We've come a long way, baby! Starting with a small Apple II-c computer back in July 1990, with a dot matrix printer, continuous form paper, a box of envelopes and a coil of stamps, the first issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE was created and mailed to about 30 "subscribers" 19 years ago today. (July 6th) This morning I fired up my "state of the art" iMac, connected world-wide via the internet, and began production of this issue, to be sent in a few minutes, instantly, to over 2700 subscribers, backed by a 6700 page website, 2 blogs, 2 TWITTER accounts, and a giant coffee maker to keep the wheels oiled and humming. And supported by advertising and membership donations from truly devoted friends - not devoted to me, but devoted to the art - and the artists of cabaret.
And previous to that, in a hospital in New Jersey, 70 years ago today, at around 6:15 am (according to my birth certificate) I entered this world without any inkling of what would be in store. In fact, I still wake up every morning with that same feeling - expectation, optimism, with a slight tinge of fear of impending doom. But it has been an enjoyable ride with more ups and downs than the Coney Island Cyclone, and more thrills and chills than a Stephen King novel.
We're going to be celebrating those two events on Thursday night, July 9th, at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN - and there are just two tickets unsold. I know exactly who I wish would take those two seats, but I have stopped promoting. The next few days will be a time of rest, getting a haircut, and getting mentally prepared for the show. Oh yes, tomorrow we get the Program Booklet printed and collated. That's a bit of a project. But no newsletter on Thursday - that itself is a great little bonus I am giving myself.
I also suspended my diet as of last Thursday. All that calorie counting and weighing and worrying. I plan to pick it up again on Friday, but I am enjoying these "guilt free" meals. I lost close to 30 pounds (I wanted to lose 50, so I'll keep that goal in mind) and feel great - much easier to tie my shoelaces and pick things up now (I though it was old age, but it was too large a belly that was the problem).
