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Uncomfortable Silence Is Good TV

Hey Soul Mates,
I have a new favorite TV show: The Office. And it is hysterical. I'm sure the British production has an even drier sense of humor, but the American version is done well. There's no laugh track, no music. Just one camera. The dialogue is delivered well, specifically the malapropisms of the office boss, Michael (played by the relentlessly tactless Steve Carell). But the silences and takes are devastating. Tonight's episode focused on diversity in the workplace. The lone Asian-Indian employee had virtually no lines, but she stole the show with her reactions to her co-workers' and boss' off-the-wall comments. Priceless. Bryan and I talked about how painful those silent spots were. But they are funny as anything.

I'm still a bit under the weather, so I'm writing earlier in the evening than usual. Bryan actually came over to watch a little of the concert footage from our last show (and get a copy of the new demos). Thanks to Patrick & Rob for filming and editing. It looks really nice: 2 cameras! Hopefully, we'll get some of it up on the website for you to see soon. Bryan also played me a new tune he wrote; very jazzy. We've got new material for days...

Have a good week, all.
Love, Power, Peace

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