I’ve been trying to write a radio themed spec for some time now but it never seemed to come out right. I couldn’t figure out if I wanted it to be slap stick funny or satirical or witty or whatever… nothing seemed to work.
What was happening was this: I kept trying to write a story that centered inside of a radio station and that stopped me from developing relationships the way I should in the script. I was making the radio station the main character instead of my protagonist. I think that as much as I hate to admit it, one of my strengths is romance. Like real romance, not having-sex-in-the-control-room romance. So, I decided to try something different.
What I’ve done is created a character who works at a radio station, but the story centers around his relationship with his girlfriend. Radio plays a large part in his way of life and causes conflict between the two of them, but the whole story does not take place in a radio station. Setting wise, it’s more Frasier than WKRP.
I’m very excited to take this story beyond outlining. Sometimes, it feels like I’m fighting for ideas, but every now and then, I just get struck with a story that I can’t wait to tell and I get super wrapped up in it. I can tell that this script is going to be one of those stories and that makes me smile.
Right now, though, I’m looking for some formatting advice. The story starts at one point in time, and then we rapidly speed through the next few years, seeing only snippets, before settling four years from the starting point. How should I format this? I pulled out my trusty ‘Screenwriter’s Bible’ and flipped to the formatting guide, but I’m not sure if I want to use the very simple ‘montage’ option given. Any suggestions?
There are many books I don't like. Usually, when I find one to add to the list, I put it down and start something new. Now, though, I'm reading one that I have to finish. I'm reviewing it for someone and, you know, I kind of need to read it. The book? A well known best selling author's latest. I should like it. But I don't. And I can't throw it out the window.
I've got 'Zoe's Tale', 'Little Brother' and 'Halting State' on my nightstand and that doesn't make it any easier to finish the book I don't like.
I had a very positive phone conversation with the department chair of the VPA program that houses the film program I'd like to attend. He gave me a bit more background on what the program is looking for student-wise and it sounds like I'd be a very competitive candidate. I'm cautiously optimistic.
Here's the funny thing... you may have noticed that it was the chair who phoned me back. Probably the busiest person in the building at this time of year. I left a message with the program head (of the film school) and he never called me back... even after the program admin person forwarded my email, told me to call, etc. To put it into perspective, it would be like the chair of the science department giving you a call back instead of the head of the physics program. Now, after talking to this VPA chair, he suggested talking to the head of the film department. I diligently 'um-hm-ed' and jotted down his information even though I already called him, while Mr. Chair assured me that he'd ask Mr. Film School to call me. I shall see if Mr. Chair will be able to get said head dude to call me.
Anyways, aside from knowing that the department head is a little tardy in regards to returning messages, it's nice to know that the bussiest guy in the building makes time to talk to students and return calls/emails.
The screenwriting prof actually seems to have some reputable credits, so this might turn out better than I thought. I'm always weary of any sort of VPA program because in most VPA professions, you can make more money by doing what you're trained to do if you're good at it. Meaning that only those who aren't good at it would choose to teach unless they have some weird impulse to fulfill a need to nurture young minds or some other BS. The one place I found this untrue was broadcasting school because almost all of us broadcasters are so underpaid that teaching is like being rich. In fact, some people go to school, work for a couple years, and then leave to teach the next batch of idiots -- I mean students -- entering broadcasting school. Some of the teachers are insanely talented and experienced... but some aren't much more experienced than the students which creates a yucky situation when you're paying over 10 grand a year to go to a private college and learn a job that won't pay you much more than that the first year out. You could go to medical school for less. Which makes you bitter to begin with... the fact that the teacher only worked one summer at CKXX in Timbucktoo, Any-Province doesn't make it any easier to pay your tuition.
Anyway, it's bed time for me. It should have been bed time a couple hours ago... I had such weird dreams last night... it always happens when I eat chocolate or write. Last night was chocolate. The point is that I need some sleep. I actually skipped the gym tonight because I was tired and had a headache and that's kinda like staying home from school... if you're gonna do it, you'd better be in bed, sleeping.
I have access to a pretty nice pool through the gym I have a membership at. It's a pretty nice, private, pool. It's extremely clean, there's usually no one in it if you go at the right time, and the change rooms are passable. It's no Winnipeg Winter Club, but it'll do.
My pool is closed for repairs right now, so I had to go to the public pool tonight. I know... woe is me... but just wait a sec! It left me with a bad taste in my mouth -- literally. I seriously hadn't realized how crappy these places are considering how much they tax us to maintain them!
