The Substitute

Malificent

2012-01-06T11:37:00.001-06:00

With more trepidation than an elephant on a highwire, I am slowly preparing for my trip to Georgia. The downtimes may be the angst I fear most. Catatonic daydreams with the TV may my future tread.

Turtle and Snake

2012-01-02T18:45:00.000-06:00

I finally found "The Turtle and The Snake", after years of hoping to see it again. I still like it, but I'm befuddled by the tree in the first frame--why did I draw it like that? Dunno. The last frame redeems it. I think I drew this in 1996, maybe '95. I was certainly being philosophical.

Pheriam

2011-12-05T13:48:00.000-06:00

In the interim, I have done some Squidoo lenses, including one for the great music group, The Most Serene Republic. Read it; listen; love them!

When Gravity is Tragedy

2011-11-26T21:04:00.000-06:00

I've been neglecting NaNoWriMo for several reasons. And I could list them, so I will:

Have to drive out of town, depending on the day
Something comes up, out-of-the-blue
Headache
The Internet - cursed thing!
Oh, Lakota 5-0, got to do that

That might not be all. All situations are not controllable. I can blame myself for some. Time is also a factor. Just can't find the time.

Drive-In Documentary Needs Help

2011-11-20T22:06:00.000-06:00

Since I love movies, and certain documentaries, this is an excellent that even brings in movies. Going Attractions, a documentary about drive-ins and their unfortunate stasis, needs help in finishing the edit. Donate some money for nostalgia and awareness. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1752495099/be-a-part-of-going-attractions-drive-in-documentar

Narwhals Have All the Luck

2011-11-13T15:55:00.000-06:00

Don't know why, but they do.
I setup a blog for Lakota 5-0, so that 's the place to see all updates and postings of the comings-and-goings of Lakota's greatest police force.

Another Plus for NaNoWriMo

2011-11-10T17:43:00.000-06:00

I dug out the outline for the story I selected for NaNoWriMo 2011. Hurrah! Very good news. I was stymied a little bit as I wrote, feeling unsure that I might go somewhere with the story unintended. With this full outline, I have now an excellent guide through the darkness.

It's Like a Papercut

2011-11-03T12:36:00.000-05:00

Oh, another rejection, but that's just, in a way. I wanted to put that story in my book that will hopefully be put together soon, but I'm still waiting on me. The hold-up, is only a part of the 'business'--can't put in a story that is in cue for submissions, because no one wants anything that is in print somewhere else simultaneously. It's a matter of supply and demand. You know, you learned it in high school. Hopefully. So, on to NaNoWriMo, and 24 Hour Comic Book!

The Words Are Like Fireflies

2011-11-01T11:21:00.000-05:00

NaNoWriMo starts! I don't! At least, not yet.

It's All In the Updates

2011-10-30T18:36:00.001-05:00

Just some points:

I swear there was a tornado in this video I took - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPP6L7rsE64

Still working on a comic book for 24 Hour Comics Day, which was 30 days ago! I'll finish, for sure, all 24 pages.

Still waiting on a letter from Asimov's Science Fiction magazine. Fingers are crossed.

Children these days are crazy, and fearless - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKWzDRtrZCI

Writing a letter to Dave Sim. Yes, yes, it's true! An actual letter!

Listen to this woman say she's being violated by a police officer! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzkU3v5fUfA

NaNoWriMo is coming again. Aargh! I have no plot yet, no characters. But I must get at least an outline before the first.

Goodnight.

Earthquake of the Hands

2011-10-14T11:26:00.001-05:00

There may be to much sugar in my system. Writing is one thing, but trying to draw during a sugar fit is like using an Etch-a-Sketch on a bungee jump. Might turn out to be a tribute to the '90s phenom "Science Court". If only...

Move To the Left, Move To the Left, Move To the Right..., Oops, Too Far

2011-10-11T19:42:00.000-05:00

Sub another story.

http://www.24hourcomicsday.com has come and gone, but I, in my folly, am still working on it. Having only heard about it a few days before the event, I halfheartedly decided to do it. Then forgot. I didn't even prep. So, a few hours behind, I began, and am still going, hours and hours past deadline. But, I am jazzed about it. 24 pages. Hm.

