In light of this cloning business, I came to remember a novel my high school biology teacher once read. It concerned the assassination of JFK and how scientists were able to clone him. I did some checking and found that the book is called Joshua: Son of None by Nancy Freedman. It's out of print, but I would love to read it. Anybody read it?
posted by Leigh Ellwood at11:06 AM
I got one of those LifeSavers Christmas storybook packs on sale at the drugstore last night. Eight rolls - two Five Flavors, two Tropical Fruits, one Butter Rum, two Wild Cherry packs, and one Wild Berries roll. Had a devil of a time opening a roll last night; I noticed that little green ripcord is no longer there to help you cut through the foil and wax paper to get to the candy. When did they remove it? Surely nobody suspected that harmless piece of floss was a choking hazard. You're more likely to choke on the candy.
Another thing: with the Five Flavors roll are they always stacked lemon, cherry, orange, lime and pineapple? I swear every single Five Flavors roll I open is ordered that way. No candy stacking machine can be that accurate.
Oh, I have resolutions for the new year, all right.
I resolve to be able to put on clothes that don't make me feel like a Volkswagen bus squeezing into a sausage casing; and no, I'm not going to cheat and just buy bigger clothes. All the weight I lost two years ago came back post 9/11 during a bout of we're-all-going-to-die-anyway-so-why-not-eat-the-Reece's-deluxe-cheesecake pity. Now I realize I'm still going to die, but I don't want to be buried in the box that once housed the Volkswagen bus. Not when I could be buried in this instead.
I would also like to better organize my time as far as writing and reading goes. I'm getting more freelance work now than I ever have before, and I don't want my fiction to suffer. One thing I started doing is writing the outlines of a few book ideas I have, so that way I can come back to a story and already have it planned by chapter. I'd like also to apply the NaNo system to other months in 2003; maybe I could write a novel a month!
The St. Blog's Parish webring just added its 94th parishioner, er, member today. Wouldn't it be nice to hit 100 before year's end? Maybe I should give out a prize for incentive.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at2:40 PM
Couple publishes 96-page blank book about men. I've seen this done before. Once I went to a Borders (or something), and found a title called The Wit and Wisdom of OJ Simpson or Howard Stern or something like that and it was just blank pages. Can you imagine querying a publisher with this idea? Yeesh.
Teacher wants to ban the Guinness Book of World Records because it features a picture of a woman wearing the world's most expensive bikini. Never mind all those National Geographic magazines with nekkid people in them. I can think of at least three world's records that would be less appropriate for that book.
Of the Modern Library books, I've read twenty, but I'm only going to count thirteen because I have earmarked seven for a re-read (it's been a long time and I really don't remember the stories very well). Of the Pulitzers, I have read ten (some overlapped with the other list, natch). Of the fifty states, I have visited forty-one, including Alaska.
Tinkering with the color scheme, please excuse the mess. I figure since Advent's over it's time to move forward, so I'm sticking with plain vanilla for now. A new layout is coming in January.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at11:17 AM
One thing about the time I have off from work is that I can catch up on my reading. I was rather lax with my book review queue these last few months, but slowly I am whittling it away to a point where I will be able to read a book simply because I want to read it. Not to say, of course, that I didn't want to read the books in my queue, but there is a difference between reading to review and reading because the title/cover looked interesting, or reading because your sister sends a book from clear across the ocean with a note reading Read this now! Okay, I'll take my foot out of my mouth in the event certain authors who have sent me books are reading.
In the Christmas gift category, Malc gave me Snoopy's Guide to the Writing Life, a perfect gift to give the writer in your life. A perfect gift to give anybody, actually. I keep a weathered Peanuts strip featuring Snoopy hard at work on his typewriter by my desk as I work; he's always been one of my muses. Guide is a wonderful collection of related strips and brief essays by noted authors about their triumphs and pitfalls. Like Snoopy, they keep plugging away, and like Snoopy they keep their heads down to focus, lest the Lucys of the world bring them down.
In the mystery/thriller category, I finished Brian Rouff's Dice Angel (Hardway Press), The Fractal Murders by Mark Cohen (Muddy Gap Press), and the forthcoming Collateral Damage by Austin S. Camacho (Infinity Publishing). Good works all around; Fractal (reviewed at Blether) is an especially engrossing procedural about three murders linked by the victims' occupations (experts in fractal geometry), and Dice Angel is just a plain hoot - imagine a hybrid of Dave Barry and Carl Hiassen toned down and relocated to Vegas. Collateral offers a good story with an engaging Equalizer-type protagonist, though the numerous technical errors put me off a bit (gotta watch those commas, people). Still, all were good stories and ones I would recommend to mystery readers.
In the Christian category, I recently finished Sonnets from Matthew by David Craig (Franciscan University Press), a chapbook of poems inspired by various passages of the aforementioned Gospel. Very ambitious and vivid work. Next up is an audio book about the Gospel and How Firm a Foundation by Marcus Grodi.
Oh, yeah? Why does the morning news look like a made-for-TV movie starring Doogie Howser and Valerie Bertinelli? Is this stuff for real? I'm not exactly a fashion plate, but what's with that woman's hair?
The Two Towers has been sold out in advance here for days at all the area theaters. I figured I would wait anyway until the crowds died down, so on Saturday we went to see Auto Focus, the Bob Crane story. Good movie, though somewhat graphic at times, and Willem Dafoe is sublime as usual. Greg Kinnear does a good job as well, and his look during his final years is especially dead-on. Don't bring the kiddies to this one, though, and don't come in with the frame of mind that it's going to be all Hogan's Hero-esque hijinks. It's a very dark story, a contemporary morality tale of how a man's failings led ultimately to his demise.
