrases, or even just a word, in the Bard have transformed you? And, if not Shakespeare, which author(s) have really fired your pistons? Thanks. Rebecca
Answer:I guess it was my very first experience with Shakespeare that excited me. It was at prep school. Our headmaster (a frustrated actor) would read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar to us...in fact he would act it out. I'll never forget his usage of the teacher's desk as the steps to the Forum: "Oh mighty Caesar, dost thou lie so low?" jf
Linda writes: It must have been very difficult going from the stage to TV & finding yourself practically an overnight success & very recognizable. Were you rather embarrassed & uncomfortable making those personal appearances in public, where you had to travel somewhere & then talk to the crowd? Then the talk shows, where it was all about Barnabas & not the man portraying him. You are not Barnabas, he was a character you played, & yet people still cannot let go of that image all these years later. It's like the 'Star Trek curse', spending years in 'convention hell'!
Answer: Well, I'd like to think I educated some people to the fact that it was me, Jonathan Frid, and not some creature from outer space doing it all. However, when I was about 10 years old...it was Christmas, my mother took my brother Ken and myself to the Savoy Theatre in my hometown in Ontario to see and hear the famous english boy's choir from London. At the end of the show I threw a fit because mother would not let me go to England (since it was right there in the theatre). It was the best acting I had ever done in my life. It got very serious and mother had to punish me later for making such a scene in front of everybody. jf
Dawn writes: JF, I would like to know if there was one actor or actress you specifically enjoyed working with on DS. I know that you had a lot of scene interaction with David Selby, John Karlan, Lara Parker, and Grayson Hall, just to name a few over the course of the series. I've heard that Karlan could be full of mischief and after watching you two at fest last year, I tend to think the rumors are true. I suspect that Joan Bennett was a character too...
Answer: A good answer to this exists in my Feb 10th diary entry, a ways down under "old"...the 10th question from the top. jf
Perlita writes: hi Jonathan, i am from the philippines and new in the states, my husband introduced me to dark shadows and im so hooked with it and im on my 755 episodes now. Question - Of all the good looking girls in the cast, who do you attracted with most? victoria, maggie, caroline or angelique? just wondering..(big smile). Take care now...
Answer: That's a tough question, a lot of competition there. I was very fortunate. jf
Lisa Marie writes: Hi Jonathan, Thank you for all of the information about Your Frid Evil DVD. I purchased one at last year's festival, and absolutely loved it! I have never had the opportunity to see any of these performances in person, so I am looking forward to your latest version of Frid Evil/Frid Comical. I enjoy all of your video treatments as well. Keep up the good work! I am counting down the days until August. Love, Lisa
Answer: delighted with your interest in the development of Frid Evil/Frid Comical. It is going to be a slow process as it has little to do with the coming festival this summer...so it is really getting second hand treatment at the moment...and you will see if you are watching the development of this theme under "Bulletins" I try to do a couple of scenes per month at this present state. jf
Frid's Diary > April 8 < 2009 > Regarding the necessity of a new vocalized performance of
Frid-Evil/Frid-Comical, I think I'm going to do it in
succession bites. Interesting, I hope. It will be a
fresh developing new presentation lasting over a period
of months...( a scene or two each week ). We'll see.
Look for it here in "Diaries".
Frid's Diary > April 6 < 2009 >
"Frid-Evil/Frid-Comical
King Richard 11l/The Tempest"
??????????
How to reduce the length of the above title
to the simple length of "Frid-Evil"?
No matter really. Whatever the length, I suppose
"Frid Evil" will always be used as an easy moniker for both. Well then,
how about "Frid-Evil-Frid-comical"? O.K....as long as both
the horrors and the hilarity survive.
Any way I believe I promised more information than this over
the weekend but Mark, our Webmaster and I have spent
many hours trying to put the materials of this DVD
in proper sequence making for a far more interesting
adventure.
I had not, however, accounted for the fact that now
I will have to record a new reading (performance)
of the whole venture before its ready to be properly
marketed/presented again.
All of you who have already bought the original "Evil"
will be offered a reduced price on the final copy of the
new sound DVD. WE hope dearly we will have the new
reorganized script ready, at least, for viewing on the
sight itself within 2 or 3 days.
All of the above is fast becoming past tense as
we move into high gear preparing for the August Festival.
Mark will be here Wednesday to get me oriented towards plans
for that.
