Speed Levitch : Author of Speed does a Q&A about NYC and his book.

Timothy "Speed" Levitch far exceeded the impression of him that I received from reading his book. The general feel of the room was nervousness, as we all awaited our discussion with him. I was nervous because I felt like it would be difficult to ask him a question about something that he had directly written. I had never had an opportunity to speak to an author first hand, so for me this was an experience that I would never forget.

My question to Speed was about his relationship with the Twin Towers since September 11th. His answer was that he felt that the film makers were tapped in to some kind of psychic ability to foresee the events that were to come for the Twin Towers. The film, The Cruise, was made in 1998, and even though the tragic events in New York City happened in 2001, Speed felt that the scene that shows him twirling around in circles between the towers was a foreshadowing of events to come.

I had not realized until he pointed it out that the music in the scene was very sad and almost depressing. He said that he wanted happy music, but that the editors felt that the sad music would fit the scene better. Also Speed pointed out that his "dance" between the towers was also a foreshadowing of the events to come. He is twirling recklessly and then at the end falls down, or as he describes it "I die."

Many of the other questions asked were answered by Speed saying "Well, I guess I'm fickle about that" which displayed to me his free spirit, his ability to flow with the "cruise." Speed was incredibly intelligent, and he also made it very clear to the class that we should not take his answers too seriously, which I felt was very modest of him. He does not want to give the impression that he knows the answers or that in some cases that he even has a remote idea of what the answer is.

He simply wants to convey his views and help others understand what it is that he is searching for in life. He told us that he is simply looking for anything that can bring him joy, that the purpose was to be respected and to experience happiness in all that he does.

I think that Speed was one of the most genuine people that I have ever met in my life. He knows exactly what he wants from life, and he does not care what others think of him or the things he does. Overall, this has been the best experience that I have ever had in an educational setting. During our discussion I felt involved, I felt as if I was part of something special and great that was unfolding before us, as Speed put it, "this midterm cruise will be in all of our galleries." It was unlike any other guest speaker I have ever attended, because I did not feel pressured by formality of having someone come to speak to a class. The only thing I have left to ask that I think is on everyone's mind is: When are you bringing Speed back to us?