Quake

You may have heard about our little quake yesterday. It was a 5.4 that originated 29 miles southeast of downtown LA. This was the first one I've noticed. Apparently I've slept through one and not felt others. Felt this one! I was at the gym on the elliptical machine when it struck, and at first I didn't feel it, but I heard the building moan like it was settling. The TVs above the cardio equipment were swaying and in a few minutes the people from the building next door came spilling out into the street. This being Los Angeles, people in the gym just stayed on their treadmills and rode it out. 

Zach was in the car at a stoplight and said that when the light turned green, nobody moved because the ground was still rumbling.

I'm glad I got to experience a little one, but hope that's it!

Leroy: In Memoriam

Leroy was put to rest on July 25, 2008 after his kidneys began to fail. He was six and a half years old. 

Leroy was a kind-hearted bunny who loved attention, and those who met him quickly fell in love with him. Whether charging at you for food, demanding to be petted, doing bunny ninja tricks, or melting into the floor like a pancake, he was always a charmer. He loved to lay noggin' to noggin' with a friend on the floor, and would put "paws on" if he suspected someone had a treat. His ear-cleaning ritual was enough to melt even the hardest of hearts. 

Leroy was a well-traveled rabbit, having lived in Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and California. He performed in a 35 hour improv show and starred in several movies, the most notable of which is "Bunny Foo, " which captured him in battle with his archenemy, dwarf rabbit Winston Williams. 

Leroy was an integral part of the lives of his survivors, Laura Simms Hanks and Zach Hanks, and he will be dearly missed. 

Zach on "Chuck"

Last year Zach attended some casting director workshops, which is how he got his Criminal Minds audition. Last week he got a call to come in for Chuck, and today he found out that he booked it! He is going in for a wig fitting tonight (ha ha ha) and starts shooting on Wednesday for a 5 day co-star shoot. Congratulations, Zach!

Epic War Movie

Spontaneous Productions had another great show this weekend in the theme of Epic War Movie. We improvised a 30 minute "movie" based on The Patriot while incorporating some audience suggestions. Instead of fighting for freedom, we fought for the right to snowboard, and the town was filled with psychic advisors. (It's amazing how one drunk audience member in a pink mini-skirt can  can shape the show.)

There was also a sketch about The Constitution's birthday party. In attendance: Lady Liberty, Magna Carta, Kyoto Protocol, Bible, and Mayflower Compact. 

I've been asked to join the production committee of Spontaneous Productions, which means I'll help with the work it takes (in addition to  rehearsals) to get a show up and going, and I'll also  have a hand in making decisions about future creative projects. I'm glad to be on board. 

Next month's show: Black and White Classic. Don your fedora and light a cigarette; it's going to be a good one, baby.