I was quite familiar with the story of Bob Crane's murder already. Being a mystery lover, Crane's story fascinates me in particular because it has never been officially solved. While his partner in sexcapades John Carpenter (Dafoe) had been tried, he was eventually acquitted due to lack of evidence; the case had been botched pretty much from the beginning, I had read, and since Carpenter is also dead we'll never really know the true story. I went into the film believing Carpenter was guilty, but now I am not so sure. I realize biopics do not always portray the actual events with 100% accuracy, but having seen Auto Focus makes me wonder if Carpenter really had reason to kill Crane. The guy was an out-of-work electronics salesman who got his jollies taping his activities and riding celebrity coattails. By the end of the movie Crane is wanting to end his seedy lifestyle and make a serious career comebacK - to that he ended his friendship with Carpenter. Had I been Carpenter, I would have sulked for a while, then searched for another celebrity onto whom I could latch, or leech. Being connected to the murder of any man, famous or otherwise, would have prevented that. Talking about it later, we theorized it's probable Crane was offed by a jealous boyfriend/husband who tracked him down.
Probably the most poignant scene in the film for me was when Crane was having breakfast in a diner with his parish priest. He is telling the priest about how he likes to play the drums to unwind after a day of shooting Hogan's Heroes (this is before he starts with the sex tapings), and how he is doing this in area strip clubs. Naturally the priest discourages the behavior and suggests that since he too is a musician, Crane should join him and some other parishioners to play music instead of going to the clubs. You can see Crane working it in his head that the priest is probably right. You can also tell that Crane is also trying to justify his behavior, that if he just plays the drums and does nothing else (no looking, no touching, etc.) he is really doing nothing sinful, just as he earlier tried to justify to his wife that the racy magazines he hid in the garage were there to fortify his interest in photography. It was almost as if Crane was seeking permission to play at the strip clubs, as if he was not fully aware that what seemed like an innocent act would eventually spiral downward into greater sins. In a way, too, it seemed like Crane was fishing for a stronger response from his priest but was not satisfied with the answer. For me that scene really spoke of Crane's vulnerability, and it's difficult not to feel sorry for him. At the start of the film he says he wants to be the next Jack Lemmon, and he probably could have achieved that if not for the paths he chose. We'll never know.
So it is in real life, I suppose. Some things we do may not seem sinful now, and we think nothing of the repercussions it will have on our futures. It's okay to do A so long as you don't do B and C along with it, we reason, yet we don't realize when we open the door to something that seems harmless it doesn't mean harm won't come. Such was the case with Bob Crane - he did A and avoided B and C, but eventually dove headfirst into D, E, and F.
One thing I do have to wonder, though, is if Crane lived right now during his Heroes prime, would his behavior have stained his career like it did in the 60s and 70s. The scenes where Crane is working on a Disney film are amusing because the execs are concerned about Crane's lifestyle; now Disney owns ABC, which allows nudity and racy content on NYPD Blue and has given television shows to the anti-Catholic David E. Kelley and people with criminal records. Several years ago Hugh Grant got caught with a prostitute; now he's up for a Golden Globe award and still maintaining his A-list status. Funny how things change. Whatever your opinion of Crane - he was either a sinner or a man ahead of his time - he certainly did not deserve his brutal fate.
Some other notes: the actor who played Werner Klemperer was very good (voice was a bit too high for Klink, though), and the only other Heroes actor who figured much in the movie (aside from Crane's second wife) was Richard Dawson, who indirectly brought Crane and Carpenter together. I'd be curious to know how Dawson feels about this movie; he's not exactly portrayed in a good light. I also wonder if sometimes he wonders if that could have been him found dead in some motel room instead of going on to a successful career as a game show host.
Hmm, maybe we could get OSV Press to publish this one: the St. Blog's Parish Cookbook. Perfect for those annual church bazaars and holiday meals.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at12:51 PM
Holy accolades, Batman! Little Flowers and A Summer Knight's Tale are both finalists in the 2003 EPPIES contest for Best Inspirational Novel! FrancisIsidore's first year and we have TWO titles in the finals! WooHoo!
Not only that, but Tim Drake's Saints of the Jubilee made the finals in the Non-Fiction: Philsophy category!
I don't think 80% of the films nominated for Golden Globes have come my way yet. I didn't even know Chicago was released. I, of course am just puzzled that the Foreign Press has yet to introduce the Best Performance by a CGI Character. Gollum would have had it in the bag. Dobby and Jar-Jar have nothing on him.
An interview with me. Me!
posted by Leigh Ellwood at11:21 AM
One more for the drinking game: one shot for every time Nârwen blogs about St. Philip Neri, Venerable Newman, and/or J.R.R. Tolkien. Bonus shot if she actually quotes any of them. Go get some nog.
How the Grinch Stole the Really Smurfy Winter Solstice Holiday Spectacular
Or something like that. I've just been thinking about Christmas cartoon specials lately, and I have concluded that they just don't make them like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Grinch anymore. I don't follow many of these new cartoons, but I did watch the Spongebob special the other night, after which Malc turned to me and said, "Where can I get some of the stuff the writers were smoking?" Seriously. This show was part live-action, hosted by a guy in a pirate suit who played his role with all the subtlety of Keith Moon with a belly full of Starbuck's. Sandy and Mr. Krabs were underused as well.
