Cannibalism…is it important for winnowing out our over-populated national parks? This is being addressed in my performance at the Alamo Theater Midnight Horror Show on April 10. Director Don Jones took a shot a scaring the merde our of society by hiring me to play the hungry, beastial, but cuddly–fellow, in his homage to all things terrible in The Forest. Don and I will attend and do a Q and A after the screening. Also a great time to “howdy” Zach, Lars, Anne and all the gang at this most eclectic and prestigious of movie theaters. I have so much fun there, I should be spanked and sent to bed! Hoolah!!!

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Friday I follow the screening with an appearance at Del Valle High, speaking to the Drama Students. I am worried for all of these beautiful, young, idealistic teenagers…coming into this world of travail—the one  that the present powers have created for —what a shitty legacy. I admire their pluck. I would be hard pressed not to just chuck it all and disappear to the Island, the Hammock, and the vodka martini….

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I was Guest Speaker at Hospice Austin’s annual charity gala at the Rennasciance Hotel here in February. The ever lovely and charismatic Barbara was my date for the evening, and after the speech, we joined about a thousand hard party-ers on the dance floor. A jitter-bug or two, and I was ready to be young again. This was all for a great cause—put together by Grace Holland and my good friend David Zuniga, Hospice Austin is a haven for those in need of spiritual and physical help in a very frightening time in their lives.

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The Fangoria Convention the week of January 18-20 was a hoot…a perfect way to usher in the New Year with fellow film folk. I, along with Robert Rodriguez, Harry Knowles, and a bunch of others were the “Special Guests.” The highlight for me was the “ice-cream” social…where I sat with Lars and Anne from the Alamo Theaters, Professor Griffin, tv horror host, and Donnie Dunagan (Son of Frankenstein) and his lovely wife, Dana. I mean, Harry Knowles did not get to eat it all, as I was willing to fight for my share…which is a larger than normal share, by the way.

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It’s already here, the season to be jolly… just walk into any store in the town and wreaths, tinsel, garlands, and toys have already replaced the Thanksgiving Turkey. I don’t know if I’m ready for all of this merchandising. I need some time to be thankful, and to share that feeling with others–friends and strangers alike. What a year, huh? And it’s not quite over yet…maybe the best is yet to come.

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I’m not going to get maudlin here, but I do want to say a small prayer for the troops and their families. (prayer). I am also thankful that the reign of our Little King George is finally coming to an end…Hallelujah! Thanks Easter Bunny! Thanks Great Pumpkin! Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Claus and all of the good folks on main street, USA. Now maybe our country can return to decency, truth, honor, financial solvency, basic intelligence and concern for all of our citizens—young, mid-lifers, and those in the springtime of becoming “Well Seasoned.”

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Halloween was a hoot, wasn’t it? My youngest son, Michael, and his lovely wife, Dafna, were married on Halloween. And how do they celebrate? Michael, an artist of no small reknown, carves pumpkins into mirrors of magic, then he and Dafna decorate the school where she teaches Special Ed. to L.A.’s disadvantaged and disabled youngsters—and when I say decorate, I mean the whole shebang…the horns and the holler…the whole shootin’ match. They and the kids plow into celebrating the Holiday with the gusto of Cossacks. Sorta’, kinda’ nice way to acknowledge an anniversary. It’s like a wilder version of 6th Street in Austin after a UT win.

Pictures and email from Ken Kish’s Cinema Wasteland Convention continue to pour in to my house…pirates, ghouls, Michael Meyers x four, writer Larry Fultz—Mark Wilhelm Prez of the Lon Chaney Jr. Club, Lloyd Kaufman from Troma Pictures, and a young lady who’s eyesight was failing (she called me “hot.”) I am thankful for any kind remarks, no matter how off the reality scale. I will post a couple of pics on the blog this week for your amusement.

So much to be thankful for, isn’t there? I am humbled by the good wishes, love and kindness I have seen sneaking around this year. The Little King just could not do away with all of it, I suppose. Hey, I’m feeling a nip in the air! Hot-buttered rum might be just the ticket for tonight. Maybe some football on the telly, or a good movie. By the by, I loved “Michael Clayton” with George Clooney…top drawer. If you haven’t seen it, please do. Let me know what you think….Hats off, then, until then…Gary the Gar/Bear

Filed under: Gary Kent, Films, Cinema Wasteland Movie Convention