Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to get together to share food and drink but most of all it's an opportunity to remember that it's the people surrounding you are the greatest single reason to give thanks.
This year we were fortunate to have large, and somewhat unique collection of guests
. 
Monday, December 12, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Ilene Sings
Ilene joined the DePaul University Community Chorus about a year ago. In that time she has sung with them in several performances, the most recent of which was last week.
I shot a few clips and compiled them into this short video.
(Look hard, she is in the first row, on the left.)
I'm very proud of her, I know she worked hard to learn the material.
Thanks Lane for helping me get this uploaded.
I shot a few clips and compiled them into this short video.
(Look hard, she is in the first row, on the left.)
I'm very proud of her, I know she worked hard to learn the material.
Thanks Lane for helping me get this uploaded.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
A New Year
Rosh Hashanah services fell on a Thursday this year; so we went of to Heidi and Jim's house the night before for dinner .
In typical Kirsch style, there was food for 30 to feed the 11 of us attending. It's as if he is constant state of readiness on the odd chance that large family of hungry Jews happens to wonder past his door. But if a group did suddenly make a suprise appearance, they would be welcomed in and treated to quite a feast.
It's kind of strange not having Kimmy or Teddy there, but it's just not possible with them off to college. Time shoots by at speeds that rival the electrons swirling through the Large Hadron Collider, as memories are stored, put away till a time when they will be more precious than the worries of today.
I have at least 800 hours of video, of which greater than 90% of it remains unwatched. I have this vision of me sitting in front of a screen viewing hour after hour, proclaiming "That was what was going on while I was so busing filming it for a later date."
A date that I fear is fast approaching.
____________________________________________________________
While Lane assures me that he really likes going to Latin, and that he has made a lot of friends there, he still seems to depend on the friendships he made at Catherine Cook. I do wish he could add a few new names to the list. He seems to have found some realy good people at Latin, it's just tricky for him to move to a point where he has the same kind of comfort level he has with his CCS friends.
I can fully understand since, for one, they are a really exceptional group of kids. Lane has assembled a group, that without exception, are caring, loyal friends that share a bond built on years of trust. They all have drive and take pride in their work; as a parent I could not possibly wish for a better group of people to surround Lane.
Perhaps I can understand his desire to hold fast to his group, since Ilene and I have happly done the same.
We have been so luckly to find that this "exceptional group of kids" come equiped with parents that have become the core of our social life.
This friday night, while the boys were out celibrating davy's birthday, some of us had dinner and drinks at a small noodle shop.
We have been so luckly to find that this "exceptional group of kids" come equiped with parents that have become the core of our social life.
This friday night, while the boys were out celibrating davy's birthday, some of us had dinner and drinks at a small noodle shop.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A recent trip to Michigan
Sometimes you just feel like a glass of Cider
I'm in the wrong business. No one is standing in like to buy Insurance, and people are "Happy to buy a jar of Apple Butter.
Brooke's Big Day
The Detroit "Breakfeast Club"
Friday, July 8, 2011
Lane at Passport NYC Film Camp
Click below for story.
http://lanejlubell.blogspot.com/2011/07/curb-your-enthusiasm-season-8.html
Friday, July 1, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
If you could just visit any time or place- Where and when would it be.
Golden Age
If you could travel back to any single place and time, where and when would it be?
Last night I saw Woody Allen’s new film Midnight in Paris, without writing a “Film Review”
Let me just say that the film, aside from telling story of the ebb and flow of inter-twining love interests; it also addresses the romance people can feel for a time and place.
The protagonist in the tale Gill, (Owen Wilson) walks through the streets of Paris in search of the Dream of the Paris of the 20s. Through the magic of film, at the stroke of midnight he is approached by a vintage auto that has the power to bring him to the very center of the time and place he has longed to see. A city of beauty, populated by Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Picasso and a host of artistic treasures at the height of their prowess with Gertrude Stein holding court. For Gill this is the Artistic "Shangri-La" , a utopian dream to be able to learn from and be accepted into the heart of “His Golden Age”.