During the next few days keep looking for the details
of the new "Frid Evil-Frid Comical" script on the site. jf
Frid's Diary > April 3 < 2009 >
Big Happenings this coming week: a major reorganization of
Frid-Evil King Richard III / Frid Comical The Tempest...and
other goings-on. jf
March 20 < 2009 > Curious in Cleveland writes: Hello Jonathan! So you want some questions....OK here is one. What was going on between Barnabas and Julia on Dark Shadows? They were more than friends but not really a couple. We know she loved him ... how did he really feel about her? As always, I wish you all the best Jonathan!! Take care.
Reply: Oh don’t be so nosey. jf
AlamoGal writes:
Many actors have told great anecdotes about the joys or
agonies of assorted props, makeup, scenery and costumes.
We know you've had pains with your fangs, for instance.
What other props/makeup/costumes/etc.
have you either utterly detested (I hope never to have to
deal with THIS again) or delighted in (neat-o, I LOVE this!)
and why (in any role you ever played)?
Reply:
Well no, the props only served as an
aid to the character I played. jf
Chrissie writes:
I think I write over 100 words last time. I sure love you, Johnathan! What was it like working with David Ford? I have watched 372 episodes of DS now and LOVE Barnabus!
Reply: David Ford? Yes he was ok. Wasn’t he married to Nancy Barrett? jf
March 14 < 2009 >
Hello from the Frid Diaries…with news reflecting on
what’s been posted on the new “Bulletins”
and "Current Festival" by our Webmaster Mark Lawrence...
way over on the other side of the website.
Alas, my loyalty has been split in half.
What am I to do?... What to choose?...
Let’s say working in competition with one's
self is not so bad, indeed, a healthy practice.
The Game…a new addition to the regular festival
program is getting its special start right now.
The whole game is to be activated by you. You
yourselves get to determine what DS scenes we will
show and talk about in Newark this summer.
Mark will fill you in with the details.
March 7 < 2009 >
"After-thought Reply to Kevin
and his Clock": His tale has great
charm for us... for me, for sure...though
for Kevin, at times, a living hell...
with such an investment in a pot luck
situation.
For my part with the clock, on the very
first day I was on the show, the clock and
and the painting of Barnabas were anchors for
my concentration while trying to think of
my next line. Joan Bennett to the rescue...
and on and on. jf
Seven days later: March 6 < 2009 >
Webmaster Mark Lawrence will be here soon to
reorient yours truly back to the "Diaries"
after a hefty amount of still
unfinished work done in and around
the top of the site itself.
We hope you are enjoying it all. jf
There are a lot of Visitors' Corner comments
to post, of course, after all this reconstruction biz.
Here's one for starters. Kevin writes: Hi! I just wanted you to know that I watched and enjoyed the Dark Shadows program when I was young. Besides the actors the thing I liked the best was the big clock in the foyer of Collinwood. I always wanted one like that. It took almost 40 years... but I finally got one. Found it in an antique store in NYC. It did not work and the case was missing one of the cherbs .. but after spending about $ 6,500 dollars I now have a fully functional complete clock. Almost everyone who comes to the house wants to hear it play, and many of them reconize it from the show... without being told. Thanks again for having a great show !!
Reply:
$6500?.. WOW!...jf
February 27 < 2009 >
My apology to Jim Pierson for the misspelling
of his surname yesterday. It has been
corrected. jf
More about the developing changes to the site
this coming Sunday. jf
February 26 < 2009 >
Ten days later, for shame.
Just a moment ago FedEx delivered me a large box of Barnabas
photos from Jim Pierson... all for me to play with until
I run out and he sends me another large box and so on.
What's this? It's all about signing hundreds of photos
signed now and prepared for my personalizing when we
connect later this summer. I have found that by splitting
the act of writing in this manner, there's a chance,
at least, to get a peak at who you are and even
at times share a word or two. Not a bad way to begin a
weekend of sheer pleasure this coming summer.
As I look my window , the snow is making a slow but
certain retreat. I'm talking about that snow that
never seems to give up. Cheers jf
See you in Newark N. J. August 14,15,16 ?
Have I got that right ?
More about the site next.
February 16,2009
A question about yesterday's diary (Feb.15).
Is this year's Festival in Newark N.J. at
The Newark Marriott or The Newark Renaissance?
Also, is it a Motel or a Hotel or what?
We are checking it out. The Shadow knows.
J.F.'s Diaries > Feb.15 < 2009
Looking ahead to August!
Yesterday I and my Canadian and
American Dark Shadows associates
(all four of us) met to ransack my
basement for just about the final
haul of memorabilia to be gotten out to
grace, or whatever, some hall space of
the Newark Marriot M(H)otel...
literally, by the way, a stone's throw,
from Manhattan...well, for a giant, at least.
See y'all in August! In the meantime,
more details forthcoming! Check out Shadow Gram
for the best info. jf.