Erase This

2011-09-15T15:34:00.001-05:00

Well, I received a rejection letter for a short story. That means, that story will be published by another means, assuredly in the book I want to put together.

Happy birthday, Robert Benchley.

Division Incision

2011-08-28T00:03:00.000-05:00

I was watching "Ladies and Gentlemen...Mr. Leonard Cohen", and suddenly, I had a poem come to me.

"My Body Will Shake"

My body will shake.
My body will shake.
My body will shake.
My body will shake.
My body will shake.
My body will shake.
My body will shake,
'til it shakes no more.

---------

Other than doing that, I'm editing a short sci-fi story for submission. Yee-haw.

Anywhere You Can Vision

2011-02-28T12:42:00.000-06:00

I pulled out a short story, a short-short, one that still beguiles me, and put it through edit again for the umpteenth time. After that, I hit the submit button. So, if everything works out, that one will be published somewhere. More details later, about that. Staying with that subject, I've reached back further into the crate, and pulled out another story, much longer, concerning my Tyren Universe--and little sci-fi adventure. I love taking the red pen to the white page and doodle notes all over it. The typing of it, of course, is less than desirable, but it is a wonderful step closer to nirvana. Once I finish that edit, I'll submit it to a different place that needs that genre, so stay tuned for that.

Finished the Old Year on a Good Note

2011-01-01T01:24:00.000-06:00

The small idea of writing an essay on the Black and White Comics Boon during the Eighties turned into a real piece of work, but I finally finished on the last day of the year. It's posted over at Squidoo: http://www.squidoo.com/boon-to-bust-bw-comics-1980-1990

I will put up a shorter one, too. This one was way longer than I thought it would get to. It was essential to put it all down.

Happy New Year!

Writing On, and On, and

2010-12-15T10:56:00.001-06:00

Published my first Squidoo about England's Influential Punk History, 1971-1980. Enjoy!

---------
As for NaNoWriMo last month, it was a bust, but I'm still writing on it.

Pushing Candy Corn on the Kiddies

2010-10-30T16:21:00.000-05:00

Just a note. Started the outline for NaNoWriMo, which this story will be a little dramatic. Concerns a guy dealing with life, and people around him dealing with his problems. He's a struggling artist, or rather, struggling with the fact that no one believes he is an artist. Jazzed about the idea, but I fear that I may have already hit a wall. We'll see in the first week.

Other things to do, cooking for a Halloween Party today. Exciting? No. A lot of work.

The Old Subscription

2010-10-26T21:46:00.002-05:00

Digging out of the closet of forgottens, I pulled out the November 2006 issue of Spin magazine. Not sure I've ever read it, it has Gnarls Barkley on the cover—which is torn at the top. So, starting in the back, the first major story I run into is Sleater-Kinney calling it quits and having one last show in Washington to 'celebrate'. This was news to me.

The next surprise was a little blurb on a 'new' movie starring Heath Ledger; "Candy". It's about two junkies. There is also a review of "The Fountain" (not a bad movie), and "Borat". More music reviews, including a fav, The Decemberists' "The Crane Wife". And Lady Sovereign; is she still around?

There's more, but I'm tired, and the only thing I accomplished today was writing a review of James Joyce's "Dubliners". Check out the book, a collection of his first short stories.

Anything You Want That I Can Devise

2010-10-26T17:43:00.000-05:00

Just a short post, because, the evil that is NaNoWriMo is lurking around the corner. So, naturally, I've updated http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/259058 and will try again to make the 50,000 word finish line. We'll see.

I still want to do the short stories book, so I might hash out an outline for the NaNo, and then work on the book, which I think I might be able to do in four days. Is it four? Oh, wait, I think there's a party—Halloween, you know. Blast it.

Saddle Up, 'Cause We're Riding Hard

2010-08-19T23:51:00.000-05:00

Going through another bout of insomnia, I get plenty of time to think. Thinking is the anti-thesis to sleep, so in order to combat thinking (which usually pertains to work history), I start to imagine stories; mostly new stories. My best stories come from this time of the day/night, when my mind is most active and alert. It's really on its toes.

So, what's the story? It was a Western. Going along, I knew right off that it was a little dark, and the hero was an anti-hero. I see him as a young Duke, with a little brassy McQueen. The story was going very well, and I was hooked. Then as more people were coming into it, I was seeing older actors, from the old black-and-white movies of the West. It was beautiful. Sometimes the main character was snarky, playful, and wonderfully believable. I was having fun with it.