Let's start at the beginning of my journey...
I show up for the late lane swim and the front desk is deserted. The pool is open, but there's no one home basically. I venture into the change rooms and approach another girl getting ready to swim. I explain that I don't have a pass but that no one is outside for me to pay. She shrugs and says that no one is ever there at night and that she just usually goes right in without worrying about it. Huh. Maybe if they had someone staff the desk so that people could pay, the change rooms wouldn't be so gross...
So... the change rooms... They were disgusting. Low lit and dank... Water ALL OVER. I know that it's a pool, but usually, there are drains and the floor, well, drains. Not this floor. The lockers are all rusted and there are no locks because the front desk is closed. The whole area looks like it hasn't been updated/cleaned in about 60 years.
I shower before going into the pool and get squirted with a fine mist that lasts all of three seconds before crapping out on me. The water is freezing cold and the shower curtain doesn't cover the whole stall.
In the main pool area, things look a little better. I get into the pool and the water is pleasantly warm. It's not too crowded, etc. Good swimming conditions. I get a face full of water and realize something. Tasting chlorine at my regular pool reassures me that there's no kid pee in the water. I don't really taste chlorine at all in this pool... but the water still tastes awful. And, no, it's not a salt water pool. I spend the rest of my swim wondering if this is what kid pee tastes like.
Once I'm done swimming, I head back into the gross locker room. Now that I'm trying to get cleaned up, the grody, dirty water on the floor is that much more noticeable. I take a shower in one of the gross stalls and head into a changing stall. It's pleasently clean, but I have to roll my pants up so that they don't get wet because -- and this is the best part -- there's a big sign outside of the change room asking everyone to remove their shoes before they go in... like they're trying to keep the place clean or something.
By this time, I'm ready to go home. I stuff all of my crap into my gym bag and go to leave. This is when I find that the hallway out of the changeroom has flooded and there's water everywhere. I wade out, grab my flip flops, and hightale it for the door.
Call me pampered or what have you... but I don't ever remember public pools being this gross when I was a kid. I remember them being brightly lit and smelling of chlorine and cleaning products. I remember the water being cold but clean. I remember the changerooms not being flooded. I remember the front desk being staffed.
This whole thing made me sad. I'll go back to my pool and hug it next week when it reopens, but it doesn't change the fact that even though we sink money into the public pool, it needs a whole lot of work. I don't expect the Ritz at a public pool... but I expect atleast a Super 8, you know?
After reading the recent news on Ed (he crashed a plane), I youtube-ed his show (Ed's Up), where he flies around doing weird stuff. Scroll to the end for the irony:
I really don't hate my job... which is why it's hard to plan an exit. The thing is... I don't want to get to the point where I absolutely hate my job to start making changes. I don't want to be miserable. I already know that I don't want to be producing radio promos when I'm 50... why wait until I'm 50 to figure out what I'd really like to be doing when I'm 50? That train of thought makes no sense to me.
I managed to get my laptop hooked up to my TV today. Yah! iTunes just got a whole lot better. I just need to get the resolution figured out a bit better and I'll be good to go.
As you can tell, I really don't have much to say, so I'm just going to end this post right here.
This is my third Stargate post of the day. That fact might make me slightly more geeky than I had thought.
I ventured onto the internet this afternoon to see what was being said about my fav geeky show and its new little sibling... and I was reminded of why I stay away from message boards, online communities, etc... because:
MAN, ARE PEOPLE ANGRY!!!
There's a group of people that are convinced that since Stargate: Universe is going to be geared at a bit of a younger audience that, somehow, the producers/network/whoever else they can peg have said that they're too old for Stargate. They do raise some good points... like the fact that people with more $$ are usually the people who buy the DVDs and they're usually older... but basically, they're nuts. Nowhere did anyone say that they were too old to like Stargate. It's insane.
There's a group of people who are convinced that Atlantis was canceled to make room for the new series. Now... this argument might have a bit more weight... but, then again, even if that was the case, who cares?
There's the general criers... who are starting 'save our Atlantis' campaigns while crying their little eyes out and swamping some Sci-Fi executive's email with spam.
Mostly though, I was surprised at the hatred towards Stargate: Universe. I mean, no one even knows all that much about it yet! It doesn't even have a cast!