J.F.'s Diaries > Feb.10 < 2009
In "Feb. 01 Diaries" there were
one or two significant oversights ( now corrected )
in Question #10 re John Karlen.
NEW
Q: I'm going to start with the question I asked you face to face at the
last DS Fest. While you talked about the role in general (and I loved it),
I had asked a more specific question. Was the role of Bill Starbuck in
"The Rainmaker" (Williamstown) your first onstage kiss? If not, what role
holds that distinction for you?
A: Who was my onstage first kiss, I have not the fainted idea. Like life
itself I've been kissing lips and pinching bums for 80 years now and you're
asking me what was my first one.
Come on gimme a break.
jf
***
Q: You have a great speaking voice. Can you sing? If so, have you ever
done a musical?
A: All I can tell you is that the one and only musical I was in was
produced by a Toronto Company back in 1953. It opened in
Montreal, Quebec, I remember singing a song called "Glamour".
An old buddy (an experienced musical performer on stage with me)
would try to trip me up being a new boy. That was my biggest
challenge and I was able to hold my own very well I might add.
jf
***
Q: As a U.S. disabled veteran from the first Gulf War 1991, I want
to thank you for serving your country and the world in the Canadian
Navy during World War II and you are handsome. I saw the picture of
yourself in your uniform. What was your rank and what did you do
in the Canadian Navy and what ships were you on?
A: I was an ordinary seaman in the Canadian Navy. I was quite young then
with only a few months of service to my credit. The war with Germany
was over and we were on our was to the far east via. Multa to finish
off the war with Japan, we never got thru the Suez canal so we turned
around back thru the Mediterranean, back across the south Atlantic, then
thru the Panama canal, up the Pacific coast, with one stop at San Diego
and eventually being discharged in British Columbia, Canada.
jf
***
Q: I understand there is long-life in your family - your mother
lived into her 90's? How old was your father when he passed?
I think you're doing very well for your age & are a lot more active than
most of the elderly out there.
A: My father died of a heart attack at the age of 78, and so at 84
I'm on my way to give my mother a run for her money. Who died at 99
approaching 100. My two brothers died in their 60's and 70's.
OLD
Q: Just wondering what you think of Johnny Depp
playing you in the new movie? No one can equal
you so I am curious how you think he will do.
A: God help Johnny Depp playing me in the new movie.
However, I'm sure he has his own inventive ideas of what
exactly he's playing as "Barnabas". It will certainly be
interesting.
jf
Q: JF. DS and the one man show aside, what part did you
particularly relish 'sinking your teeth into'? Was there
one that still sticks in your mind today as being a real
favorite?
A: It's really impossible to pick put one part.
The most referred to in so many articles is Dr. Sloper
in The Heiress, (Olivia de Havellin academy award winner
in the title role as Catherine in 1950). Dr. Sloper is
Catherine's father. One of a number of famous fathers
by the way played by yours truly over a lifetime, starting
with Sir. Anthony Absolute in The Rivals at the tender age
of about 16 or so. I intend to do an essay here in the
"Diaries or Essays" in the near future on the subject
of playing a number of fathers; evil and sweet and
everything in between we'll see.
jf
Q: alright... here's a question... are you doing any
better in the nose and teeth department? an updated
picture might be in order, if you feel like it...
A: A picture perfect representation of myself should
be ready for the site in about a week. At the moment
nose okay, teeth terrible but all on the road to
recovery.
jf
Q: Jonathan I love the picture of you and your grandpa!
I'm curious about the lovely house in the background--
it looks very nice. Is it still standing? Where is it?
Is it still in the family and/or do you ever visit it? Would
it be possible for you to post more pics of it? I love to
visit my childhood home. Much thanks and love,
A: Yes it is still standing but no longer in the family
it has been twice sold since our day but we do have
other pictures of it in fact we will try to put up
another picture when Mark is here.
jf
Q: What is your suggested top 10 list of books
you feel every person in North America should read?
A: Well, I guess I haven't read more than one or
two in some time; an in and out kind of habit.
I certainly wouldn't seriously prescribe any book to
any person. Each to his own I say.
A book that I have been reading lately is a
controversial book written a long time ago... back
in 1979 called The Palestine Triangle by Nicholas Bethell.
jf
Q: Is there any role that you'd really like to have played, or would
like to play, that you never got to play either because the chance never
came up or you were unsuited for it for whatever reason? Along the same lines,
if you could do the role in another format (audio or animation, for example)
would you still be interested?
A: It's hard to remember any of the possible circumstances you refer to.