Then, I noticed something..., this is the same character that I wanted for my Untitled Western, the first Western I have ever started. And this story, was the point I needed for the plot to continue, because I was blocked, rather, in the dark about where the story should go, and what was the gist of the characters' actions. But, this was only the backstory, the unknown story, the one that no one will probably ever read. Or perhaps, it will be the actual end of the story/novel, that will explain everything.

It's mahvelous!

Take Your Time, You're The Next In Line

2010-08-15T02:01:00.000-05:00

Looking at working for publishers. Yes, I'm still out of work, and still writing. Haven't had anything sent out yet--got to work on that 'finish' thing. And mailing. Yep.

Cracked open Adobe InDesign. Thinking about working on the unfinished volume 5, #1 of Paper Story magazine. I'm sure it will be cool.

Still want to do the short stories book, using Blurb to put it together. Blurb is very nice, and should be very inexpensive for publishing.

AND, it's freakin' HOT!! It's so hot, I feel like passing out like a Guantanamo defense lawyer.

I Can Write It Like This, I Can Write It Like That!

2010-07-16T22:48:00.000-05:00

Since IWriteLike.com has become super popular suddenly (http://iwl.me), I've decided to check it out. One story I have, has me evaluated as :

I write like
Stephenie Meyer

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

And the really fun thing is, the working title is similar to one of her books--though mine has NOTHING to do with sparkly vampires.
Here's another:

I write like
H. P. Lovecraft

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I'm honored!!!
Whoa!? Another honor...

I write like
David Foster Wallace

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Awesomeness! Tho' strange, for a Western:

I write like
James Joyce

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Weird. Totally. Cool, anyway,

I write like
Bram Stoker

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

That's it, for now. Mwuhaha!

She Didn't Put Sugar in the Tea, But the Gas Tank is Full

2010-03-28T00:08:00.000-05:00

Oh, there are plenty of things in my life going on, not just writing-wise, but I am keeping this strictly along those lines, so...I'll post some triviality.

I want my career to be writing. And I am spurned by my self, that can't be helped. I go at my own pace when there are obstacles. The main obstacle is work. Now if that were out of the way, I could be doing something like my friend. She is actually going back into writing, working on a TV movie script. This gives me two reasons to get busy.

A book I've been trying to read, Obscene in the Extreme, is a little taxing on me. The writer isn't very good, but he does put a lot of facts in his book, a scholarly look back into the banning of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. So far though, it's been a real eye-opener. Hm, love that history.

2010-03-12T20:59:00.001-06:00

Go to thetracthouse.com and see the exhibit of tracts. Writings and poems revolving around Darwin, with exceptional graphic art! (Psst, I contributed a short essay.)

Those About To Wed!

2010-01-15T22:33:00.001-06:00

Congratulations and good luck, Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman! http://blog.amandapalmer.net/post/336390559/telling-the-world

14" of Hell (in Parts)

2010-01-03T18:09:00.000-06:00

December Snow - 14" of Hell

Prelogue:

For a few days, weather reports were telling a possible white Christmas, a rarity for any part of Oklahoma. Sometimes, the snow will appear before or after the 25th, and quickly disappear. Any snowfall before the holiday is usually gone before the day. But this time, as the start of the storm drew near, predictions of how much snow were climbing, and there were hopes of a white Christmas tempering in the minds of children and the elderly. Everyone in between, had the usual sense of dread building up.

Holidays at work are something of a rarity themselves, and hammering out details (good and bad), take a great deal of work. Getting all to agree on similar points, and getting something firm early, is exasperating. The painful wait and delay almost always derails people's plans when the answer to days closed come to late, and often contrary to other business's plans. To rely on this place for anything, is dubious for one's own self concern.

For Christmas Eve, most, if not all, businesses close early, because they know that people will be spending time with their cherished ones, or family, or might be traveling and customers will have all ready made whatever purchases they need in advance of the next day. Business-to-business enterprises can close early, because of similar reasons; people will need to travel in order to make it to their destinations. Now usually, this almost always pertains exclusively to business owners, presidents, and CEOs, because they can do these things without concern, with no retort from anyone above them, since there is no one. Below them are the belly achers, and those that can sneak out, or conspire with others to do the same.