But woody Allen does not write for Disney, so we find that just as he in convinced that It is Paris in the 20s that was the undisputed height of civilization, he falls in love with a woman that “Is” a part of that world yet pines for an earlier time. It is Gill that realizes the artist or romantic in any time period will see the beauty of some bygone area.
The film shows people that are happy to live in the present, and have no fantasy about the past. There are also characters that see beauty only in the past. But that ultimately maybe the of us can appreciate the beauty, and greatness of past achievements, while embracing the world where we find ourselves today. The only “True world” we can occupy.
But If you could , let's say just visit any time or place- Where and when would it be.
If you could travel back to any single place and time, where and when would it be?
Last night I saw Woody Allen’s new film Midnight in Paris, without writing a “Film Review”
Let me just say that the film, aside from telling story of the ebb and flow of inter-twining love interests; it also addresses the romance people can feel for a time and place.
The protagonist in the tale Gill, (Owen Wilson) walks through the streets of Paris in search of the Dream of the Paris of the 20s. Through the magic of film, at the stroke of midnight he is approached by a vintage auto that has the power to bring him to the very center of the time and place he has longed to see. A city of beauty, populated by Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Picasso and a host of artistic treasures at the height of their prowess with Gertrude Stein holding court. For Gill this is the Artistic "Shangri-La" , a utopian dream to be able to learn from and be accepted into the heart of “His Golden Age”.
But woody Allen does not write for Disney, so we find that just as he in convinced that It is Paris in the 20s that was the undisputed height of civilization, he falls in love with a woman that “Is” a part of that world yet pines for an earlier time. It is Gill that realizes the artist or romantic in any time period will see the beauty of some bygone area.
The film shows people that are happy to live in the present, and have no fantasy about the past. There are also characters that see beauty only in the past. But that ultimately maybe the of us can appreciate the beauty, and greatness of past achievements, while embracing the world where we find ourselves today. The only “True world” we can occupy.
But If you could , let's say just visit any time or place- Where and when would it be.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Lane Makes Final Cut at Film Fest
OK, granted it's a far cry from Cannes Film Festival.
No Bob and Harvey Weinstein are not going to be in the audience looking
for the next film for Miramax to distribute. But that does not stop me from being a proud father and being happy to see that Lane's newest film made the finals.
Is the actual name for the larger film that is still in production.
He still has additional footage to be shot, followed by a long process of voice overs, color correction, Sound editing, cutting and even CG effects.
What he submitted was in truth a segment of his larger work. The complete film would greatly exceed the 10 Minute time limit, and there is some language and subject matter that would not "Clear the censors" at an event for Chicagoland High Schools.
The Chicagoland High School Film Festival.
Friday from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Latin School auditorium
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Count.... A Film by Lane J Lubell
In 3rd grade, I walked into school with my dad's copy of Woody Allen's book "Getting Even." Even back then we had already gotten into the habit of reading out-loud to each other works from Woody Allen and Neil Simon. My dad was utterly incapable of reading more than a handful of words without breaking out into laughter; so I assumed that my friends would be equally amused and off to school I went.
I was somewhat surprised to find that my friends did not share my enthusiasm for the humor, but even more taken-back when my teacher declared the book to be "Age inappropriate" and confiscated the book. I liked my teacher, I received no punishment: and assumed she probably wanted to read the book herself.
Now in high school, with a replaced copy of "Getting Even", I turned back to a favorite one act play entitled, "The Count," this time I sat down and adapted it into a screenplay, which I was encouraged to open-up to the class with various classmates reading parts. I was so excited by the way that worked out, that I figured I had to go the next step and make a short film using the students in that class.
There is a lot to learn when wanting to make films, from lighting to camera angles to editing; but on this project I learned a few more basic lessons.