I've been reading on some blogs of late about how such specials don't even mention the word 'Christmas' anymore, about how some of these cartoons depict a generic festival similar to the season - gifts are exchanged and it snows. Victor Lams mentions in his blog the P,B, and J Otter show where all the cute, furry animals celebrate the Hoo-Ha-Hoo (Hoo-Ha-Wha? Clearly they're not related to the otters of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas). I don't watch that show, but I'm sure the festival wasn't as bad as the notorious Life Day as celebrated on the Wookie planet Kashyyyk in the Star Wars Holiday Special. I'll bet Harrison Ford still has nightmares about this.
Come to think of it, I don't recall any other specials aside from Charlie Brown and one based upon the comic strip BC that remotely alluded to the birth of Christ. Did Rankin-Bass ever do a Nativity story?
Does this remind you of that Buddy Jesus statue from Dogma? I don't know about this. If I hear later that the manufacturers are adding Kung-Fu grip, well, forget it.
A nice review of Pete Vere's Schism will be posted on eBooks 'N' Bytes. It reads in part:
Schism is a heady mix of Catholic fiction, mystery, suspense and horror. A strange cocktail indeed! But the writer does not falter when he brews one magic potion after the other, as he immerses his readers in an edgy atmosphere. The winter and summer, the fields and the forest are rich in ideas, the trademark of someone with immense potential. The rebellious nature of the author is palpable and adds an extra charm to his narration.
1. So, what do you want for Christmas this year that you probably won't get? There really isn't much I want for Christmas this year. I don't know, I'm sort of becoming disenchanted with the idea of getting presents. It's probably because the house is already crammed full of stuff we never use anyway, so why add to it? However, I would like eventually to get the upgraded Photoshop, but it's too expensive for us right now.
2. What do you know you will be receiving for Christmas this year? I know I'm getting the Paul McCartney live album, because I was there when Malc bought it. I even wrapped it and told Malc I'd pretend to look surprised in front of his parents when we open gifts.
3. If you had the means to do so, what presents would you get some of your fellow bloggers? Be specific, it's more fun that way! I think I'd get everybody at St. Blog's (and non-St. Blogger's on my Blogroll) one of those gift cards for a restaurant, like Olive Garden or something so they can have a nice dinner out (or $100 worth of margaritas) and the deluxe LoTR DVD set. Dinner and a movie!
4. Do you support any organizations that provide for the less fortunate during the holidays? Or do any volunteer work? We give to the local Union Mission and Toys for Tots, and whenever my church holds a gift drive I try to donate something.
5. Each year about this time, I notice church attendance seems to spike, then drops off sharply after Christmas. It tickles me that these folks think they are pulling a fast one on the Big Guy. What is the most recent thing guilt has motivated you to do? I can't possibly answer this with one example. I'm feeling guilty for answering this at work.
6. According to the commercials, the only way to truly tell someone you love them on Christmas is to let them "Unwrap a Jaguar" automobile. Are there any examples of excessive commercialism and/or blatant disregard for the "Christmas Spirit" that really get under your skin? This might not count, but there have been instances around here where people have had their lights and decorations vandalized or stolen. That's just poor.
7. I remember a song where the singers wished they could teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony. What would you like to teach the world? Esperanto.
BONUS: Do they know it's Christmas time at all? If, by they, you mean the voices in my head, then yes.
Finally finished The Fractal Murders (good book); now I just have to review it
Got another editing assignment
I don't know if this is a positive or not, but I'm moderator for the day at blogs4God.com, too. I'll try not to wield my power over everybody too much.
Bright enough for you? This color is for the third week of Advent, then it's back to violet for the final week. Still working on a Christmas color scheme.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at5:00 PM
Some thoughts on Star Trek: Nemesis, which we saw yesterday afternoon: good movie. Not a great one, but good enough to pay matinee price. In the realm of TNG movies I would rank it behind First Contact and before Generations and Insurrection. I won't give too much of the story away, but I will point out a few things:
Wil Wheaton wasn't cut entirely. You can see him in the wedding scenes sitting behind Beverly as Picard gives his toast. Don't blink, though. When his name came up in the credits Malc wondered where he was until I had explained it. Malc didn't even recognize him.
How in the hell did Janeway make Admiral before Picard?
The villain looks a bit too much like Richard O'Brien from twenty years ago and sounds a bit too much like Harvey Fierstein.
A St. Blog's ring member has suggested, now that the ring has almost ninety members, that I should implement a tool like the one at blo.gs. People could then go to the St. Blog's Parish webring page and see which of the member blogs are updated. This involves things like pinging and RSS and other foreign words my little brain can't digest. Can anybody help?
posted by Leigh Ellwood at12:25 PM
2002/12/13
Scroll to the bottom of the Booknotes section of the St. Augustine Catholic for a short blurb on Saints of the Jubilee, featuring a quote from YKW.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at2:29 PM
Space Food Sticks are on sale! Remember these? Remember the 70s? They used to sell these in the lunchroom at Sacred Heart Elementary along with Carvel Flying Saucer ice cream sandwiches and Little Debbie snacks. No, these aren't the original sticks from thirty years ago, either; production never ceased.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at9:58 AM
I forget which St. Blogger had the link to this originally, but today I found BuyNothingChristmas.org, set up by a Mennonite calling for a non-materialistic holiday. I wish I had found the link before I bought all those copies of Livin' La Vida Vigoda for the family. Not to mention this for Mom's sitting room. (Thanks St. Cecilia for the link.)
posted by Leigh Ellwood at8:57 AM
2002/12/12
I haven't read this one. In fact, I don't recall reading any of the Narnia books. I did see that cartoon movie of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe when I was little, though.