This is what sets sci-fi fans apart from regular fans and it's the reason that network execs, producers and writers need to be very careful. If a CSI viewer doesn't like changes being made, I doubt they'll ban CSI and go nutso over the changes. They'll probably tune in over the next couple weeks, and after reacting like rational adults and giving the changes a chance, they'll either decide to stop watching or they'll decide to continue watching with little fanfair. This is not true when it comes to sci fi.
I've always found the sci-fi community to be very interesting. I keep trying to understand what makes them tick... what makes them attend conventions dressed like klingons, write nasty letters to sci-fi execs, bash changes to shows, start 'save our...' campaigns (such as Save Daniel Jackson and Save Carson Beckett), etc. I once almost emailed one of these campaigns years ago to explain why their plan would never work (legal issues surrounding the show) when I realized that they don't care. They don't care that it won't work. They don't care that it's legally impossible. They just want to do something.
There are drawbacks to sci-fi fans. The emails. The peanuts. But then again... they are so dedicated that it's amazing. I bet that the 'normal' shows on TV would love to have such a huge fan base that will buy whatever you put out, watch every single episodes, attend conventions, etc.
So... although sci-fi fans are nuts... in this age of changing TV, maybe execs should be looking at what makes them tick and try to at least somewhat replicate it in mainstream TV. To be honest, I'm not sure it can be done... since the average House viewer is just a tad more sane than the dude who has his apartment made up to look like the bridge of the Enterprise (TNG edition, of course)... but it would be worth a try, don't you think?
The reason why the younger Stargate: Universe is hilarious to me... I don't think it's a horrible idea... but this clip makes me snort because it's already been mocked by, well, itself and it's not even in production yet.
My geeky guilty pleasure is currently Stargate: Atlantis. I haven't watched it much this season... I think I've missed more episodes that I've watched... but I totally downloaded this week's episode from iTunes (that's right... iTunes... so don't call me a TV killing pirate!). I have a sneaky way of getting onto the US iTunes store and I was bored... so... 'The Shrine' seemed like a good idea.
Now, my grandmother, who had dementia for the past few years, passed away this spring. I have no clue why I thought watching 'The Shrine' would be a good idea. I mean, I still have my grandmother's inheritance sitting in my bank account because I can't bear to spend it because it's all I have left of her. I pretty much lived with her during high school and watching her deteriorate was horrible... I still vividly remember the last time she knew who I was. I still vividly remember the first time it was obvious that she wasn't sure who I was.
Needless to say... I was crying about two scenes into the episode. It continued pretty much all the way to the closing credits.
I thought the episode was a genius way to give us some character background. I've always said that Atlantis is at least as good as SG1 but that it lacks the character moments/team chemistry that SG1 had. I don't think that it was a coincidence that Brad Wright (king of SG1 character moments) wrote this episode.
While I thought that it was a smart move, I also had some issues... they weren't with the episode itself -- more with the episodes that led up to 'The Shrine'.
In school, I remember having a conversation with a fellow student about audiences making assumptions while reading/watching something. We talked about something very interesting... how there's a difference between an assumption made via reasonable jumps (from info previously given... hints... etc) and a blind assumption. Blind assumptions end up leaving viewers/readers feeling a bit empty and maybe a bit cheated. If you have a character do something where the obvious/only assumption is X, but you haven't given any reason for X to be true, you're missing part of your story and your audience will feel it. If this was a math test, your answer would be wrong (without proof) and you'd fail.
So... I had a few issues with 'The Shrine'. If Rodney is going to tell Jennifer that he loves her and run screaming to John's quarters in the middle of the night (screaming his given name), we need to be able to make reasonable assumptions, not blind assumptions, as to why he would do that.
Jennifer admits that Rodney has only ever bought her a drink... they haven't even dated. Now, we know that Rodney and Jennifer did have a relationship... in a previous time line (!!!). But nothing in this time line has ever given us even a hint of Rodney loving Jennifer. They had a drink! And I hate to admit it, but I've never seen any sort of intense friendship between Rodney and John. I thought the scene on the pier was gorgeous... and the whole 'Arthur' thing cracked me up and made me cry at the same time... but when I really thought about it, I couldn't figure out why Rodney would run screaming for 'John' in the middle of the night. Why he always wanted John. I just didn't get it.
What I did get, though, was Rodney's terror over losing his mind and his need to spend those final moments where he knew who he was with someone he cared about. I just didn't understand why it was John that he chose. Here's the scene:
Also... I thought that the switch back to Rodney being Rodney highlighted the changes in him and how obvious they should have been to Jennifer and his team. I really thought that couldn't have been shown better and I thought it was a brilliant scene.