What I do remember is the huge gratification I got from my reader's theatre
productions. It kept me free from frustration of waiting for that
glorious opportunity you ask about. Other formats? possibly... depending on this and
that.
Q: When DS was cancelled, were you relieved, or did you miss playing
Barnabas? It's my understanding you weren't thrilled with the
Bramwell character, which ended the show's storyline, so I
always wondered how you felt about the cancellation.
A: As I remember, Bramwell was offered to keep me "aboard". Ok,
but as you imply; I wasn't thrilled with it. I did enjoy working
with Kate Jackson however. I was so looking forward to playing the
Archbishop of Canterbury in T.S. Elliot's Murder In The Cathedral
in New York City already in rehearsal before the Dark Shadows "wrap".
jf
Q: Happy New Year to you! Yeah, I've had a question for some
time now. I'm a YouTube junkie, and I'm glad to see you started your own
channel on YouTube. Right now, it consists of just a still advertising
your website. Are you planning on doing something with YouTube,
like posting videos of your dramatic readings? That would be super.
Take care, and hope all goes well with you this year.
A: Thanks. Yes, sooner or later more videos will be put up on YouTube.
jf
Q: On a more thoughtful note...What is the most memorable
experience of your life?
A: Becoming an actor (First play... The Rivals as Sir Anthony
Absolute).
jf
Q: Dear Jonathan, I was wondering of all the actors you have worked
with ,who was the one you enjoyed most? I am sure anyone who has
worked with you would think that's quite a treat.
A: John Karlan if only because he saved my life any number of
times in my early appearances as Barnabas Collins. He would drag
me off for lunch in spite of my resistance because I had lines
to learn. He would say "Oh, you know your lines!" and off we'd go
to lunch and come back later to the studio and somehow I made some
sense with the lines, thanks to John. His "technique", basically,
was to ask me a question that called for such and such an answer
whenever I gave him a blank stare. Now "that's acting" and I'm
really not kidding. It never seemed to bother John but I never
had the courage to check my performance out later with the
potential killers in the control room.
jf
Q: I enjoy reading your writing so much - have you ever written poems?
And would you be willing to share them here if you have?
A: Yes...one!
"The last day of school is here,
The last examination!
Then freedom for a full twelve weeks
and no more irritation.
When all the boys run out of doors
With joyous hearts they shout,
They're making high terrific roars
And running all about.
John Frid TA DA!
***
jf
The Rest Will Be Answered In Due Time...
Q: Because the interviews on the DVD collections seem so informative
and popular, I might suggest a remembrances page where you might
detail a story or two about Dark Shadows and other adventures of the stage
and screen. I enjoy history quite a bit but tend to be amazed by the bits
of trivia that people pick up about something they treasure. People are
not familiar with backstage processes, especially concerning how
it was in the past. It is difficult to conceive of how
things were done in Dark Shadows, let alone vaudeville. A
historical perspective would interest me, and I think it
would interest others. It might even help you write that
autobiography that I've heard people wish for.
***
Q: Hi JF...you've often said getting the role of Barnabas was something of a
lark (or bat, I guess would be more apropos), a quickie job to help defray
the expenses of moving to California, hardly the part that you'd expect to
tail you for 40 years...so, was there a part that, at the time, you *did* think
something along the lines of 'oh man this is the one!' that would make your
career, or make obtaining other roles much easier, or you thought was some sort
of major life marker in whatever sense of success at the time, only to turn out to
really be just another job? {i.e., situation opposite to Barnabas} --s of the many words.
2 more still to be answered in... due time...
Diary > Jan. 20 < 2009
Click here for a picture puzzle...
Diary > Jan. 18 < 2009
......A few clarifying additions......
we'll have the site crackling
by the end of this week after our
group meeting this Thursday. By that
time plans for the Dark Shadows Festival
this coming August will have begun to
to take shape.
I have a surprise to submit, by the way, for
an opener at the Festival
that no one but me knows about, at this point. Hence
some likely "crackling" from just about every quarter.
Not to worry. At least, there'll be one or two
wished for items becoming to all. jf
Diary > Jan. 14 < 2009
All's well...except
age does get to be
a nuisance at times...
I'm not through yet,
however.
Sorry about the delay.
jf
Diary > Jan.02 < 2009
Though born a Canadian in 1924... subject of King George V...
brought up and educated in the social and political world of the
British Empire, never the less, the highlight of the week
for me was when I was first allowed to go down town on my own...on
Saturdays before 2pm to the movies (after 2pm the price went
from 10cents UP to 15 cents.) The movies had just gotten
into sound and for the most part made in Hollywood,
of course!!! English movies were kinda stuffy then.
