An Introduction...

Ryan Dunn wrote: Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net <http://urth.net> mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City (www.ladies-gentlemen.tv <http://www.ladies-gentlemen.tv>). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years. But perhaps the only real tidbit you might care to know about me at this point is that, while working in Chicago, I was fortunate enough to have lived five doors down from Mr. Wolfe himself, and have found him to be one of the kindest neighbors a man and his family could ask for. Having watched him walk his dogs (first Calamity Jane and then Bobby) on a daily basis, we formed a very passing, but endearing relationship. Attempting to have conversations with him, however, was a bit like asking a toddler to contrast and compare Dickens against Shakespeare. I, of course, was the toddler. I remember one incident where a compliment from me on his latest book, "An Evil Guest," quickly evolved into a history lesson from Gene on when the Egyptians attempted to invade the Greek Islands. Wolfe was in fact my favorite author before I moved to Barrington (which quite coincidentally is where my wife was born and raised). I went through genre writing both quiality (Tolkien, Gibson, Stephenson) and questionable (Rowling, Goodkind, Jordan) before arriving at Wolfe's doorstep. But once I discovered him, all other writers could do little more than pale in comparison. I did not have any clue where Mr. Wolfe lived when we moved into that quaint village, so imagine my surprise when my father-in-law informed me! At any rate, I simply wanted to say hello, share my background, unique story about Gene Wolfe, and that I hope to add to -- and use this list in the future -- for reasons both selfish and social. I am a fan of the urth.net <http://urth.net> group, and have been reading passively for many years (it is a bit of work to try and stay current with these discussions!). Hope to join the debate some time soon. ...ryan P.S. Also, I'm going to pretend he used my surname as inspiration for his main character in The Sorcerer's House, Baxter Dunn. A man can pretend, can't he? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________

On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM, Ryan Dunn <ryan at liftingfaces.com> wrote: Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City (www.ladies-gentlemen.tv). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years. But perhaps the only real tidbit you might care to know about me at this point is that, while working in Chicago, I was fortunate enough to have lived five doors down from Mr. Wolfe himself, and have found him to be one of the kindest neighbors a man and his family could ask for. Having watched him walk his dogs (first Calamity Jane and then Bobby) on a daily basis, we formed a very passing, but endearing relationship.

On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM, Ryan Dunn <ryan at liftingfaces.com> wrote: Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City ( www.ladies-gentlemen.tv). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years. But perhaps the only real tidbit you might care to know about me at this point is that, while working in Chicago, I was fortunate enough to have lived five doors down from Mr. Wolfe himself, and have found him to be one of the kindest neighbors a man and his family could ask for. Having watched him walk his dogs (first Calamity Jane and then Bobby) on a daily basis, we formed a very passing, but endearing relationship. Attempting to have conversations with him, however, was a bit like asking a toddler to contrast and compare Dickens against Shakespeare. I, of course, was the toddler. I remember one incident where a compliment from me on his latest book, "An Evil Guest," quickly evolved into a history lesson from Gene on when the Egyptians attempted to invade the Greek Islands. Wolfe was in fact my favorite author before I moved to Barrington (which quite coincidentally is where my wife was born and raised). I went through genre writing both quiality (Tolkien, Gibson, Stephenson) and questionable (Rowling, Goodkind, Jordan) before arriving at Wolfe's doorstep. But once I discovered him, all other writers could do little more than pale in comparison. I did not have any clue where Mr. Wolfe lived when we moved into that quaint village, so imagine my surprise when my father-in-law informed me! At any rate, I simply wanted to say hello, share my background, unique story about Gene Wolfe, and that I hope to add to -- and use this list in the future -- for reasons both selfish and social. I am a fan of the urth.net group, and have been reading passively for many years (it is a bit of work to try and stay current with these discussions!). Hope to join the debate some time soon. ...ryan P.S. Also, I'm going to pretend he used my surname as inspiration for his main character in The Sorcerer's House, Baxter Dunn. A man can pretend, can't he? _______________________________________________