I thought that an episode like this was just what Atlantis needed to get us in a bit deeper with the characters and I still think it was a great episode that gave us great insight (Rodney's mom), but prior to this episode, we should have been given the means to make reasonable assumptions instead of blind leaps of faith. I know I haven't seen and memorized every single episode like all of the crazy Atlantis fans... but even so, there was just something missing.
So... on Anon's scale of love... I give 'The Shrine' 4 out of 5 Rodney McKay Rants. It loses points because I had to make blind assumptions, but it gains points because it made me cry (alright, sob) and because we got some much needed character development.
What has this final Olympics on the CBC made me realize? How much I absolutely despise Scott Oake and what a big gap not having Brian Williams there is coverage wise.
Luckily, with the Olympics moving to CTV, we can look forward to Rod Black and Brian Williams in 2010. Thank God. I also like the guy who moderates the halftime panel during CFL games on TSN... his name is escaping him at the moment, but I hope we'll see him in 2010... and maybe Darren Dstychen (sp)? I quite enjoy him too.
Basically, anyone but Scott Oake will rock my boat in 2010. He's just... and I hate to say this... AWFUL! And Ian Hanamansing is only a tad better.
I hate to admit this as well... but I hope we score Kurt Browning (he also does ESPN coverage) for 2010 and not Sale and Peltier. I don't mind them... but Browning is so much better. Tracy Wilson is also a favorite.
I went for a run tonight and got about half way through and started to wheeze horribly. I walked for a bit, it calmed down, and I started to run again. Immediately, my lungs were burning and I had to turn around and walk home. It was horrible... I couldn't breathe in or out... my chest was burning and I was a fifteen minute walk from home.
It's frustrating... my body is in great shape, but my lungs are still lagging behind. My legs could have run another couple miles, but my lungs were having none of it.
My asthma isn't bad enough to pump myself full of steroids... I don't doubt that some people need that, but I know from experience that once my lungs are in shape, I'm fine. I was on a shawck load of steroids a couple years ago and they just made me feel fat and yucky. I don't need a whole bunch of drugs. But it's still frustrating when my body is ready to go and my lungs still need more time. It's my own fault for not being consistent, but it still sucks.
There's only been a few times in my life where asthma has scared the hell out of me and tonight wasn't one of them, but it did make me panic a bit because I was so far away from home when it happened. I think it's going to take me awhile to calm down tonight.
I love concerts... so you can understand my eyes lighting up when one of my co-workers poked his head into my studio and informed me that Neil Young would be in town in October.
YAY!
I can't NOT go. It's odd... I hated Neil Young as a kid. I think it was because my mother played him over and over again. But, as I've gotten older, I've come to really love his music. Harvest Moon is my fav I would say... followed by Old Man... and a whole bunch of others. I once produced a show on Neil Young and I think that kicked things off for me... I was totally immersed in him for a week and was a huge fan by the time my masterpiece aired.
Some of my favorite concerts include The Foo Fighters, U2, Pink Floyd, Elton John... etc... I'm sure Neil will join that list.
The only thing that could make my day more? Blue Rodeo opening.
I've been doing a lot of useless writing lately... narrative fiction and other pointless things. I need to remedy this but I seem to have no inspiration to do something worth while.
I donated blood today. Went to sleep. Woke up and Stargate: Atlantis was canceled.
What?
Being on set the day your show is canceled is something I can only imagine in my worst nightmares. I can't imagine it being a very fun day for the cast/crew. I've never really thought of it that way... I mean, usually, I look at it from a viewer perspective and go 'eh, I'll survive', but today it kind of hit me that when things like this happen, people loose their jobs. So, like, 200 people were fired today.
Well, I won't feel too bad. I'm sure they'll all survive.
Back to the blood donating thing... Usually, I feel perfectly fine after donating blood. Today, not so much. First time ever feeling yucky for me. I felt a little light headed and when I went home, I pretty much conked out. My heart is kinda race-y right now and I'm dizzy and I feel weak. Yuck. Whenever I donate, they always try to tell me that my heartbeat is irregular and I always tell them that I'm fine and that my doctor hasn't done so much as shrug over it when listening to my chest. But, the way my heart is fluttering and thumping right now, I think I'll ask him to check it out the next time I see him.
