Full Summary
Our friend Andrew W.K. not only gives great advice, but also knows a little something about history. Opening this episode in the home of the Boston Red Sox, AWK teaches us that Fenway Park was built in 1939, has the only manual scoreboard in professional baseball, and has a back wall called "The Green Monster."
On a roll with history and setting the scene, Andrew gives a little background on the premise of his show. He tells the story of how Your Friend, Andrew W.K. was born on MTV2. After explaining his purpose in giving advice to those in need, AWK answers his first letter of the day. Ryan from Boston is taking a TV writing class and is afraid he might run out of ideas. He asks Andrew what he does to boost creativity, so Andrew decides to pay him a visit to not only tell him, but to show him how to brainstorm.
Andrew arrives, and the two sit on the couch to discuss the fundamentals of brainstorming. Andrew explains that ideas are limitless, and picks up a corkscrew to pitch the idea of a tiny corkscrew civilization, just to give Ryan an example. "Brainstorming is about letting it flow, letting it flow, letting it go, letting it go, just jamming, grooving, catching a vibe, catching a groove and riding it out."
Before taking a break, the show pans back to Andrew in Fenway Park, answering a quick question. Brody from Montana says, "There is nothing good on TV. What should I do?" An aghast Andrew exclaims, "What do you mean?! This is on TV!"
Meanwhile, back at Ryan's, the pair go throughout the house looking for more ideas. They start in the kitchen, where Andrew draws inspiration from a dirty dish pile, a Ham hock, and a Zippy the Pinhead comic strip. He says, "From ideas come more ideas," further emphasizing the process of brainstorm.
It's time for another quick question for Andrew in Fenway Park. Jason from Maryland asks Andrew what he can do to get rid of nightmares. A very knowledgeable Andrew advises that he not eat anything after midnight, nor go to bed with wet hair. But, wait... the man who made "I get wet" a household phrase tells a fan to not get wet?? Ironic, isn't it.
Adam from Oregon asks Andrew for a little help on his test for the book Where the Red Fern Grows, specifically, how does the book end? Andrew can't recall the exact details from the book since he read it so long ago, but highlights the important climatic events like "great book, dog dies, coffee can."
In another failed attempt to stump the master, Pamela from Virginia asks Andrew what she can do to get her parrot to break its nasty habit of swearing. Andrew suggests simply that she stop swearing in front of it, or if all else fails, let it fly away.
When Andrew is done at the question firing range, his attention is devoted back to Ryan. Andrew presents the creative challenge to see how many ideas they can come up with in one minute. After coming up with 6 ideas in 60 seconds, Andrew stresses to Ryan how important it is that he keep a list of his ideas, the point being that he will have lots of good ideas to work with. Andrew concludes by reciting once again the importance of brainstorming, adding that even if all ideas end up being crappy except for one, that's one good idea at least. For those about to write, Andrew salutes you.
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Exclusive letters of the week, only for mtv2.com:
Gina Gonzalez / New York, NY
How can I become a VJ without doing all that audition junk? How can I get them to meet me in person?
Dear Gina, Do you really think you're going to have a chance to be a VJ or anything else if you're too lazy to do an audition? I don't know exactly what it takes to be a VJ, but it sure is going to take some hard work, and the audition would be only just the beginning! I'm sure you could be a great VJ--a lot of people could, but the only people who actually become VJs are the ones who work hard in their auditions and beyond!!! Get working and go for it!!!
Your friend, Andrew W.K.
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I.B. Jolade / Williamston, NJ
How hard is it to be a musician?
Dear I.B., It's a lot harder than being asleep, but it's a lot easier than being a mother (or so I've been told).
Your friend, Andrew W.K.
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Jherene Metzler / Brooklyn, NY
Why is it so hard to decide whether or not you want a boyfriend?
Dear Jherene, It's hard to decide because being in a serious relationship takes lots of work and effort. It's nice and easy to be alone, but then you get lonely. Either way, it's never going to be totally easy or perfect. Whatever you decide, put your heart and soul into it and love your life!
Your friend, Andrew W.K.
