Posted by kevorka at ool-18bdcdf6.dyn.optonline.net on November 04, 2000 at 17:44:12:
In Reply to: Get a HOLD of yourself, man!! posted by TheMightyThor on November 04, 2000 at 16:06:16:
Red Bank is just Red Bank. It's a nice little town and all, but nothing special. And Jersey itself certainly isn't anything magical, believe me, I know, I've lived here all my 33 years.
As for Kevin and Jason Lee and the rest, they're just people. No question they're very talented at what they do, but they're still just people. Respect and admiration are a good thing, obsession is not. Try keep an eye on where that line is drawn.
: Look, I don't mean to preach here, but come on! This is the saddest thing I've read. Sadder than THE FAMILY CIRCUS.
: Let Kevin's "local boy makes good" rags-to-riches-story inspire you, if anything. It's a modern day Horatio Alger story is what it is- only with more filthy words. But this post makes it seem like you're already defeated in every aspect of every avenue of everything-- Even about meeting Jason Lee. Dude- That's an achievable goal, but once achieved, life goes on. He's a guy. A funny, cool guy, but at the end of the day, he's much the same as you.
: I mean, I think it's wierd that Kevin & co. are so put on a pedestal and deified, since I think their whole appeal is how genuine and "down to earth" they all seem to be. The reason I like Smith so much is because I feel like I *do* know him, as much as that is possible, through his work and his candor, and the fact that he's ALWAYS kept a rapport with the folks who dig (and buy) the stuff he creates and sells.
: As for your "pilgrimage" to Jersey, I hope that you don't get too disappointed when you find that its just Jersey. Lotsa highways, lotsa u-turns, lotsa tolls...and the mundane stuff that you'd expect in any town.
: I can't fault you too much, though. When I was in 8th grade, I skipped school and took a train to the City, on a pilgrimage of sorts myself. I brought a backpack full of comics, and went to 666 Madison Ave, then the HQ of DC comics. I had virtually no idea what I intended to do, other than GO THERE. When I got there, it was a big-ass office building. I honestly cannot recall what I thought was going to happen- Like John Byrne would see me in the hallway, and say, "Hey kid, you'ree obviously a true and special fan; what's more, you've got MOXIE- howzabout sitting in on this planning session?"
: I mean, duh.
: But there I was. Feeling like a dork for the squirelly action of cutting out and being there, and left, I hope, wiser for the experience. When you put something on a pedestal, you don't raise it, you lower yourself.
: Not to get to Hallmark-y, but all the world is achievable with ambition.. Hell, you don't even need much talent. Look at Nicholas Cage.
: Please, don't become the Red Bank ghost, wandering around, looking for magic in sidewalk. It ain't there. Magic is in having ideas, and making something out of them. Save up money and plan for that.
: Anyway,