I've been doing a lot of worrying lately. It seems that although making a school decision has freed up some brain space, I'm now using that space to worry. I worry about school, I worry about the decision, I worry about my career... but mostly, I've been worrying about my writing. It's actually quite logical considering that I've made the decision to depend on it.
I have a screenplay that I've been working on all summer. The first draft came very quickly... within two weeks... the editing has been torture. The ending needs to change. I know how and why. But I'm weary to actually change it. It seems stupid. I always save a new version when I make significant changes, so I can always change it back. Duh. The thing is... I really like how it ends right now. I really love it. But I know that for other people to love it, it needs to change. It wraps up too quickly and although I understand what's going on because it's all in my head, I feel that other people might need a bit more. I think that it's good that as a writer, I can see what needs to change in my writing even when I love what I've written. What I worry about is the fact that sometimes, what I write is off from what I know other people will like. If you're just writing for you, go ahead and write whatever the hell you want, but when you're writing with the hope that other people will read and love your work, it's so much more than just writing what you like. I worry that maybe what I like is too far off from what other people like.
As a writer, I can see the beauty in killing off a character. For example, on Atlantis, fans were up in arms over the death of their beloved doctor. Here's the thing... the story was sad and cruel and heartbreaking... but wasn't that sort of the point? Although I can see the beauty in the story, I find myself shying away from those themes in my own writing. That worries me.
I worry about other people reading what I write. This is extremely problematic. It's not that I can't take criticism. I really can. My worry goes beyond that. I worry that things will never happen for me. Having people read/reject my work enforces that worry. I know that this fear is completely ridiculous, but still -- I worry.
You'd think that making a decision would be freeing, but it's really not. It just opens up a whole new can of worms.
I think I've seen every single episode of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'. I think I can still sing the whole theme song.
Anyways, it's on TV Tropolis right now. I think the show's hilarious, but one of my fav episodes is the one where Will's father comes back and then leaves. The scene with Uncle Phil at the end... it makes me cry every time. And I love it when Uncle Phil just completely rips into Will's Dad. It's so uncharacteristic for a show like The Fresh Prince to cover a topic like this well, but I think they did an amazing job.
I'm watching the all around final right now. What's with the spastic choreography or floor and beam? Seriously. I took this thing in archeology (the fact that I call it a 'thing' shows how closely I listened :P) that showed how when things are copied over time, they become hardly recognizable. For instance, if you look at Mexican pottery, the images of their gods/icons have been copied so many times that they don't look like dragons or whatever they're supposed to look like anymore. Some features can be picked out, but basically, it looks totally different. I'm thinking that this choreography at one time was jazz dancing and over time, the dragon has become barely recognizable :P
They prance around and stick weird parts of their body out before writhing all over the floor. The only thing worse is the walk that actual jazz dancers use to get on/off stage at competitions, lol. Have you ever seen it? I once saw an adjudicator tear into a whole group of competitors, telling them that they looked like spastic robots. There may have been some mocking arm movements. It's seriously ridiculous.
Bombers winning (currently) on TSN and Olympic coverage on the CBC makes me a very happy camper.
On the other hand, I just paid my fall tuition and whenever I pay tuition, it makes me wanna punch someone in the face. School is so expensive and it's just ridiculous. For the last few years, it was subsidized (slightly) by the province I live in to celebrate a large provincial event, but not this year. No way.
I'm still debating school for the year. There's a few people at the University that I need to talk to about the film program and starting next year (I don't think I really need anything else to get in) and they're on vacation, but for the moment, I've paid my tuition. I can always drop before classes start for a refund.
I've been in school for so long that it's hard to imagine not being in school, but at the same time, I'm just... tired. If it's not useful, I have zero willpower and taking this year off would probably be a good thing.
The thing is... if I'm gonna go to school, might as well have it be for something useful. I'm an english major right now.
I wouldn't be going if it wasn't such a key hole fit. The program is meant to be taken after two years of University or college and ends in a BA. Because of my prior learning, I can enter straight into the program. The two years will go super quick because I'll actually only spend two terms in the classroom. The rest is co-op.
I still need to confirm that I can use all of my prior learning and make sure that I'll be a strong candidate when interviews happen in the spring (they certainly won't guarantee you admittance now, but I've found that most programs will look at your portfolio and tell you whether or not you have a good shot). This program is competitive, but it's not UBC, so I should stand a pretty good chance of getting in.