The sixth book written, you're nevertheless the first chronologically. You not only describe the creation of Narnia and tell where the White Witch, the lampost and the wardrobe came from, you get to bounce between worlds with the help of Uncle Andrew's weird magic rings.
Two observations made at last night's company Christmas party, while I was still sober:
1) Everybody truly does have a body double. Being that I have only been with the company a few months, I don't quite know everybody who works there. To further complicate matters, outside vendors and regular customers are invited to the Christmas party every year, so that throws in even more people I do not know and probably will not see for a long time, probably not until next year's party. Having said that, we had a good time nonetheless, yet I admit I could not help staring for much of the party at this one gentleman who could have been the guy I used to date in high school. It was never anything serious, just a few dates, but he was a nice guy. I don't think his clone at the party noticed me staring, and I hope Malc didn't, either. :-) Mind you, I had no prurient interest in the man, though seeing him did awake some memories - I wasn't always very nice to my high school semi-sweetheart, and I have to admit I did spend some of the night feeling bad about that. That's not what precipitated the drinking, however.
2) To what will we dance in the future? The band played a mix of good dance songs, from Jimmy Buffett to swing. During "In the Mood" we watched one couple (I won't dare call them old; they certainly didn't act it. Let's go with "silver-haired") cut up the floor. Malc leaned into me and said, "I hope I can move like that when I'm his age." That got me to thinking: assuming Malc and I make it another 30 or 40 years, what nostalgic songs are going to be played at the senior dances? Can you actually picture a group of sexagenarians bumping to Limp Bizkit thirty years from now?
Addendum to the previous movie post: another fan agrees with me with regards to Trek villains: Khan. Is. The. Best. Trek. Villain. Ever.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at4:26 PM
"We huddle behind the curtain right before we’re going to play and pray before the show," [drummer] Laboriel reveals, "which is something Paul said he’s never done before."
Sad news in the writing world: poet Stan Rice has died of cancer. You might be more familiar with his wife, Anne. They were married for more than four decades.
Anne's phone message to her fans talks about his death; she mentions that Stan was the inspiration for Lestat, something I did not know. I wasn't too familiar with his poetry, only what was found in the chapter breaks of some of Anne's novels. Rest in peace, guy.
There's an interesting forum in the comments section of Jordon Cooper's blog, regarding why people are "de-linking" him from their blogs because Jordon links to Andrew Sullivan's blog. Sullivan puts on an interesting and succinct political weblog, yet some of Jordon's readers are not happy for the link because Sullivan is homosexual, to say nothing of Jordon's suggestion that people donate to Sullivan's blog fund. This is despite Jordon's insistence that the link on his blog is there only for political interest.
Reading the post makes me wonder just how far one can take this practice. Example: a person (we'll call him Link Blogger) "de-links" Jordon's blog from the Link Blog because of the Sullivan link. Later, while browsing some favorite blogs, Link Blogger finds many of them (which are linked from Link Blog) link back to Jordon, who links to Sullivan. Would Link Blogger "de-link" due to third-party links?
I realize it is not possible to not offend everybody at the same time, but I personally think the linking business is a bit silly. If you think you would be offended by Andrew Sullivan because of his beliefs, sexual preference, whatever, don't click on the link. If HR Pufnstuf offends you, don't click this link.
We've been hearing so much in the news about what Jesus would drive; reading Jordon's blog seems like a setup for a grand "Whom Would Jesus Link" discussion.
Okay, forget the lead chicken. I've been inspired by the $26 purse made from an Altoids tin that I saw at this gift shop in my neighborhood. Its creator had painted the inside and glued pictures on the outside, then poked holes in one end to attach a small strap. So that's what: a couple bucks for the mints and glue; go to the coffee shop and rip off a magazine for decorations, then attach a shoe string from a pair of Docksiders. Twenty-six bucks.
The pictures here didn't come out well because I used the cheap-ass camera mentioned in today's Monday Mission. I had an empty Snoopy Mints tin, wherein I pasted some pictures and other things:
Next, I hammered two small holes on the side and used some leftover rosary cord and beads to create the handle, then I attached an extra Miraculous Medal. In fifteen minutes I had a kitschy new rosary case. I'm still looking for something to cover the outside.
Now I need to figure out something to do with those flat tins I keep getting from AOL.
Wow. Remember when art used to be about looking at pretty pictures? Now it's about making lead casts of fried chicken. This stuff makes money, too! I think I'm in the wrong business; I am seriously considering art as a new hobby. I'm going to need about twelve boxes of Captain Crunch cereal and a pack of multi-colored Sharpie pens.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at3:28 PM
1. Do you get sick very often? What illness do you find that you've had most frequently? I don't get sick often, though it appears that I tend to come down with a bad cold around Christmas. For the past two years after Christmas Day I wound up on the sofa unable to move.
2. I know a man who flat out refuses to go to the doctor's office. You'd need an ambulance to get him near a hospital. Not me, I'd rather go as soon as I feel sick so I can get better. Do you mind going to see the doctor when you get sick? Do you know anyone who just refuses to go to a doctor when they get ill? Any idea why they are like that? We have a relative who, in the first seventy years of her life, had been to see the doctor twice - both times accidents were involved. She never went for checkups or GYN appointments or anything else. She just never liked doctors. I, on the other hand, will only go if I think it's something serious. Thankfully, it is not very often I have to do that.
