Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The Ray Bradbury event at Irvine Valley College

Some could barely contain their excitement, knowing that they would soon be talking to the author of Fahrenheit 451, Martian Chronicles, and so much more.

"Jesus Christ!" So said the beloved writer each time he got excited tonight. (I do believe he even said "goddamit" once.)

He told stories about famous directors (Federico Fellini, John Huston), writers (Aldous Huxley, Christopher Isherwood), special effects guys (Ray Harryhausen), and I don't know who all.

He told of going to Ireland with John Huston to write a screenplay of Moby-Dick. "I am Herman Melville," he told the director toward the end of the project.

Bradbury, who is 88 years old, spoke of love. He is, he told us, "the world's greatest lover." His loves—books, libraries, movies, people, etc.—have always yielded something beyond themselves, he insists.

"Do what you love and love what you do," he announced.

Annie tells me she was mightily inspired by the fellow.

"Yeah? What are you inspired to do?"

People stood in long lines to get their picture taken with Mr. Bradbury. He's a generous guy.

Annie took this pic of the outside of the Performing Arts Center.

Here's Wendy with her daughter and the latter's boyfriend. I hadn't seen Gabby for years. She's a Bradbury fan, it seems.

So, too, are Julie and Keith, who were lookin' mighty happy. And why not?

Annie managed to take this picture of herself. The earrings are "from the 40s," she told me.

Well, it was a big success. A good time was had by all, I think. (Not that I had much to do with it.)


8 comments:

13 Stoploss said...

video?

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I wasn't even supposed to be taking stills!
The college videotaped the event and will make that available.

Anonymous said...

I suggest you name the blog, temporarily, Something Wicked This Way Comes, in honor of the sci-fi writer. Or retroactively would be okay. Or The Mathur Chronicles?

Anonymous said...

Great Advice from Ray Bradbury: "Don't Listen to anyone", "Do what you love" "Love what you do"
Three jems to live by.

Anonymous said...

Did anyone else notice the "Firewatch" posting notices on the Administration (A100) building the last week or so? I walked through to see what the problem was...got it figured out....if the Fire Marshall ever visits the Foundation Director's office someone will be paying a huge fine.

Anonymous said...

Myself and my son, had a wonderful time. Ray was hilarious, he has had an eventful life. Chunk, thanks for the post.

Anonymous said...

Hello IVC peeps
When completed there will be a DVD in the Library Reference of Ray Bradbury's talk for faculty/staff to check out.
gracias
Vince Cooper
<-- does what he loves
<-- doesn't listen to jack

Anonymous said...

Thanks VINCE!

You're the BEST!

YOU should run the college - then it would RUN!

Roy's obituary in LA Times and Register: "we were lucky to have you while we did"

  This ran in the Sunday December 24, 2023 edition of the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register : July 14, 1955 - November 20, 2...