On Jun 16, 2010, at 11:17 PM, Rebecca Bushong-Taylor wrote: Hi Ryan - It sounds from your note that you were in Barrington until fairly recently. I thought you might like to know that Gene had some fairly scary heart surgery and complications that have kept him away from home for the past few months. The great news is that he should be back home very soon. He is anxious to get back to work and has several stories in his head he can't wait to get to!! I'm sure he'd be pleased to hear from you if you want to send him a card or note. Bobby is still alive and well and has been staying with family while The Master is away. Rebecca On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM, Ryan Dunn <ryan at liftingfaces.com> wrote: Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City (www.ladies-gentlemen.tv). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years. But perhaps the only real tidbit you might care to know about me at this point is that, while working in Chicago, I was fortunate enough to have lived five doors down from Mr. Wolfe himself, and have found him to be one of the kindest neighbors a man and his family could ask for. Having watched him walk his dogs (first Calamity Jane and then Bobby) on a daily basis, we formed a very passing, but endearing relationship. Attempting to have conversations with him, however, was a bit like asking a toddler to contrast and compare Dickens against Shakespeare. I, of course, was the toddler. I remember one incident where a compliment from me on his latest book, "An Evil Guest," quickly evolved into a history lesson from Gene on when the Egyptians attempted to invade the Greek Islands. Wolfe was in fact my favorite author before I moved to Barrington (which quite coincidentally is where my wife was born and raised). I went through genre writing both quiality (Tolkien, Gibson, Stephenson) and questionable (Rowling, Goodkind, Jordan) before arriving at Wolfe's doorstep. But once I discovered him, all other writers could do little more than pale in comparison. I did not have any clue where Mr. Wolfe lived when we moved into that quaint village, so imagine my surprise when my father-in-law informed me! At any rate, I simply wanted to say hello, share my background, unique story about Gene Wolfe, and that I hope to add to -- and use this list in the future -- for reasons both selfish and social. I am a fan of the urth.net group, and have been reading passively for many years (it is a bit of work to try and stay current with these discussions!). Hope to join the debate some time soon. ...ryan P.S. Also, I'm going to pretend he used my surname as inspiration for his main character in The Sorcerer's House, Baxter Dunn. A man can pretend, can't he? _______________________________________________

On Jun 16, 2010, at 11:17 PM, Rebecca Bushong-Taylor wrote: Hi Ryan - It sounds from your note that you were in Barrington until fairly recently. I thought you might like to know that Gene had some fairly scary heart surgery and complications that have kept him away from home for the past few months. The great news is that he should be back home very soon. He is anxious to get back to work and has several stories in his head he can't wait to get to!! I'm sure he'd be pleased to hear from you if you want to send him a card or note. Bobby is still alive and well and has been staying with family while The Master is away. Rebecca On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM, Ryan Dunn <ryan at liftingfaces.com> wrote: Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City (www.ladies-gentlemen.tv). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years. But perhaps the only real tidbit you might care to know about me at this point is that, while working in Chicago, I was fortunate enough to have lived five doors down from Mr. Wolfe himself, and have found him to be one of the kindest neighbors a man and his family could ask for. Having watched him walk his dogs (first Calamity Jane and then Bobby) on a daily basis, we formed a very passing, but endearing relationship. Attempting to have conversations with him, however, was a bit like asking a toddler to contrast and compare Dickens against Shakespeare. I, of course, was the toddler. I remember one incident where a compliment from me on his latest book, "An Evil Guest," quickly evolved into a history lesson from Gene on when the Egyptians attempted to invade the Greek Islands. Wolfe was in fact my favorite author before I moved to Barrington (which quite coincidentally is where my wife was born and raised). I went through genre writing both quiality (Tolkien, Gibson, Stephenson) and questionable (Rowling, Goodkind, Jordan) before arriving at Wolfe's doorstep. But once I discovered him, all other writers could do little more than pale in comparison. I did not have any clue where Mr. Wolfe lived when we moved into that quaint village, so imagine my surprise when my father-in-law informed me! At any rate, I simply wanted to say hello, share my background, unique story about Gene Wolfe, and that I hope to add to -- and use this list in the future -- for reasons both selfish and social. I am a fan of the urth.net group, and have been reading passively for many years (it is a bit of work to try and stay current with these discussions!). Hope to join the debate some time soon. ...ryan P.S. Also, I'm going to pretend he used my surname as inspiration for his main character in The Sorcerer's House, Baxter Dunn. A man can pretend, can't he? _______________________________________________