3. How about visiting the dentist? Do you go get a check-up every six months? Or do you dread going? I dread going, but I go every six months anyway.
4. I've heard about a diet pill called "Thermolift" that allegedly gives you quite an energy rush. Although I've thought about getting some of these pill for the times I need a boost, I'm probably not going to take the plunge. Have you ever taken any diet pills, energy pills or energy drinks? How did they make you feel? Do you still take them? How come? At the recommendation of a friend, I took something called Metabolift for a little while. The first day I took the pills and my heart beat wildly the entire day. I felt so jittery, as if I had downed a pot of espresso; I thought I was going to have a heart attack. No, I know I need to lose weight, but I'm going to do it the old-fashioned way: exercise and eating better. I do, however, like the Clif bars and Zone bars. We take those on biking trips.
5. Have you heard about "gastric bypass" surgery that many celebrities are doing to lose weight? What are your thoughts on this procedure? Would you ever consider it? How would you feel if a relative were to decide to undergo the procedure? I actually know somebody who had this done, and I admit she looks great. She runs a support group for women who have or are considering weight loss surgery. Personally, I am not in the position to have this kind of operation because I am not that overweight, but I do not think that people who opt for it are "taking the easy way out," as some people may think. I have known overweight people who can't help their situation - they don't go out and eat at McDonald's and Ben and Jerry's five times a week - and if they feel surgery can help, I just hope it's safe.
6. What do you think the opposite sex needs to experience to fully understand what it is like to be your gender? If a man can walk a mile in my control-top pantyhose, he's completed half the journey.
7. And to lighten things up a bit before we go...what's the most worthless gadget, infomercial item or "looked like a bargain" item you have ever purchased or owned? That cheap-ass Iconcepts digital camera. Good thing I got half my money back in the rebate.
To whom in the Jacksonville Jaguars organization do I send my resume for the head coach position? I have a feeling there's going to be vacancy.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at10:16 PM
2002/12/07
I don't get EWTN, but if you do you might want to catch the 12/13 edition of "The World Over." They are supposed to talk about the Catholic Writers Festival in Steubenville, where I spoke on e-publishing. Doubt I'll be mentioned, but if it happens I hope they get my name right.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at8:44 PM
2002/12/06
Some quickie book notes before I slip back into the cold:
The announcement of the EPPIE nominations has been delayed. Seems some entries for the first round were not read and marked, so the judging committee is scrambling to find people to read them. I'd volunteer, but I'm ten books deep into my review queue, and I'm saving myself for the final round. Hope one of my books made the cut.
Finished Colleen Drippe's Godcountry, an interesting science-fiction story about a for-hire mercenary who takes on a dangerous mission in the colony where he was once enslaved. A longer review will be up at the Christian review blog soon. Right now, I'm trying to finish The Fractal Murders (mystery) and Seeds of the Dogwood Tree (Christian).
There's some pretty serious stuff happening at home. Won't go into details now, but it's enough to keep me from blogging for a day.
Please remember my father and a family friend, Gentle Raines, Jr., in your prayers tonight. Gentle, or "Sporty" as we have called him for years, has a liver ailment which is getting worse. My dad...well, I won't get into it now.
St. John of God, St. Monica, St. Urban of Langres, St. Martin of Tours, pray for us.
Since it has been nearly ten years since I last took the GRE, I'm going to have to take the test again. I have put off graduate school long enough, and in my current situation it is getting more and more apparent that I am going to need an advanced degree to do better than I am now. It's been nearly ten years since I took such a test, and I am nowhere near prepared for the next test. I'm considering getting one of those pre books Barron and Kaplan publishes. Can anybody recommend anything?
posted by Leigh Ellwood at9:10 AM
I loved FOTR and I think TTT was even better, in the sense that it had all of the qualities of the first film, plus the extraordinary, never (sic) seen before Helm's Deep sequence that made ATTACK OF THE CLONES look like it was shot in a barn with hand puppets.
A few more rambles before I break for the morning: I think we figured out how TNN is able to show movies uncut. While watching Goldfinger last night Malc noticed how the music sounded tinny at times. If you looked closely enough, Bond seemed to be moving faster than normal in some scenes, as if the film was sped up for time purposes. Not good. Goldfinger is probably the only Connery/Bond flick I have seen entirely - the film has one of the better theme songs. I don't think the filmmakers would appreciate some cable channel monkeying around with the film.
Speaking of Bond themes, I haven't heard the new one but I do keep reading on the Internet and in the papers that Elton John hates it. Being the success he is, I'm sure his opinion holds weight in some circles, but I'll give Madonna the benefit of the doubt before I decide to hate the song, too. For the time being, however, my Top Five Bond Themes remain (in no particular order):
Thanks to Zorak and Mike for the suggestions. I'll monkey with the font color 'til we get something readable. :-)
Meanwhile, Catholic women looking for yet another webring to join should check out St. Therese's Guild, a 'spinoff' ring for female St. Bloggers. Not sure what would happen if a man applied (don't ask, don't tell, especially with all these androgynous Internet user names), but I suppose the menfolk could start a St. Anthony's Guild or something.
