Radio Chthulucene 87.9 FM

31 May 2024

This week, I made significant revisions to the written version of my final project, “Corporate Hospitality Blues” (attached below). These include:

• Two new mini-poems that continue the tomato motif. The first expands on the excerpt from “The Itching Palm.” The second returns to the image of the itching palm to create a sense of narrative cohesion.
• Experimentation with lineation/spacing, font sizing, and even colors.
• Page breaks. I wanted to give each section space to breathe while still maintaining a sense of chaos or disorientation.
• Instances of positive interactions between coworkers, including post-shift drinks, mutual commiseration, and a hug. This weekend will be my last at the restaurant; for all my critiques of the industry, I am quite sad to be leaving. 

Although I dislike hearing my own voice in recordings, I very much enjoyed the editing process. I used iMovie because it’s free, and familiar. I used to direct films (two-minute video compilations without any semblance of story whatsoever) in which my little sister performed stunts (somersaults) in our backyard. In any case, the app was suitable for the purposes of this project. It was an enjoyable creative challenge.

I recruited two friends to assist me in recording. They both asked to remain anonymous, but their help was invaluable. One of my coworkers placed his phone in his back pocket and collected ambient restaurant noise: shaking up a martini, polishing wine glasses, sorting silverware, and even greeting a table! One of my closest childhood friends shouted “Hands!” with remarkable enthusiasm and gusto, and gave me a very kind pep talk about sharing my work in public spaces (I decided to use a pen name for purposes of publication, which eased some of my anxiety. My roommate came up with it; it’s an anagram of my own name). Finally, I smashed a glass inside of a Ziploc bag. The bag somewhat muffled the sound, but it made for easy cleanup. The glass in question was a gift from someone I now dislike, and the smashing was very cathartic. 

I encountered some obstacles in the installation process. I sent my collaborator to Sixth Market with documentation of permission, but the employee on site did not feel comfortable selecting an electrical outlet without a manager present. We will return tomorrow to try again.

I look forward to hearing my classmates’ work during the walking tour on Monday. We’re in the home stretch!