On Thu, Jun 17, 2010 at 12:17 AM, Ryan Dunn <ryan at liftingfaces.com> wrote: Sorry, I asked that last question, because I recognized your name from Gene's dedication for An Evil Guest. ...ryan On Jun 16, 2010, at 11:17 PM, Rebecca Bushong-Taylor wrote: Hi Ryan - It sounds from your note that you were in Barrington until fairly recently. I thought you might like to know that Gene had some fairly scary heart surgery and complications that have kept him away from home for the past few months. The great news is that he should be back home very soon. He is anxious to get back to work and has several stories in his head he can't wait to get to!! I'm sure he'd be pleased to hear from you if you want to send him a card or note. Bobby is still alive and well and has been staying with family while The Master is away. Rebecca On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM, Ryan Dunn <ryan at liftingfaces.com> wrote:

Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.netmailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City ( www.ladies-gentlemen.tv). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years. But perhaps the only real tidbit you might care to know about me at this point is that, while working in Chicago, I was fortunate enough to have lived five doors down from Mr. Wolfe himself, and have found him to be one of the kindest neighbors a man and his family could ask for. Having watched him walk his dogs (first Calamity Jane and then Bobby) on a daily basis, we formed a very passing, but endearing relationship. Attempting to have conversations with him, however, was a bit like asking a toddler to contrast and compare Dickens against Shakespeare. I, of course, was the toddler. I remember one incident where a compliment from me on his latest book, "An Evil Guest," quickly evolved into a history lesson from Gene on when the Egyptians attempted to invade the Greek Islands. Wolfe was in fact my favorite author before I moved to Barrington (which quite coincidentally is where my wife was born and raised). I went through genre writing both quiality (Tolkien, Gibson, Stephenson) and questionable (Rowling, Goodkind, Jordan) before arriving at Wolfe's doorstep. But once I discovered him, all other writers could do little more than pale in comparison. I did not have any clue where Mr. Wolfe lived when we moved into that quaint village, so imagine my surprise when my father-in-law informed me! At any rate, I simply wanted to say hello, share my background, unique story about Gene Wolfe, and that I hope to add to -- and use this list in the future -- for reasons both selfish and social. I am a fan of the urth.net group, and have been reading passively for many years (it is a bit of work to try and stay current with these discussions!). Hope to join the debate some time soon. ...ryan P.S. Also, I'm going to pretend he used my surname as inspiration for his main character in The Sorcerer's House, Baxter Dunn. A man can pretend, can't he? _______________________________________________

On 6/15/2010 5:54 PM, Ryan Dunn wrote: Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net <http://urth.net> mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City (www.ladies-gentlemen.tv <http://www.ladies-gentlemen.tv>). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years.

Ryan - I'm pleased you noticed the dedication. That was one of the grandest birthday presents I ever received!! We are friends that have become something like family. It is a long and fascinating story..... R On Thu, Jun 17, 2010 at 12:17 AM, Ryan Dunn <ryan at liftingfaces.com> wrote:

Sorry, I asked that last question, because I recognized your name from Gene's dedication for An Evil Guest. ...ryan On Jun 16, 2010, at 11:17 PM, Rebecca Bushong-Taylor wrote: Hi Ryan - It sounds from your note that you were in Barrington until fairly recently. I thought you might like to know that Gene had some fairly scary heart surgery and complications that have kept him away from home for the past few months. The great news is that he should be back home very soon. He is anxious to get back to work and has several stories in his head he can't wait to get to!! I'm sure he'd be pleased to hear from you if you want to send him a card or note. Bobby is still alive and well and has been staying with family while The Master is away. Rebecca On Tue, Jun 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM, Ryan Dunn <ryan at liftingfaces.com> wrote:

Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.netmailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City ( www.ladies-gentlemen.tv). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years. But perhaps the only real tidbit you might care to know about me at this point is that, while working in Chicago, I was fortunate enough to have lived five doors down from Mr. Wolfe himself, and have found him to be one of the kindest neighbors a man and his family could ask for. Having watched him walk his dogs (first Calamity Jane and then Bobby) on a daily basis, we formed a very passing, but endearing relationship. Attempting to have conversations with him, however, was a bit like asking a toddler to contrast and compare Dickens against Shakespeare. I, of course, was the toddler. I remember one incident where a compliment from me on his latest book, "An Evil Guest," quickly evolved into a history lesson from Gene on when the Egyptians attempted to invade the Greek Islands. Wolfe was in fact my favorite author before I moved to Barrington (which quite coincidentally is where my wife was born and raised). I went through genre writing both quiality (Tolkien, Gibson, Stephenson) and questionable (Rowling, Goodkind, Jordan) before arriving at Wolfe's doorstep. But once I discovered him, all other writers could do little more than pale in comparison. I did not have any clue where Mr. Wolfe lived when we moved into that quaint village, so imagine my surprise when my father-in-law informed me! At any rate, I simply wanted to say hello, share my background, unique story about Gene Wolfe, and that I hope to add to -- and use this list in the future -- for reasons both selfish and social. I am a fan of the urth.net group, and have been reading passively for many years (it is a bit of work to try and stay current with these discussions!). Hope to join the debate some time soon. ...ryan P.S. Also, I'm going to pretend he used my surname as inspiration for his main character in The Sorcerer's House, Baxter Dunn. A man can pretend, can't he? _______________________________________________

On 6/15/2010 5:54 PM, Ryan Dunn wrote:

Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net <http://urth.net> mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City (www.ladies-gentlemen.tv <http://www.ladies-gentlemen.tv>). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years.

Welcome to the Monkey House, Ryan! That is some fine animation on your 2009 reel there. -- Jeff Wilson - jwilson at io.com IEEE Student Chapter Blog at < http://ieeetamut.org > _______________________________________________

On Jun 17, 2010, at 1:15 AM, Jeff Wilson wrote: On 6/15/2010 5:54 PM, Ryan Dunn wrote:

Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net <http://urth.net> mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City (www.ladies-gentlemen.tv <http://www.ladies-gentlemen.tv>). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years.

Welcome to the Monkey House, Ryan! That is some fine animation on your 2009 reel there. -- Jeff Wilson - jwilson at io.com IEEE Student Chapter Blog at < http://ieeetamut.org > _______________________________________________

Plenty of monkey references to go around in the books alone. Glad to see it doesn't stop there! RE: my work, thanks I'm flattered. ...ryan On Jun 17, 2010, at 1:15 AM, Jeff Wilson wrote:

On 6/15/2010 5:54 PM, Ryan Dunn wrote:

Hello, My name is Ryan Dunn. I know many of you are long-time participants here on the urth.net <http://urth.net> mailing list. I am humbled by much of your prowess and breadth of knowledge on things both inside and out of Wolfe's Whorl. About me, briefly... I am a commercial film director living and working in New York City (www.ladies-gentlemen.tv <http://www.ladies-gentlemen.tv>). I recently moved from Barrington, IL, where I worked in Chicago for a cumulative 7 years.

Welcome to the Monkey House, Ryan! That is some fine animation on your 2009 reel there. -- Jeff Wilson - jwilson at io.com IEEE Student Chapter Blog at < http://ieeetamut.org > _______________________________________________