Advent layout. I'm keeping it simple. Christ's entry into the world was simple, so why not keep the theme? Just hope the purple doesn't irritate too many eyes. Wait 'til we get to the pink!
posted by Leigh Ellwood at8:39 PM
Book recommendation: Net Crimes and Misdemeanors by JA Hitchcock. You may have seen Jayne on Good Morning America or Montel, or maybe you have heard her on NPR. Jayne's story of Internet harassment and abuse was national news a few years back, and Jayne has since become a wonderful advocate for Internet safety. Net Crimes is an invaluable resource for anybody concerned about online safety and privacy, which should be just about everybody who uses the Net.
It is rather ironic, though, that I would make such a recommendation on a blog. Many people I know involved in online abuse cases and such aren't big fans of weblogs, since some weblog owners tend to reveal too much personal information at times. I'm guilty of it myself, though I try to rationalize my behavior by telling myself that I'm trying to sell books. I can't sell books if I'm hiding in a hole. Reading Net Crimes, however, has helped me to see how I can stay safe online. You stay safe, too.
You get them in the e-mail, too. Usually I have a chuckle and delete, but I thought this one was funny. Author unknown:
In the beginning, God created Man and saw that it was good.
And then God created Woman and saw that it was good.
And God said, "I must keep my creations healthy."
And God populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.
And Satan created McDonald's. And McDonald's brought forth the 99-cent double-cheeseburger. And Satan said to Man, "You want fries with that?" And Man said, "Super size them." And Man gained pounds.
And God created the healthful yogurt, that Woman might keep her figure that man found so fair.
And Satan froze the yogurt, and he brought forth chocolate, nuts and brightly colored sprinkle candy to put on the yogurt. And woman gained pounds.
And God said, "Try a fresh salad."
And Satan brought forth creamy dressings, bacon bits, and shredded cheese. And there was ice cream for dessert. And woman gained pounds.
And God said, "I have sent you healthy vegetables and olive oil with which to cook them."
And Satan brought forth chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained pounds, and his bad cholesterol went through the roof.
And God brought forth running shoes, and Man resolved to lose those extra pounds.
And Satan brought forth cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil to change channels between ESPN and EPSN2. And Man gained pounds.
And God said, "You're running up the score, Devil."
And God brought forth the potato, a vegetable naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition.
And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep fat fried them. And he created sour cream dip also.
And Man clutched his remote control and ate the potato chips swaddled in cholesterol. And Satan saw and said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest.
And God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.
1. Suppose God (or your deity of choice) grants you one miracle. Consider the world in which we live. Consider your life and family. What would you request for this miracle? Are you sure that is the best way to use it? You only get one. The brain says "world peace," but the mouth says, "give me money." Actually, given one chance for a miracle I would probably ask for a baby. I have everything else.
2. I believe that prayers do get answered, but I realize not everyone agrees. Have you ever had an experience where you truly believe your prayer was answered? If you don't believe in such things, how come? What is your philosophy on prayer? I do believe prayers are answered, regardless of outcome. Say you pray for one thing to happen and it doesn't; I don't think it means God isn't listening, but that there is a reason why the prayer isn't going to be fulfilled. Eventually God will reveal the whys and why nots. Once a relative was diagnosed with cancer, and I prayed for her recovery. It's been three years now and she is fine. Some people will say that she is alive because of good medical care, but I like to believe God had a hand in it as well.
3. Have you ever lost a pet? That is, have you ever had a pet get loose, run away or be stolen? Did you get it back? How did the loss impact your life? I have never owned a pet.
4. Getting together with family at the holidays is great, I just love it. Most of all I love the food. What is your favorite holiday food? Stuffing. I could eat it every day. I could eat it for dessert if it was socially acceptable.
5. One thing I've noticed about the holidays is that no one makes pumpkin pie like my grandmother. She has totally spoiled me on her recipe, I just don't like the taste of anyone else's pumpkin pie. Are there are dishes or desserts that someone in your family fixes better than anyone else? My mother-in-law makes this seven-layer dessert bar thing that I have never been able to duplicate. Of course, I don't ask for the recipe because I don't want to know what's in it. Seems every time we ask we don't like the answer.
6. Since I have no brothers or sisters, I am always wondering what it would have been like. Now that I am older, it kinda stinks that I will never be an uncle. Do you have any siblings with children? How does it make you feel to be an aunt or an uncle? If not, would you like to be have nieces and nephews? Would you make a good relative to them? I have one nephew, brand new. I'm still getting used to the idea, and since I have not seen him in person I really don't know what kind of aunt I will be. I imagine my sister will be the nice aunt and I will be the weird aunt who gives questionable presents and tons of candy. I never had an aunt like that, so maybe I'm compensating for something.
7. I am putting together a CD of great holiday music. Do you have any suggestions of what songs (title/artist) I should include? I love the Band Aid "Do They Know it's Christmas?" song. Also: "Gabriel's Message" by Sting, "Blue Christmas" by Elvis, and the traditional Christian hymns, doesn't matter who sings them. Now, if you're into something a little more demented, there's "The Night Santa Went Crazy" by Weird Al, Bob and Doug's version of "Twelve Days of Christmas," and the singing Jingle Bell dogs.
O God, You gave St. Peregrine an angel for his companion, the Mother of God for his teacher, and Jesus for the Physician of his infirmity. Grant, we beg You, through his merits, that on earth we may love our holy angel, the Blessed Virgin, and our Savior, and in heaven bless them forever. Grant that we may receive the favor we now ask ... through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ono Ekeh reminds us that December first is National AIDS Awareness Day. Pondering this, I checked the Saints Index to see if a patron of AIDS patients was ever named. St. Aloysius is the patron of patients and caregivers, while Saints Peregrine and Therese are also named as patrons for AIDS patients. I imagine this is because Peregrine and Therese are also patrons of cancer patients, though I never thought AIDS and cancer to be the same thing.