Since I'm too late to apply for this year, I'll have to wait for next year, and I'm still pondering school this year... should I go? What if I don't get in? Then I'll regret taking a year off. On the other hand, if I do get in, it'll be a waste of time and money.
Overall, there are still details to work out, but I think I've made my mind up on the big picture. It's an investment of time, but it'll help me gain experience and finish up my education, so I look at it as win win.
I always struggle with choosing shows to spec. Why? Because the shows I like aren't necessarily shows that people choose to spec.
NCIS - This would be my fav show. But, I don't think it gets enough hype to spec. On the flip side of things, this is something I could totally see myself writing. But, I've heard a couple times that no one is specing NCIS. Now, that could mean that my spec would be 'fresh' to someone, but it could also mean that it gets thrown out the window because I've just shown that I have no clue what to spec and don't know what's 'hot'.
Stargate - So, my guilty pleasure is Stargate Atlantis... but spec-ing it? You've got to be kidding me. People could barely pull off a Battlestar when it was super hot (and it's useless now because it's ending). Stargate? If you're going to spec a cult show, it better be a super popular cult show with a super huge following. And that ain't Stargate. Which is a shame because I really like to write sci-fi and think writing Rodney McKay would be an absolute hoot.
Corner Gas - Another one that I think I would rock at spec-ing. But it's Canadian. Sure, it's huge in Canada, but I always thought that no one specs Canadian TV. Feel free to tell me I'm wrong, though, because I'd love to spec it.
I'm thinking I'd like to spec House. I'm a little apprehensive about it though because of the new characters and the fact that we still don't know what's going on. Can I spec from back further in the series? When things were (relatively) normal? I'm not sure how to research it, though. It's not like I have a doctor on staff. I'm literally thinking that I'll peruse Wikipedia until I find some wacky medical condition and then make it look like it's lupus :P because that's pretty common on the show. heh.
Link to Roger Ebert's review. For the most point, I agree with the conclusion. The thoughts leading up to it? Mostly. Either way, he's certainly more explanatory than I was. Or just more effectively so.
I saw the new X-Files movie tonight. Despite the shitty reviews, I went in with an open mind and I have to say that I really enjoyed the movie.
The thing is... you have to go in with reasonable expectations. It's X-Files. It wasn't different from the series in any major way, and yet people disliked it. Why? Was it because they forgot what the show was about? Had carved grandiose mirages in their minds over time? Maybe.
I think it's this: It's funny how fans seem to get super upset when they're given exactly what they wanted. Almost like they're mad that they don't have to whine about not getting what they wanted and complain about something that was made special for them almost as a retaliation. Some have complained about a lack of sexual tension between Mulder and Scully. And yes, it was eased. But there's reasons for that. Also, the pain that replaces it is kinda beautiful. Without saying it, you were given what you wanted. Don't complain about it.
I will admit to grimacing at a few cheesy lines, but overall, I loved it. It was a great X-Files story. Period. X-Files is one of the first shows I remember watching every week (mostly because my parents loved it) and although I didn't watch the last few seasons and some of the episodes terrified me enough to still remember them vividly, it holds a special place in my heart. The movie was well done. It never drags, weaves a neat story, is action packed, and makes use of David Duchovney's illegal hotness. Most of all, though and through, it's so X-Files... the writing, the story, the characters. There's nothing what-so-ever wrong with it. We were all given exactly what we wanted. Let's not complain, okay?
When I was a kid, GRAB stood for 'Go Read A Book' month. Every year, my school would have a themed month dedicated to reading. At random intervals, a sounder would go over the intercom and we'd have to drop whatever we were doing, sit down, and read. We had to carry a book wherever we went. There were other activities as well... book readings from local celebs, etc. My favorite part was the themes... my favorite was one we had themed after art and van Gough's 'Stary, Stary Night' (it was also my first introduction to Don McLean).
Every year, we'd make a GRAB flag and at the end of the month, we'd hang it up in the library with all of the other GRAB flags. I'm sure this would be illegal now, but every class room would choose a favorite book and decorate their door in a huge fire hazard tribute.
I also had the best librarian. Mr. Angst had a huge stump sitting in the library and he'd pull out these awesome puppets and tell us the best stories while he sat on it. Mr. Angst was the best. Everyone loved him. His reading voice was amazing and completely trapped all of us.