In our case, it was decided late the week prior, or early that week, that a full days work would be put in by everyone. This caused concern, because it was so contrary. Most concerning was the issuance of the regular payroll, which unfortunately fell on Christmas. Even though getting paid at this job is usually like opening a present on Christmas, no one wanted to get paid on that day, or even after. Yet, from on high, it was told that we would get paid on Thursday, at five o'clock.

Five o'clock.

As the days progressed, from Monday of that week, the chances of snow on Christmas Eve were still looking good (bad). And it was going to be cold, which meant the snowfall, no matter how much it was, was going to stay around. Giving the situation with the checks, we took it in stride, for this was not out of norm. And we knew that we had to be cautious on the 24th, but secure that EVERYONE KNEW that there would be SNOW, and preparations for the STREETS would make travel as SAFE AS POSSIBLE.

On Wednesday the 23rd, the weather forecast called for freezing rain in the morning, followed by heavy snow, and strong winds.

Passion Pit - Sleepy Head (Run Toto Run Cover)

2010-01-03T14:41:00.001-06:00

Awesome cover! I giggled.

Take a Penny, Take a Pound

2009-10-26T20:56:00.004-05:00

Actually wondering if deep discounts at the store/online level will ever transpose to the publisher, who is still getting 50% of the list price (the so-called wholesale price). http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2009/10/and-then-everything-in-publishing.html If the publishers want to make more money, lower the price and THEN sell more books!

If You're Seeing Pink, There's Plenty of Excuses

2009-10-26T19:38:00.003-05:00

Condé Nast doing more layoffs? They are really stringing out the employees' emotions. And they are not the only ones: http://www.foliomag.com/2009/cond-nast-layoffs-roundup-so-far

And what about Playboy? The magazine is reducing circulation drastically, just to cut down on printing cost. Two types lose here: The sub, "I'm sorry, we no longer honor your subscription. We also apologize that you paid in advance as we specified."
And, the advertiser: "We will not meeting the circulation amount that we told you we would when you paid millions of dollars to us. We will pocket that money, and do not apologize."

Pieces of Faith, Without Faith

2009-08-16T23:04:00.002-05:00

Just a little post about the Tract House, and the Darwinian Project that is building up. I submitted a little something-something, so I hope that it is a good fit for the project. Sounds wonderful, anyway.

SCHED: Dfest Music Conference & Festival: Schedule for Thursday July 23 @ Tulsa, OK

2009-07-21T23:17:00.002-05:00

SCHED: Dfest Music Conference & Festival: Schedule for Thursday July 23 @ Tulsa, OK

Please, let the weather be nice! Usually, it's hot in the West, and wet in the East. I want to hear the great bands, and that sounds close-minded, I know. Maybe there will be something to write about...; certainly, there will be pictures. Take an extra battery!!

Shared via AddThis

It Should've Been Easy Going Up

2009-07-20T22:21:00.004-05:00

Trying to edit an old story is like cleaning a ~~wound~~ gutter. Yesterday's editing was so confusing, looking at two drafts and thinking about where they sync together. Once I got that done, slogging through the old one and then getting it to jibe with the new version was..., ugh, plain torment. I'll take tonight off, and probably edit the website a tad.

Just No Moderation

2009-07-18T18:53:00.003-05:00

Whoa, another post..., something's wrong.
It took about a week, but I found short story number two (or was that three?). Finding time to work on it has been rough, with nothing but busy-busy time after work, and no peace.

Watch Out for Iconic Dinosaurs

2009-07-18T17:27:00.003-05:00

Gertie the Dinosaur by the great Winsor McCay. Whenever you read your favorite comic strip or comic book, it's all because of McCay:

Gertie the Dinosaur (1914) at Listal

Binding Time

2009-06-22T10:13:00.001-05:00

I decided to put a book together using Blurb.com's BookSmart software. A collection of short-shorts sure to please.
The editing part sucks, of course. I got to a point in "Boys Against Law" and thought, 'What am I trying to say?' In the end, there will be better stories.
There is one story I will need to create though, to fill out the book. I'm starting out with page one, and finishing with the cover. Old idea, eh?

