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The Blank Page

While watching Springsteen on Broadway I was struck by the passage concerning Bruce leaving home. His parents move to California with his youngest sister. His other sister is pregnant, on the cusp of marriage. He’s broke, has no idea what’s next. His future is unwritten but this doesn’t scare him. He’s thrilled about “...the blank page” in front of his 19 year-old self. He loads his stuff on a truck and sets off for the Jersey shore, feeling an unbridled happiness. 

The elegiac nature of “...the most successful one-person show in Broadway history” front-loads pangs of longing and regret. What did 19 year-old you do with your blank page? Did you write something wonderful? How much is left to fill? With what? Is any part of your future unwritten?

It’s no accident Netflix aired this show now, when the end-of-year summing up we do already has us feeling reflective. The paradigm shift of the loss of my livelihood heightened a need to take a clear look at myself. Who am I, really? What am I good at? How do I move forward? Day-to-day challenges at my former job kept me distracted. Now I cast about for a new way to be productive, meaningful, to apply my talents in service of others, while trying to pay my way through life. 

I could quibble with Springsteen on Broadway, beginning with the ticket lottery and absurdly high prices, right up to the potential floodgates he’s opened (Billy Joel on Broadway, anyone?). I’ve had my issues with “The Boss”” but came around to a begrudging respect for his work ethic and ongoing articulation of a blue-collar world he never inhabited. Pardon me if I damn with faint praise. I hold Bruce at arm’s length because so many of his “fans” (ala Chris Christie) make me puke. Luckily, during the Netflix presentation you don’t see the audience - dotted as it is with Male Pattern Baldness - until the final moments. You aren’t forced to endure clueless yahoos singing along tunelessly. When all else is stripped away what remains is that singular American sense of self-invention, how it’s possible still to use your wits, talent, hard work and perseverance to carve out something good. 

That’s what 2019 means to me. A chance to carve out something good.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Aerial View News

UPCOMING

This Friday night at 6 pm ET catch Solstice Shutdown, an all-new Aerial View on thehoundnyc.com:

The Live Show Roster

  • Upside Down Update.
  • David Bowie whored out again.
  • Come see our big balls!
  • Wait, Sears is still open?!
  • From the Futility File.
  • Solstice Shutdown.

…and much more !

Call 929-456-2763 during the show or any time to leave a message for play on the air. The Aerial View Facebook page is here. Send email here.


LAST WEEK

Tonight at 6 pm ET hear a replay of last week's Aerial View show Feedback My Ass on thehoundnyc.com.

The Replay Roster

  • Feedback
  • Mile-long receipts
  • Drive Like Your Kids Live Here
  • Indeed, no good deed goes unpunished
  • The Tipping Point
  • Minor Triumphs: Narconon

PODCAST

At 7 pm tonight Aerial View becomes available as a podcast here:

Stay tuned for iTunes.

Chris T.'s Brush With Fame

Jan. 14, 2006 - "Nebraska" Tribute After-party with the author.


AERIAL VIEW: LIVE Friday (replays Tuesday) 6 pm ET on thehoundnyc,com. Available as a podcast Tuesdays, 7 pm, here. Old WFMU archives are on the Aerial View playlist page.
JOB STORY: Job Story is no longer being produced. Previous episodes are on iTunes and SoundCloud. It also has its own email address.
 "I'll see you next Tuesday in your mailbox!"
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