Making even a short film requires a considerable investment of time. and while I was more than willing to spend the time, the same students that were happy to spend 20 minutes reading in class, were not willing to invest their entire weekend filming. I do understand that, however I wish people would have told me prior to the day of shooting and after I rented a costume. Since that day, I have reached out to people that actually have an passion for acting, and are excited to be in a movie. This is also when I first started creating Facebook groups, and blogs designed to keep people enthused, and thereby more likely to stick with the project.
I was somewhat surprised to find that my friends did not share my enthusiasm for the humor, but even more taken-back when my teacher declared the book to be "Age inappropriate" and confiscated the book. I liked my teacher, I received no punishment: and assumed she probably wanted to read the book herself.
Now in high school, with a replaced copy of "Getting Even", I turned back to a favorite one act play entitled, "The Count," this time I sat down and adapted it into a screenplay, which I was encouraged to open-up to the class with various classmates reading parts. I was so excited by the way that worked out, that I figured I had to go the next step and make a short film using the students in that class.
There is a lot to learn when wanting to make films, from lighting to camera angles to editing; but on this project I learned a few more basic lessons.
Making even a short film requires a considerable investment of time. and while I was more than willing to spend the time, the same students that were happy to spend 20 minutes reading in class, were not willing to invest their entire weekend filming. I do understand that, however I wish people would have told me prior to the day of shooting and after I rented a costume. Since that day, I have reached out to people that actually have an passion for acting, and are excited to be in a movie. This is also when I first started creating Facebook groups, and blogs designed to keep people enthused, and thereby more likely to stick with the project.
File this under "Silver-Lining," despite 4 of my 6 actors no-shows on the day of the shoot, I was able to get the movie shot through the kindness of old friends that canceled all of their plans and arrived within 45 minutes notice. This was not because they had some sudden desire to be in a movie; but came because that's what friends do for each other. Watching the movie, I was painfully aware of how much harder making movies are compared to what expected, how much I needed to learn, the value of better equipment and the importance of confirming I have every shot I might need. Sure some of my "last-minute" replacement cast members performances might have less than stellar, but as friends they exceeded my wildest expectations.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Our Hopes and payers go out to Sheila and Lanny
I wish this Blog could be an on-going list of "Happy moments and stunning victories" - Life does not work that way. It is with that in mind that we all join All of their extended family and Friends and wish Lanny and Sheila, all the strength and goodwill possible.
The truth is, the pressures and obligations of Day-to-Day life, coupled with the distance between Chicago and Texas, have conspired to keep us from spending the time and being a better resource, a greater help. I do feel bad that over the years we have not spent the amount of time I would have like to be able to spend. I speak for the whole Chicago-side of the family when I say that I would love to be able to watch you perform with your comedy troupe.
Yes, Facebook does provide some degree of communication; but clearly it falls short of actually being in the same room.
All I can say is that my heart goes out to you, Lanny and the whole Cooper/Wilk family
_____________________________________________________________
Heidi Lubell Kirsch To Sheila Wilk Cooper
Thinking of you and Lanny. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kirsch Family.
____________________________________
Larry Lubell Kirsch To Sheila Wilk Cooper
As I look at the vast out-pouring of Love and respect that so many are sending your way, it is a clear testament to the joy and happiness that you have brought into the world.
I don't know what to say, no words can express how badly I feel.
My heart goes out to you.
Sheila, We are praying for all of you. We are forever linked, and your pain is our pain.
Larry, Ilene and Lane
--------------------------------------------------------
04/07/2011
For Lanny
This is NOT how this story was suppose to end.
If I was a Hollywood director, I would send it back for a "Re-Write"!
You fought the battle-hardened warriors, and slew the dragon. You fought with courage, dignity and humor. You were able to draw on the Love and support of your family and friends, while at the same time you gave back as much Love as you received.
NO! No this was not how the story should have turned out at all.
To any who might read this post I assume I am adding nothing that is not well known, and already said, often with greater eloquence.