In the 6th grade, I had an amazing teacher by the name of Mr. Shellenberg. He used to read to us every day. He'd tell us that he'd like for us to listen, but if we just wanted to sit and 'vegde', that was fine. His reading voice was also captivating and he'd get into the story and just pull you in. He was also an amateur writer and he'd often read us his work. I still wonder how the novel he was working on ended. He was also the first teacher to actually look at me and recognize some sort of talent. I remember him calling me 'flippant' on my report card and following it up with a rant on how smart I was and how I needed to apply myself. None of it was mean, it was all said in a way to motivate me. And it did.
One of my many Grandmas (long story) was a librarian. She's my last living grandparent and she still sends me books every Christmas. They'd always come with a bookmark from her local book store and a note on why she was sure I would love whatever she was sending me. It was obvious that she spent a great deal of time and effort choosing just the perfect book to nurture my mind. Some of my favorites came from her... Anne of Green Gables, Walk Two Moons, etc. Even though her love for books was earnest, I found out recently that she did many things to continue what my maternal grandmother had started. When I was really little, my maternal grandmother bought me the whole box set of Little House on the Prairie and I still remember sitting up in my room, reading extra chapters long after my mother had read our nightly chapter to me. I was finishing novels before most kids could manage a primer. When my Grandma died, my Grandma Evans continued to send me books. Recently, I found out that my mother sent her wool that my maternal grandma had bought to knit me a blanket. I've always had this gorgeous lavender blanket from my Grandma Evans and I've always loved it, but I never knew that she took the wool my mother had sent her and made it for me when my maternal grandmother couldn't. Needless to say, my Grandma Evans is one of the kindest people I've ever known and I'm truly lucky to still have her in my life.
All of these experiences contributed to who I am today and the people involved have no idea how much they shaped my life for the better. I`m seeing a bit of a resurgence in YA reading lately and I hope that these kids will have just as many positive role models in their lives.
I applied for a few writing jobs today. Mostly web based reviewing of books, tv shows, etc. One of them looks pretty legit, the other I don't have enough info yet to decide if it's a scam :P
In reality, I really don't care if the pay is low or nil. Neither of these jobs are meant to pay my rent. They're meant to build my portfolio. So, bring on the scams! Just kidding. Don't bring on the scams. Basically, I'm willing to work for nice people for peanuts if, in return, I'm given the chance to write about things that I really love and use that writing to secure better paying jobs.
Oh, and most of all, they're meant to force to me write. You know, with a deadline and everything! Because I think that's something I need to get used to once again.
I'm buying new skates (boots and blades) and I'm a bit confused on what to buy. Right now, I have Jackson boots and blades. I love the shape of the Jackson boot, but I HATE (absolutely hate) the blades. HATE! I can't turn over into a spin as easily as I'd like and they feel tougher on the ice than the other blades I've used.
I used to use Risport boots. I think they're a little narrow for my feet and I never did get a really good fit although they were super comfortable.
So, for boots, I'd like the inside comfort of Risport and the shape of a Jackson. I'm thinking Ridell. One of their top 'medallion' brands? Nothing too fancy. I've heard that Ridell skates are nice and light and my Risports were a little heavy. Jacksons were in between. Before anyone suggests Gam, I've already decided against it. Aren't they pretty much the same as a Jackson?
As for blades, my hate for Jackson/Ultima knows no bounds. I actually literally hate my blades. I loved the Club 2000's I had on a pair of Risports a couple pairs of skates ago, but when I looked them up online, the listing proclaimed 'Great for Beginners!' Anyone know of something similar to a Club 2000 that will hold up to higher level skills, jumps and dance? That doesn't feel like you're dragging through sand (like my Jackson's)?
I'm looking to spend anywhere from $300-$500, so no custom fit crazyness, but I will pay for quality. Most of all, I'm looking for a good blade recommendation because they're the only thing you can't really try on before you buy. I can put the boots on and see how they feel... see if they're light enough... but I can't test out a blade before having it screwed on, so any help picking a good set would be appreciated.
I'm having trouble writing an intelligent character. He seems to come off... pretentious and that's not what I'm going for.
I once interviewed a prof from UBC about a space telescope. He recently was made OC and is probably one of the smartest people in Canada. In fact, I heard that he's included in the special features of the new Stargate DVD explaining real life science behind the story. He's a good choice for that because during our conversation, although his IQ is probably through the roof, he never once made me feel stupid or that I was out of my league. He explained everything to me in terms that I could understand with such wonder in his voice that it made me want to take some of his classes at UBC. He was completely unpretentious and generous with his time and nice and highly intelligent. We went off on a tangent about life out there and his thoughts on it and talked sci fi tv and I thought he sounded like Phlox a little bit :P Just an all around nice guy who happens to have more brains than me and both of my brothers combined (and we're all pretty smart people). He was well adjusted (not socially stupid like so many other geniuses are portrayed), talkative, relatable and friendly.