As for radio there were the likes of
Amos and Andy then Jack Benny came
along. T/V was still a concept
I guess way up among the stars.
Otherwise, every thing came
from California some place or perhaps
hiding inside
those sky scrapers of New York City.
Later on, I lived 2 years in England and a few
years after that 40 years in the good old U.S.0f A.
Well before that, I once stuck my foot through
the fence at Niagara Falls and declared to the
world: "My foot's outside Canada!" Was that a
warning to the Yanks of an eventual arrival?
So what's all the above about ( aboot )?
During the past year...an unusually exciting one:
Two national elections took place. The U.S.and
Canada. The one in Canada took about ten minutes.
The one ( I was about to type "here" ) in
the U.S. has been sort of going on for the last
ten months.
Is it any wonder I know a lot more about the
one south of the border? But finally here's my point.
I've been watching American elections since Franklin
Roosevelt vs Wendell Wilkie and have never before
felt such admiration for a top figure going
into the right role.I'm refering to the wife of
Barack Obama...Michelle Obama. I've been lucky
to catch her at least twice during the campaign:
both in interview and in formal speech.
And what a First Lady she will make...certainly
a match for Eleanor Roosevelt in her very own
remarkable way.
jf
Also today
Jan.2 > 2009
Excuse me...
Today
Jan.6 >2009
I can only wish
for tomorrow now.
Here are a few of the latest diary entries: Posted by Lynn, Jan 2, 2009 I'm glad you posted something in the diary for Dec 31. I thought it was odd that you just had the date. Thankfully 2008 is over!! Now for 2009!! We have a new and promising government and a new Dark Shadows convention. How wonderful that your planning on going. Barnabas was great but your so much more than Barnabas. Happy New Year!!!!
Posted by Robin, Jan 2, 2009 Ole Barney Boo? Methinks Barnabas would have rolled right over in his coffin if he heard THAT one. Yup, I read your 12/31 diary entry. I look forward to every one. A fantastic new year to you, Jonathan!
Posted by Raina, Jan 2, 2009 Yes I read your Dec. 31 'Diary' entry immediately, as I check daily for your new entries. Hopefully, others have as well. Love, Raina Posted by Mark, Jan 2, 2009 Yes, I did notice your final diary entry for December 31st. I look forward to your 2009 entries as well as your various projects.
Posted by Michael, Jan 2, 2009 Dear Jonathan May the New Year be all about Good Health , Good Fun and Good Friends Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!
Diary > Jan.01 < 2009
Hey, What's going on here? No one seems to have
noticed the completed "diary" below for Dec.31...
or have you by now? If so, please let me know.
Diary > Dec.31 < 2008
Tomorrow another year becomes history
while yet another
begins its own daily countdown this time to
Dark Shadows 2009
Time to start getting
on the bandwagon, yes?
Oh,no...Oh,yes!!!
For some, "2008" became history
last July 21.
Happy New Year everybody!!!
Ole Barney Boo. J.F.
Diary >Dec.24 < 2008
Thank you all for your greetings!
Merry Christmas
and a happy winter solstice...
with or without the snow.
Diary > Dec.21 < 2008
...a very important day in
the universe when the earth and
the rest...oh..oh... I'd better not
get embroiled in all that stuff.
Anyway, I challenge anybody to
notice really any difference between
the sun's position at 6pm
Jan.16th,say,than at 6pm Dec.31st
a few weeks before but for a few
star gazers maybe and an endless
list of university professors.
Still, there's something about the
season that excites and I'm not
necessarily referring to Wal-Mart's
down the street. Plainly it's magic.
Diary > Dec.18 < 2OO8
Where have I been hiding of late? Ho Ho..., splitting my time between two local medicine men. One a dermotoligist who is committing fresh skin to my tired old nose. This procedure should not inhibit my going ahead with my readings, it just wouldn't be appropriate for something as poetic as say..."The Listeners"...even though my nose could lead a team of reindeer a la Rudolph. And...number two...a dental surgeon who plays havoc on wobbly old fangs.
take a look...click here Consequently my efforts to bring some of my favourite readings to my diaries have been put on hold for the time being. However, nothing can stop me from giving out with my usual gibble-gabble.
PS. I wonder if Jim will sue me for mis-representing Barnabas...
Diary > Dec.13 < 2OO8
Promises,promises?!
What's today is today and
yesterday sheer moonshine.
Or, as H.L.Mencken properly
put it: "We are here and it
is now. Further than that,
all human knowledge is moonshine."
Somehow the above reflects my day
to day literary cover-up,
does it not?