Personally, I think it would be more fitting for Mother Teresa to be named patroness of AIDS patients, if and when she is canonized. In addition to their work with the poor, some Missionary of Charity orders also run AIDS hospices; this article talks about Mother's desire to set up such a home, a goal that was achieved after her death.
From a mailing list, for all you cartoon writer hopefuls:
Maverick City Inc. is looking for writers who are interested in Super-Heroic writing for drama and comedy. Our style of writing is most similar to the WB's Superman and Batman animated series. Full story arcs with ongoing operatic themes are our guides for high quality storytelling. Contact us at creativeteam@maverickcity.com and/or leave a voice mail at 407-748-0453.
It's too friggin' cold! We're going to try to ride today anyway. It's supposed to get up to fifty. Up to fifty. Meanwhile, my relatives down south went to the pool yesterday.
Yesterday, as part of an annual Thanksgiving tradition, the classic rock station played Alice's Restaurant in its entirety. Enjoy. For all you spam haters, here's the Alice's Anti-Spam Movement version.
With regards to my questionnaire below (scroll down for it, the archive links aren't working today) and the questions I have been receiving about why there is no number six, I humbly paraphrase the words of John Cleese:
There is no number six!
See the Bruces sketch for reference. Surprised nobody caught it earlier.
First things first: I still get search referrals on this blog for Dhani Harrison (drink up), but now I'm getting variations on the search, most prominently "Dhani baby name" and "Dhani meaning." For you curious souls, here is how I heard the name came about: There are two notes on the Indian music scale called Dhaivat (Dha) and Nishad (Ni). Put them together and what do you have? I imagine if the interest is greater than what I'm seeing on the blog, we're going to be seeing a number of baby Dhanis in the birth announcements in the near future.
Fine with me, I can think of worse names to give a kid. When Malc visits elementary schools to check up on the student teachers he swears half the kids are named Britney or Madison. I can just hear my mother: You're naming a girl Madison? Are you high? There's no Saint Madison!
Second, blogs4God.com is still taking e-mails from readers on Thanksgiving reflections. I plan to submit mine as well, and though this has been a rough year for me I believe I still have good reason to be thankful.
This year I would have to say that the two things for which I am most thankful for are my faith in God and my sense of humor (a gift from God). Without these, I don't think I could have made it through the year sane (not like I'm completely there as it is). In the course of eleven months I endured a number of personal and professional crises, and it's a small wonder that I didn't crack a long time ago. I guess it is because I am reminded of something I read on, of all places, a bumper sticker: Give your worries to God if you can't sleep, He'll be up all night anyway. It's a comforting sentiment to believe God is constantly alert and aware of your problems, and willing to shoulder the heavy yoke that binds us to the ground. Before I go to bed each night I say four words, "See me through, Lord." I always feel better for doing so. I also feel good that I am able to joke about some of the things that happened to me; I suppose Patch Adams does have a point when he talks about combatting illness with laughter.
I completed twelve out of a projected twenty chapters, and I hit the 50K mark on Chapter Thirteen. I still have to finish, but at least I met the initial goal. I'd like to get 60K by month's end, but holidays are bad for me in terms of writing. We'll see.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at11:53 AM
Did anybody ever find out the final auction bid on that index card that's supposed to offer hints on the next Harry Potter book? Somewhere in the hundred thousands, last I heard. Damn, to think I've been giving away hints on my NaNo novel for free. Maybe Nihil Obstat should consider bids to get to his/her true identity.
Anyway, you want Potter spoilers? I got 'em right here:
In Book Six (to be called Harry Potter and Ted and Carol and Alice) Harry gets LASIK surgery, which will make the film transition easier when Daniel Radcliffe departs the role and gives it to Dhani Harrison (Hey, haven't seen his name on the blog for a while, remember the drinking game? Are we still playing? 'Cause I'm still drinking!)
Also in Book Six, Draco and the Slytherin gang get caught in the boys' room mixing up a brew far more potent than Spanish Fly, for spiking the punch at the prom. Later, the Ravenclaw Quidditch team corners them and snaps them with wet towels until they turn red.
Hagrid buys a weird animal. It gets loose in the school. Hilarity ensues.
Professor Snape takes a sabbatical to make a guest appearance on The Osbournes (turns out he's Sharon's high school sweetheart) and to promote his new cologne: Slither. He is replaced in the interim by Chairman Kaga.
To celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving (US) holiday, blogs4God.com is seeking e-mails from readers to be posted over the holiday. If you're a regular reader, help us out. I'm probably going to be too doped up on tryptophan this Thursday to think of anything to post myself.
1. Have you ever made a wish that came true? A few things - a book contract, tix to Paul in DC - but they certainly were not free.
2. How about any wishes that you are happy never came true? Once I had hoped a now former boyfriend would propose. It didn't happen (sort of, long story).
3. Do you like who you are? Are you the person you hoped you would become? Depends on when you ask. I always feel I could be better and more productive than I am now. I could be making more money and I could be more assertive. Maybe I'm still a work-in-progress.
