The GuyJean Chronicles

I’ve never been much of a texter. Although I’ve got my quota of text messages for my iPhone, I rarely go over 10 text messages per month (most of which are free Redbox movie rental coupon codes, notifications that I have a voice message, or something insignificant).

But this past weekend, I realized the power of texting. For the first time ever, I actually completed a full conversation and sales transaction purely via text message. Granted, the conversation occurred during a seven hour time frame, but there was never a single voice communication (although I did try to call the guy once but only got voice mail).

Here’s what happened. I have a bookcase that was taking up too much space, so I decided to list it on Craigslist. The next day, around 10 in the morning, I got a text message from someone who made an offer for the bookcase and said they could pick it up right away. Well, unfortunately, I was just on my way out, so I texted them back saying I would think about the offer and let them know in the afternoon.

That afternoon I got a counteroffer. I replied back and said that would be fine. I asked for a call, but just got another text with their name and asking for my address. I replied with my address, cross streets, and “cash only” in the text. The reply came with the number of minutes they would arrive. I confirmed.

20 minutes later there was a knock on the door. I cautiously opened and in front of me stood a normal guy. He was actually older than I thought. He ended up being a dad getting a bookcase for his son’s collection of picture books. He paid me my 30 bucks, loaded his SUV, and drove away with the bookcase. Deal done.

Wait, should I have texted him a TY?

For additional thoughts about Craigslist, check out Weird Al’s latest music video.

Check out this very cool music video by acclaimed artist / director, Cat Solen. I’m not a punk rock music fan, but my son is the actor in this video so I’m pretty proud of him. The creative is incredible using stop motion photography, and the message of the song is pretty profound, too.

Double Dagger – Vivre Sans Temps Mort from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.

.

The song is called, “Vivre Sans Temps Mort,” which translated literally from French means, “living without dead time.” It’s a song that talks about living with the fear of death. When Cat started shooting the video, she explained to my son that this was a story of how a boy uses art to deal with his fear. Hope you enjoy the video as much as I did.

Here are the full lyrics.

Lyrics to Vivre Sans Temps Mort by Double Dagger

For more videos by Cat Solen, go to http://www.partizan.com/partizan/musicvideos/?cat_solen

For more music by Double Dagger, go to http://www.myspace.com/doubledaggersucks and http://www.posttypography.com/doubledagger/.

Good morning, day after Earth Day! If you didn’t have a chance to do much on Earth Day (that was yesterday), here’s a little video that will help you at least appreciate our planet a little more. (If you’ve got the bandwidth and processor speed, I highly recommend watching it in HD full screen. It’s like having your own personal IMAX movie.)

Just discovered this amazing short film called “Validation” starring TJ Thyne of Fox’s BONES. We all could use a little more Validation in our lives. Enjoy.

I couldn’t help but post this ASAP. One of my favorite children’s book authors is Maurice Sendak. His classic book, Where the Wild Things Are, is being made into a film to be released in October. The trailer premiered today. It looks well done and very promising. Watch now!