The Laughter you spread will continue in the memories of all who remember a joke you told them. The Love of your family is absolute and eternal. There is a hole that is so deep it can never be filled, but the wonderful memories that each of us carefully places in that space will create a living monument.
The brief candle burns, and all to quickly the wick reaches it's end; but to the extent that one can continue to have influence and give meaning- the light continues. To those who's life you touched, that light will continue to burn bright.
The truth is, the pressures and obligations of Day-to-Day life, coupled with the distance between Chicago and Texas, have conspired to keep us from spending the time and being a better resource, a greater help. I do feel bad that over the years we have not spent the amount of time I would have like to be able to spend. I speak for the whole Chicago-side of the family when I say that I would love to be able to watch you perform with your comedy troupe.
Yes, Facebook does provide some degree of communication; but clearly it falls short of actually being in the same room.
All I can say is that my heart goes out to you, Lanny and the whole Cooper/Wilk family
_____________________________________________________________
Heidi Lubell Kirsch To Sheila Wilk Cooper
Thinking of you and Lanny. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kirsch Family.
____________________________________
Larry Lubell Kirsch To Sheila Wilk Cooper
As I look at the vast out-pouring of Love and respect that so many are sending your way, it is a clear testament to the joy and happiness that you have brought into the world.
I don't know what to say, no words can express how badly I feel.
My heart goes out to you.
Sheila, We are praying for all of you. We are forever linked, and your pain is our pain.
Larry, Ilene and Lane
--------------------------------------------------------
04/07/2011
For Lanny
This is NOT how this story was suppose to end.
If I was a Hollywood director, I would send it back for a "Re-Write"!
You fought the battle-hardened warriors, and slew the dragon. You fought with courage, dignity and humor. You were able to draw on the Love and support of your family and friends, while at the same time you gave back as much Love as you received.
NO! No this was not how the story should have turned out at all.
To any who might read this post I assume I am adding nothing that is not well known, and already said, often with greater eloquence.
The Laughter you spread will continue in the memories of all who remember a joke you told them. The Love of your family is absolute and eternal. There is a hole that is so deep it can never be filled, but the wonderful memories that each of us carefully places in that space will create a living monument.
The brief candle burns, and all to quickly the wick reaches it's end; but to the extent that one can continue to have influence and give meaning- the light continues. To those who's life you touched, that light will continue to burn bright.
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 2011
Ilene and I took a tour of the new 9 million dollar addition to Latin's science lab, floor to ceiling whiteboards,
30 foot wide LED video walls with live feeds from CERN,
3D projectors, walls that move so spaces can be reconfigured at will.
I wish I could go here,(Save for the homework) but I'm even happier that I can give this opportunity to Lane.
http://prezi.com/ghlnf13lqado/faculty-presentation-re-science-facilities/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Gunfire out my window. 800 N Wells Shooting
Update…. , leaves officers wounded and suspect dead.
Lets file this under "A bit too much excitment fro one day"
http://www.urbaninsuranceagency.com/insurance-articles/820/updateand8230%3b-800-n-wells-shooting-leaves-officers-wounded-and-suspect-dead.html
Lets file this under "A bit too much excitment fro one day"
http://www.urbaninsuranceagency.com/insurance-articles/820/updateand8230%3b-800-n-wells-shooting-leaves-officers-wounded-and-suspect-dead.html
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Close of 2010
Ilene and Judy at the "Hot New Spot" in Miami.
Lane hanging out with JaJa.
This was a day spent at Heidi and Jimmy's new Condo. The weather was just OK. that day, but it was great to spend time with everyone all together. As time goes on that becomes more and more difficult, but more meaningful.
Very Cool Room.
Yes that is an Alligator!
Jerry the Golf Instructor
Keep my Head down. Check my Grip. Take the club back straight
Not too far, not too fast. Left arm, Right Arm. Swing through
don't forget...........
I look at this picture and the only thing I see is I need to loose 10 lbs.
Big sister, Little Sister and Friend
Duke Garlin at a Candy Shop in Del Ray Beach
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