When you can’t find it on Google.

Encomium

Meet Michael Paul Vine, a friend for life and a Renaissance man.
Eyes of Vine and Zep

During his visit to Louisville this weekend, Michael’s Presence was a steady reminder of genuine friendship. In three days, we didn’t need to go out every day and see the town to enjoy some time together. It was like old times in Nashville as we spent most of the day chatting in my room, identifying birds out the window, gluing ourselves to our personal computers and making occasional remarks to each other about the state of the world (see his NowPublic News Coverage page for more of his social commentary).

We also had the privilege of enjoying a meal with the most talented Korean in Louisville on Sunday night. Michael had spent a year in Seoul (from February 2008), and hadn’t sat at a Korean’s table since his return to the States. He requested specific dishes and my lady friend prepared them to perfection.

As another tribute to the kind of friend Michael is, he spent 2 1/2 hours with me watching Don Sullivan’s Perfect Dog Training System. It actually wasn’t a chore to sit down and do it, either, although he’s probably the only person I could convince to watch it without any objection. We were both entertained by Don Sullivan’s no-treat “correction” system.

Mr. Vine is no stranger to Louisville after making frequent visits from Lexington while in grad school. We did take a brief trip to the downtown area, though. It’s hard to pass up Free Jukebox Night and a few hours with friends at Nach Bar (not to mention some of Louisville’s cheapest drinks). We also headed over to Zanzabar (another Germantown-area establishment) for a meal and some good live music in the background.

In short, I don’t know what kind of state I’d be in today without friends like Michael Paul Vine. He has a gift for putting people at ease and I’m privileged to have received him as a visitor in our home for a few days. Luckily, even though we’re no longer in the same city, we use all of the various modes of communication available in the 21st century to stay in frequent contact. Even when he leaves, his Presence will remain.

Your Random Weekly Video: OK Go “This Too Shall Pass” (Rube Goldberg Machine version) from YouTube


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Comments

3 responses to “Encomium”

  1. Amber Avatar
    Amber

    He does have a good energy, for sure! I'm so glad a little piece of home came to you. And I heart this video, too. 🙂

  2. Brett Avatar

    It's great and rare that you have that kind of bond. It's even more rare that you can talk about it openly. Males of our species aren't often good at that 🙂

  3. zepfanman Avatar

    Amen, my friends. Thanks for reading another Tuesday Zep!