The Characters
Barry Winovich
By 1993, Barry settled down and was no longer squandering rent-money at reggae clubs. Like something out of a Transformer movie, he morphed into a fairly-responsible and surprisingly fit father of three. Those who knew him best might complain about him being a little too obsessed with logistics. ALS never changed that. Nor his abnormally sunny disposition.
Barry vs. ALS
While dealt a terrifying hand, Barry parlayed his years of cultivating friendships into some pretty amazing outcomes. His zest for life and exuberant mannerisms really only served to make me want to do more, in terms of making fun of him.
Jack M. Subel
Jack (aka, Jim Dandy, Diamond Jim or El Diamonte) is, by far, the most normal person I know and is largely immune to my tomfoolery. He has been a constant in my life since the 4th grade and serves as a stabilizing influence. I only make fun of him to help him appreciate that life is not always fair. Subel's weaknesses include Chip's Ahoy! cookies and smoked meats.
Jack (Reluctant Facebook Personality)
While trying to deflect attention from my own shortcomings as a human being, I had the amazing idea to re-imagine Jack as the proprietor of a fictional chili company. Though disturbed by the meteoric rise of this fresh, new character, even Jack couldn't deny the public's appetite for disparaging, buffoonish characters bearing his likeness.
Treg Charlton
Upon hearing Barry's diagnosis, Charlton scoffed at the thought of buying life insurance, because "Lighting never strikes twice." Prior to everything becoming a crap sandwich, Treg enjoyed camping with his family, until the night ticks invaded his underpants, potentially triggering ALS. You heard that right. Ticks in the No-Go Zone.
Treg vs. ALS
Upon retiring in 2013, I had some spare time on my hands. I did some good things, for sure. Far more often, however, I sat at the computer - crafting bizarre content for my amusement - usually featuring Jack and Barry... When Barry passed, I took a few years off. Covid was apparently the wake-up call I needed to resume my virtual assault on Jack.
What Do You Think?
"Treg made a couple decent wisecracks in class forty years ago. Does that warrant a website? I don't think so."
"I think people will find this funny in the same way hip surgery is funny. Anyway, I'm not responsible for any of this. I did the best I could. He's an adult."
"I'm getting used to the fact Treg can no longer speak. And if I put Copenhagen in his mouth, I find that he'll roll off to his computer and leave me alone for about an hour."
I think Treg is a once-in-a-generation talent who is largely misunderstood by his own generation, his children's generation and definitely the two preceding generations.