Wasted Thoughts

2009-06-09T22:35:00.001-05:00

It hurts when an idea I have for a book, or story, gets used by someone else, and comes to print very soon afterward. Like, Twilight. My idea was close, but not so gushy.

This happens to me a lot. At least three times to me now.

Grr.

You Should've Been There

2009-05-31T12:49:00.003-05:00

...Been a long time since I posted something of substantial content here, so surprise!

I've been pushing myself into taking photos, snatching up some nice cameras add great prices, the old manual types. This hindered my passion for writing. Though it is well known to me, that the writing spirit comes and goes, and usually returns with a vengeance. As the process has done once again. Turn off NCIS, and look out keyboard!!

What do I have brewing on the stove? One story delves into the past lives of classmates, through the aging mind of a man living in a rest home. He looks back at his classmates, unknowingly because his mind is taking him on this journey, failing and wild. He has lost contact with the present, and is watching the people that he hardly knew. For the reader, it will be a chance to get caught up in the stories that may be partly true; for me, pure fantasy.

The other idea is an old friend, the essay. And an old (other) passion, comic books. I forget why I wanted to write it, but I do remember that I was laying down, trying to go to sleep, and my mind wandered into the realm of Anime, and warped into the B&Ws of the late Eighties. The essay, has me jazzed.

Meanwhile, time to make a new 'journal' on photography..., like everyone else.

Dangerous Games by Marina Abramovic

2009-05-26T01:08:00.001-05:00

An interview in Art in America, with Abramovic, has her saying that she got the idea while at a shaman ritual--children were running around playing with plastic guns while the peaceful 'performance' was going on.

Winter Storm 2009 Oklahoma 4

2009-01-27T16:31:00.001-06:00

Winter Storm 2009 Oklahoma 4
Originally uploaded by Jim Cripps

The cold permeates the inside. The low for tonight, 01/27/09, should be 12F.

Used, Forgotten, Found, Placed

2009-01-18T01:38:00.001-06:00

Used, Forgotten, Found, Placed
Originally uploaded by Jim Cripps

Just one of the little things that momentarily uplift the experiences at the mechanic's shop.

Can't Ruin the Ruined

2008-11-20T01:14:00.002-06:00

It's late, and I'm tired. Just a few things:

Both vehicles died. The van is scrap (literally), and the car needs transmission rebuilt. At home, trying to stay sane, and get the car repaired this week.

Been working the photography thing, so, not so much writing. But, will probably work on my website.

Watched a handful of movies.

Just added Lisa Anne Auerbach to my follow list. She co-founded The Casual Observer zine, from the '90s, and was but a handful of the nation's best zines back then. She been up to a lot lately.

Goodnight.

Flaming Lips' 500 Pound Brain Sign

2008-11-06T22:52:00.002-06:00

Wayne500PoundBrainSign
Originally uploaded by Jim Cripps

Went down to Wayne Coynes' house, to see what the big tent was all about, and lo-and-behold, the tent housed a 500 pound brain. It was visiting for Halloween, and would accept visitors later that evening.

In this photo, Wayne Coyne and two roadies examine the sign that tempts passers-by to quiz the brain.

If I Had a Brain, Would I Let Flaming Lips Touch It?

2008-10-31T22:19:00.005-05:00

What a day!I've been trying to keep this "blog" as a writing journal, but today's overall experiences demand I go beyond those boundaries. Today was a hard day at work, bust it late to get things done before deadline, but during lunch, my adventure made work more..., insufferable.

I had to go to Epperson Photo to drop off my first roll of 120 film and a spent roll of 35mm (and I needed a roll salvaged, too). On my way there, I thought I would swing by Wayne Coyne's house, and maybe take a pic for posterity (he and his wife live only about a mile from work). The road I was going to take was getting re-laid with asphalt, so I had to take a longer route. When I turned on the road that runs directly [damn spell check not catching that! 'Irectly' is a word?] in front of the house, I noticed many trucks around, and a slightly differently facade to the house. I must say, it's looking good. So, I drove around the block to check out the back of the house, because I read that he had bought the houses around him as a buffer (http://tiny.cc/nyPRt). Lo and behold, in the back lot, was a tent! It looked like the circus was coming to town!!

