1.5 featuring Richard Gin and Mike Sacks
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About the artists:

Richard Gin was born of an engineer-immigrant father and quilt-making-Anglo-Saxon mother in suburban California in the winter of 1979. Those with a vested interest in his first eighteen years on Earth noticed his uncanny talents for visual arts -- talents that earned him several scholarships which he promptly blew on an education at Pratt Institute. He turned to photography after finding illustration too slow, graphic design too wonky and the film industry teeming with people. He still resides in Brooklyn and lives with the crushing stigma of being a Brooklyn Photographer every day. His website is here: http://richardgin.org and he is available for freelance editorial and commercial work. Have passport; will travel.

Mike Sacks has written for Vanity Fair, Esquire, GQ, The New Yorker, Time, McSweeney's, Radar, MAD, New York Observer, Premiere, Believer, Vice, Maxim, Women’s Health, and Salon. He has worked at The Washington Post, and is currently on the editorial staff of Vanity Fair. His first book, And Here’s the Kicker: Conversations with 26 Humor Writers About Their Craft, was released in July 2009. Some of those interviewed include: George Meyer, Harold Ramis, Al Jaffee, Buck Henry, Bob Odenkirk, Stephen Merchant, David Sedaris, Jack Handey, Robert Smigel, and Dick Cavett.

Full Text:

Neighbors: 

Hi! You’ve no doubt wondered what I’ve been doing these past few days.
Specifically, the reason for all the noise coming from my house?! And the cars in 
your driveways, the tents on your lawns, and your torn-up bushes and shrubs? 

Well, guess what?! To earn a little change, I’ve decided to throw a bi-monthly 
music festival in my house! It’s called Rock&RollFest and I am very excited about 
it!

Yeah, I know, I know. You’re upset with the smashed windows, the fires in your
backyards, the backed-up Port-A-Johns, and the rest, but (at the very least) let’s
give this thing a chance, shall we? 

Festivals run every other weekend, beginning Thursday night, ending Tuesday 
morning! Hope to see you here! R U Ready 2 Rock?! I am!

Your neighbor,
Mike 


Neighbors:  

Okay, some of you might have heard a commotion the other night, and I wanted 
to explain. So . . .

I throw a bi-monthly music fest that takes place in my unfinished basement. I do 
this for three reasons: to make money, to listen to awesome alternative music, 
and to meet some really cool people with similar interests.

Every once in a while, however, one of my guests may get a little out of hand for
whatever reason and then do something silly; in this case, taking off all his 
clothes, coating his entire body in Vaseline, and running in and out of every house 
in the ’hood.

Sorry. But check out this photo! This is what you’re missing! Where is everyone? 
This is for the whole neighborhood to enjoy!!!
 
Mike 


Neighbors:

First of all, I want to apologize to the Ayalde family for the gas-tank explosion. 

In fact, I want to apologize to all of you who may not be entirely happy with my
twice-a-month music festival. 

However . . . I am a little disappointed with the turnout. Are you not a fan of fun?
Are you scared of the youth? Heck, I’m 53 and it hasn’t stopped me! Get with it,
neighbors!

C U Soon?
Mike 


Neighbors:

I have nothing really to say, except . . . why?

Was my bi-monthly music festival such a heartache? Did you really have to call 
the police and the FBI . . . not to mention the Department of Health and Human
Services?!

Do you realize how much fun you missed, week after week after week? These 
bands are amazing. They will soon be huge! And you could have “known them 
when.” Not anymore.

Sad. Your loss. 

But, while I have your attention, I wanted to tell you about the Renaissance 
Festival I will be throwing in my backyard this summer. Anyone interested in 
depicting a jouster or a Saucy Wench? Stop by when you have a chance, ‘kay?

Talk soon,
Mike

Copyright © Abe's Penny, LLC, 2009