Look at Spider go! In this short movie from 1970, we see an energetic short order cook experiencing full-blown Csikszentmihalyi flow state as he prepares dishes for a late-night pre-hangover crowd at a small diner in New Hampshire. Spider’s movements are unpredictably explosive and accompanied by bursts of discordant whistling. He reminds me of Tex Avery’s cartoons and Raymond Scott’s music.
Kenneth S. “Spider” Osgood died in 2012. Here’s his obituary.
In his youth, Mr. Osgood was a Golden Glove boxer. He was an amazing short order cook who got his nickname of “Spider” from his ability to multi-task while working at the Shore Diner and Paul’s Diner. He was an antique clock repairman for several years and was owner of Osgood’s Clock Repair.
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