Well, everything went well at Epperson's, so it was back to work (but you know, I didn't get a pic of Wayne's house, but I did get some shots of a church with the Holga). Work was boring after that, yet stressful.

After work, I thought it would be a great time to go back to the tent and check it out
—a Coyne production, is a big production! Not surprisingly, Wayne was outside the tent painting a sign on a white bedsheet, using (possibly) Tempera paints in the worst colors that could be chosen by a fifteen year old for their MySpace. But it works here!

There were two signs, and from what I remember there were things about "500 pound brain", and "Ask it anything!" And it was there, inside the tent, resting on a large table; pink, and wrinkled. There was a woman and her son/grandson, both fascinated and confused at the same time, milling about the crushing blob, asking questions about the whole affair. Lights and electronics and smoke added to the mystery. Not to mention a bunny outfit..., or a squirrel with a bob tail, not sure, rounded the whole thing out. There were goodies, and no fee, and as Wayne confessed, loud music to come later. I could go on, but suffice it to say, I didn't get a chance to return when the festivities really took off. Bummer.

The brain was the thing. And it makes my thoughts want to jump ship.

You Can't Put a Price On Condensation

2008-10-27T00:03:00.003-05:00

I finally uploaded the list of movies I've seen, which is, to the uninitiated, always incomplete because it's hard to remember those movies I've seen as a child. And sometimes, I just forget to write it down, and it disappears from memory. An addiction to movies is not pretty. Many suffer, and it can be life threatening.

Maintaining websites is another debilitating disease, of which I also suffer.

And then there is writing, which I seemed to have been healed from doing. Aargh!

Do you like trainwrecks? Well, Gary Busey is on Celebrity Rehab. Can't turn away...

It'll Hurt, Till It's Showtime

2008-10-18T11:59:00.004-05:00

After a post, and comments on Kevin Alexander's blawg, we have renewed interest in General Cinema bumper videos. Enjoy the goodness!

Yesterday at the local Wal-Mart, there was a little girl having a seizure. Not sure if she was choking, or having a negative response to something—or epileptic. Eventually, she started crying, which was a good sign.

My feet hurt. Bad. Really bad. Mostly just the heals. So painful to stand and walk. I'm going to try to get around today, so I won't get too bored in bed. Today was going to be my shooting day;a roll from my Rollei SLR, put a roll in my Holga and Yashicam TLR. Joy, just out of reach.

Palm Leaves and Skinned Toes Make the Toga

2008-10-09T23:23:00.003-05:00

Oh, uh, I think I made my decision about the next president. Not that I'm stoked about either one, but there have been some honorable mistakes (choices) that will be enshrined in the great hall soon. It is so Dukakis--He should not have quit and then get back in the race; that kind of huge mistake.

On a different note, I had conversations today that we're quite fascinating. What if Jesus did come back?

EXT/INT - YOU DECIDE - ANYTIME
WELL, LET'S SAY SUNDAY

The congregation is surprised by the sudden appearance of Jesus (you know him).

CONGREGATION
(shocked)
Gasp!

An evenly astonished Jesus moves his head back-and-forth.

Jesus
(shocked, yo)
What are you people doing?! Wha?
All these churches, and ..., you do
know you're breaking a cardinal rule,
don't you? You know, not worshiping
anyone but God..., my father!?

Jesus begins to pace around the pulpit.

Jesus
All this weird stuff about me, and the gold.
Gold? Why so much? All because of me? This
is why I've been gone for so long.

He stops pacing.

Jesus
It's creepy. The only reason I'm down here
now is because that Tammy chick is
stalking me.

Suddenly, an angel appears behind Jesus in the guise of Tammy Fay Baker.

Tammy
(make like Fran Drescher)
Oh, Jesus, there you are! Come here
with those locks and let me stroke them!

---------

That's enough of that.

To the Moderate, a Toast

2008-09-30T19:13:00.000-05:00

Nathan Bransford, over at his blog, posed a question, "Would you still write if you knew you'd never make a cent?" Popular, and intriguing question.

Occasionally I think of this, and ponder till I fall asleep. But I tend to really hover on the excitement of accomplishment and what it brings—the fame. Crazy talk indeed, but if you're going to make it big, you might as well write your fame. Either that, or make the money to buy it.