I want my character to be like that prof. But, he's coming off more like Rodney McKay. It's a fine line... this character is highly intelligent and if he's not careful, he can make others feel stupid without really trying... just by explaining. I might take this flaw and make it a bit comical, but for the most part, I'd like to have him be less Rodney and more space telescope guy. I'm not sure how to do it... I don't want to take away from his intelligence and that's what it feels like I'm doing when I change his dialogue. He is really smart and I want that to show without him seeming high class, high strung, high attitude or God like or something stupid like that.
For the life of me, I can't think of an easy going, nice, jovial, genius character to use as an example and look to for advice. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Does anyone else have problems writing endings? For me, I have a hard time making them live up to the script they close up.
The screenplay I'm working on right now has a lot of drama. A lot. I wrote an ending that I feel clears things up a little too quickly when you take that into consideration. I think the characters should have to work through things just a bit more. I like the way things conclude. I like the outcome. I just think the getting there needs some more work.
So, I've outlined a few prospective endings with the same outcome but with a different final pattern of events. I've also outlined one that changes the outcome just to see how it feels.
You'd think that this would fix things, right? I'd choose one and move forward. No. I'm still confused and a little indecisive. It still doesn't feel comfortable and I don't know why.
I have to admit that my first thought while watching this vid was 'Hmmm... I wonder if he's on coke, too?'
I hate to say it, but it's just... different now. I know it sounds stupid. What people do in their own lives is their own business as long as they're not kicking puppies or killing babies... but coke? This is the price the whole band will have to pay. Many people will just look at their music differently now. So, while I still believe that what you do in your own life is your own business, I guess what I'm saying is that I don't have to like it and I won't not look at you differently.
I say nay. I didn't like what I saw from him this evening. His second half was a little better, but still not good. I have to agree with the guys on TSN... he just doesn't have the arm, and against a team like TO, it really shows. He's not well matched with their defence.
Ryan is a competent QB. Is he right for the Bombers right now? No. I don't think so.
I also have to say that I was super pissed off to see that Kevin was sat. The guy was runner up for MVP last year and led the Bombers to a Grey Cup appearance. Yes, I agree that he hasn't been playing his best, but it's not just him. They're making an example out of him and that's something that I can't stand. The guy is coming back from a snapped arm. Sure, it wasn't his throwing arm, but I'd be willing to guess that he spent most of the off season in a cast and is feeling a little off.
Kevin deserved more of a chance than he got... I don't want to say this is shades of Kahari Jones, but it's along the same vein. Kevin deserves a little more respect than he's getting. And although the Bombers were a tad bit more patient with Jones, Kahari deserved a lot more than he got. Winnipeg is so quick to tag a new hero and cast the guy who came before him aside, and that doesn't always work. Tonight's game is evidence.
Winnipeg is one of the most talented teams in the league and yet they're a mess. I don't understand how or why, but I don't think taking out your star QB is going to fix it.
I like Doug Berry, but he's made a lot of decisions I don't agree with and I know that many Winnipegers feel the same way, so the Bombers better pull up their socks. Berry seems to work by pulling players' confidence down to shake them up, thinking that will work, and by playing mind games (read: Troy Westwood) and I hate watching it.
It's sad to admit this, but Winnipeg is a town that will turn on it's team when they're not winning. This ain't Hamilton! We're used to winning and we'll stop buying tickets when it's a given that the Bombers are going to lose. If we do end up going to the games, it's not pretty. We'll boo our own team. I once threw a snowball at Cal Murphy. Seriously. We expect to win and will not take the talented team that we paid for (the Bombers are publicly owned) blowing games. And we put our foot down with a drop in ticket sales... which, really, is counterproductive... because having a poor team won't fix the problems.
Winnipeg is a true sports city. When the seasons collide, all three of our major sports teams will have sold out games on the same night. Canwest, MTS Center, and WPG Stadium. Name another city Winnipeg's size that can do that. So, it's not that we don't love our team... it's just that with all of that devotion comes despair (read: anger) when the players on the field don't live up to their end of the bargain.
Winnipeg is a tough town to play in when you're losing, but when you're winning, there's no better place to be.