Orson Welles pretty much wrote his own fame. Did a pretty good job of it until people got sick of it, and his bloat.

Show Me Your Etching, and I'll Buy It

2008-09-29T22:47:00.000-05:00

I received the new issue of GD USA in the mail (Naw, in my shoe!), and on the cover is an illustration by Menz titled Gal. It's a quirky pic by a young Chinese artist (this issue is advertising the 3030 New Graphic Design in China book, about 30 artists under 30 in China), and the lines are slightly fuzzy, giving warmth, reminiscent of Al Hirchsfield. So, I saw bravah, but coming out of her stomach is something like goo, and she has a plug(?) where her belly button is. In the end, it was nice.

But, this reminds me of yesterday's delightful event; I found Marina Abramović! What am I talking about? Well, about a year ago, I was reading about some of the best performance and installation artists (I went on an illogical journey to find my own path toward installation art from this), and there were several pages on the wonderful Marina Abramović. There were several pieces showcased, and most of them struck a nerve. Now, most of the time, when something strikes a nerve with me, it's in a good way—not like the shooting pain in the funny-bone, but more like Viagra.

What's so exciting about her? If you look her up on Google, you'll get a lot of the Balkan Erotic stuff (you know, because of the 'Net), but it's her other pieces that really tantalize. Marina is studying the condition between the body and the physical (world). Of note, and PG rated, is a piece where she is dress, topless, on a 10 foot-plus ladder, with the skirt of her dress flowing out probably 30 feet. In more startling work, she has cut herself, had orgasms while people walk above her on a platform (not original, but an homage to Vito Acconci's Seedbed (1972)), and re-enacted other works in these same veins, like Action Pants by Varie Export (1969).

So, now I have her name embedded; all I need are some framed memories. And something to perform. Cleaning my toes would count, yes?

Why Didn't You Call?

2008-09-25T19:56:00.000-05:00

At the checkout line in Walmart today, I saw taped to the bottom of the check writing platform, a handwritten, photocopied notice that read,

Until further notice, all pre-paid phone cards and phone cards are not to be sold.

Or, something like that. I asked the clerk why, and she didn't know. In fact, she told me that no one else knew either. Well, I just looked it up, and I assume that it's a perfunctory action by Walmart so that they will become liable for knowingly sell "fraudulent product:"

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iH-CI2-V9Emibx-qk35jXz-i3ANwD93E19F00

In the Color of My Eye

2008-09-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

I am saddened to read that Kodachrome may not be produced any more. Not that I've ever used it, but it's turning into the last samurai, knight of the Round Table, or free Internet; mythological. It produces wonderful color, more so that film we have even today. And what's to keep film manufacturers going with testing/creating new film with the pressing advances of digital? The only thing that they have been working on is the processing of film, from what I can tell, or more directly, film that processes differently. This is assuredly for the processors own benefit—they've got mouths to feed too.

Meanwhile, the erstwhile photographer/artist is left to scrounge for the most equivalent film they can find, going over the edge with quickly expiring film dates, and just doing the best that they can do. Can digital do for us what vibrant, three color processing did for us in the '60s and '70s?

Hm, no.

O', give me my 126 Kodacolor and Instamatic!

If You've Got the Guns, Shine Them Up for the Show

2008-09-20T13:11:00.000-05:00

I'm going to write another essay, about subject close to my heart; U.S. carrier naming. Boring, right? Well, it's really chaffing my hide what the Navy and the government have been doing for the last ten years or so. The essay will most likely be slanted, but I can't help that. The antagonists are very powerful...

Until then, here's this: I am not surprised by HSM 3's producers recent move. They have told the actors to bring their game faces—essentially, "Put up your best theatrical skills." One sweet play by them. What does this mean? My guess, is that it's a money move by the studio (Disney, of course. It is the Wal-Mart of the movie business). Disney most likely acted like this would be just another High School Musical movie, premiering on t.v., and then going to video within a short time. As seen by HSM2, that worked out very well for them, getting the best ratings ever for a premier broadcast of a movie on cable (or air broadcast, I believe). A real ratings winner for them. Disney got top dollar for commercials based on previous ratings and all the hoopla for #1. But what is their next best move? The theaters, of course, the real path to dollars.

There was speculation during casting, that HSM3 might go straight to theaters, but squashing of these rumors was quickly put into play. It was supposed to be another Disney cable movie. So, everybody plays along, signing contracts right away, or holding out, going to the table, asking for more. Of course, Disney knows that any increase in pay over previous installments are mere nickels and dimes compared to the outcome of HSM3. Everybody knows. But, up Disney's sleeve is an ace. After everyone has signed, and pre-production is under way, and all those that need to know come to know, Disney and producers drop the bomb; "We're going big time!" (They're recent announcement is just a hint, or a warm-up. Just you wait and see.)

Now it's too late, almost everyone is locked in at low pay, without leverage. Disney has got a blockbuster for cheap. It certainly won't be a Guys and Dolls, but it will turn out to be a 50 cent Titanic, without the Oscar please.

Well played, Disney. Well played.

Nobody Does It Better Than Money

2008-09-18T21:24:00.000-05:00

Vacation slipping away, and nothing to show for it. Today would have been my greatest day of accomplishment, writing wise, but there were problems of the four-wheeled kind. That beast is taking nearly half of my paycheck tomorrow, which means that the next two weeks will be lean again. I did manage to do a little web work last night, but it was very frustrating. The log in process is like an Indiana Jones adventure.

I've managed to keep away from JPG.com tonight, mostly, and just trying to enjoy the evening. For certain, I'll be hitting the pages. I might try just using FTP instead of the ferocious web manager.

Netflix is trying to host a movie watching record event in Times Square next month, hoping to set a new record for consecutively watched movies; the record stands at just over five days! The most I've ever watched straight is four movies in a day. Most of the time, I'm just watching t.v. and those nasty commercials like, "I've had to re-use catheters because I can't afford to buy new ones." Ugh.

A Chain of Confusion

2008-09-17T20:26:00.001-05:00

I've been sick since the weekend, but getting better. Damn stomach! Trying to not eat is hard when all I want to do when I'm hungry, is eat! I went to the store, and didn't get Jell-o or yogurt. Dumb me.

Trying hard to get away from JPG.com (see, register, vote! Brownies), and get to writing. If I'm going to get anywhere, I've got to finish new work.

Noticed that there isn't an icon/avatar for me here. I usually use the ole brownies. Maybe I'll repeat that here. Don't know.

Biofuels - Switchgrass Nearly Doubles its Output, in Study

2008-08-29T20:59:00.001-05:00

The use of Switchgrass as a biofuel will produce more energy per ton after processing than E85 from corn. And, switchgrass can be grown on land that doesn't support the usual crops, which we are all upset about. Let's support switchgrass!

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Imagine a Doorway

2008-08-05T00:06:00.000-05:00

Only two pages done today, because it's been a long day.
First, a grueling trip around town to talk to several people about rent increases.
Second, it was hot! Fortunately, it wasn't humid. And I only hope that the hurricane down south (pummel Texas while you're down there), doesn't bring any humidity and heat up this way. [Yet, expect 106 degrees tomorrow].
Then, the come-down, trying to relax. It took awhile to get into the groove. I felt good, just listening to various versions of Glen and Marketa's Falling Slowly (ugh, I had to type that several times). After about an hour of that, I finally put out two pages of a Twilight Zone-like movie script. I'm sure the output will increase when I get deep into the groove. It's still the first draft...; nothing to worry about!
Appian Way Productions, write me a comment.

A Smooth Journey

2008-08-04T00:03:00.000-05:00

Went to page seven. Wonderful.

Goodnight.

Appian Way Productions, call me.

Day Two of Script? Happy Times.

2008-08-03T22:47:00.000-05:00

"Take this sinking ship..."
Saw Once earlier, and it is sweet. The Oscar winning "Falling Slowly" is an awesome song, but using it at almost the beginning of the movie almost makes the whole experience anti-climactic. But it's a good movie anyway, full of amazing music. Irish buskers' power!

Been working on the script for, at least I hope for Appian Way Productions, almost the whole day. Hopefully end today's work on page six. It's going to be very Twilight Zone-ish.

'Iron Man' rises from the ashes

2008-04-20T12:17:00.001-05:00

Robert Downey, Jr. doesn't need armor anymore to be a man of steel.

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But...?

2008-04-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

So, this is it.