4. I recently found some job applications that I never turned in. Back in 1986 I intended to apply at "County Seat" and "Chess King" but got an offer from Penney's (where I worked all through college). It was a good thing, since only one of the three is still around. Have you ever applied for positions, or had any interviews, where you later are glad you never got the job? During my recent unemployment I applied for what I thought was going to be an inbound customer service position. Turns out the ad was creatively worded, and the job was actually cold-call telemarketing. I made it through the initial application but then told them I couldn't work nights (which was true in a sense). I was smiling as I left.
5. While on the topic of career opportunities, what was your very first "real" job? What job was the most embarrassing? My first real job was at McDonald's when I was sixteen. I started out as "hostess," which is another term for "the girl who mops hotcake syrup off the dining room floor." I was working to save up money for a Spanish class trip to Mexico, but because my work experience was nil I ended up working there through college. In a sense that ties for most embarassing job because I had to put up with a lot of crap. I was constantly sexually harassed by one of the fry cooks during my first year there, and then one time during one of Ronald's live performances the guy in the clown suit comes into the drive-through booth where I'm working, leans out the window and shouts at the Rally's across the way. "Look at you! There's nobody there! They're all over here, you suck!" I am not making this up.
The other embarassing job I had was working inbound customer service for Philip Morris. There are a lot of lonely, depraved people in this world who have nothing better to do than call the Marlboro Miles hotline and talk dirty to the girl on the other end. This one guy kept calling and wanting to (blank) my (blank) - you fill it in. Finally, after the sixth call, I said, "Sir, you can't do that. I don't have one." (you figure THAT out). I swear the guy gasped. He said, "What do you mean you don't have one?" By this time the supervisor had come to my cubicle and I explained the situation. She got on the line and the guy's just saying, "She doesn't have a (blank). How could she not have a (blank)?"
6. Speaking of news, have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet? Such as being in the newspaper, on television, linked on a high-profile site or otherwise caught in the spotlight of the media?Little Flowers was reviewed in National Catholic Register this year, and then Tim Drake's article in the same newspaper about Catholic bloggers also mentioned me, so that must count for something.
7. In the USA, many of us will celebrate Thanksgiving this week. Do you celebrate Thanksgiving (or something like it)? Do you enjoy getting together with your extended family for these types of celebrations? Yes, especially since we do not see each other as often as we could in the past.
BONUS: Where is the tenderness? Have you checked your Marvin Gaye albums?
I get these in the mail often. A friend sends you a list of questions that you answer and send back to that friend, as well as a number of other friends in order to keep the chain going. Wonder how many bloggers will try it and link back...
1. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? Now that the smokers downstairs light up first thing, I'd have to say six.
2. IF YOU COULD EAT LUNCH WITH ONE FAMOUS PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE? I'd probably say Jesus, but as for non-deities, I'll go with either Dave Barry or Dick Francis. I suspect they'd make good lunch dates.
3. GOLD OR SILVER? Gold
4. WHAT WAS THE LAST FILM YOU SAW AT THE CINEMA? Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
5. FAVORITE TV SHOW? M*A*S*H (classic), Monk (new)
7. WHAT WOULD YOU HATE TO BE LEFT IN A ROOM WITH? A mop
8. CAN YOU TOUCH YOUR NOSE WITH YOUR TONGUE? No
9. WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU? My mother
10. WHAT'S YOUR MIDDLE NAME? Ann
11. BEACH, CITY, or COUNTRY? Beach
12. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
13. FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben and Jerry's Phish Food
14. BUTTERED, PLAIN, OR SALTED POPCORN? Salted
15. FAVORITE COLOR? Purple
16. FAVORITE CAR? VW Beetle
17. FAVORITE SANDWICH FILLING? Peanut butter
18. TRUE LOVE? God, Malc, Paul
19. WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU DESPISE? lack of charity, lack of humor
20. FAVORITE FLOWER? Rose
21. IF YOU HAD A BIG WIN IN THE LOTTERY, HOW LONG WOULD YOU WAIT TO TELL PEOPLE? Long after the plane has touched down in Jamaica
22. FIZZY OR STILL WATER AS A DRINK? Still water
23. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHROOM? It's kind of an off-white with an ugly brown vinyl floor covering
24. HOW MANY KEYS ON YOUR KEY RING? Six
25. WHERE WOULD YOU RETIRE TO? Charleston, SC
26. CAN YOU JUGGLE? IF YES HOW MANY? Only three of anything
27. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? Friday
28. RED or WHITE wine? White - Riesling, Red - Merlot
29. WHAT DID YOU DO FOR YOUR LAST BIRTHDAY? We went to dinner. Couldn't do much else because I still had the stitches in my leg.
30. DO YOU CARRY A DONOR CARD? Yes
31. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Silence of the Lambs, Dr. Strangelove, A Hard Day's Night, etc.
We're heading for the home stretch...just under four thousand words left. It probably would have been a much lower count today had I done some writing Sunday, but I was just too tired (long story). Anyway, if I don't crank it all out tonight I'll definitely be finished Tuesday. The goal was to finish before Thanksgiving.
Knowbetter.com is seeking nominations from readers for the Best of 2002:
KNOWBETTER.COM CALL FOR NOMINATIONS! Thanks to everyone who sent us nominations for spooky reads for our October Reading List. We reviewed the entries, looked at who got nominated the most, read a LOT of works,and finally posted the top people at our site. Now, we need your help again with our last Recommended Reading List for the year. December is Best of 2002. We already have some definite people for this list (nope,we're not telling), but are still looking for more entries. Please note that we are really looking for nominations of works BESIDES YOUR OWN. However, we'll be glad to read and consider any entries. If you are submitting your own work for consideration and have an HTML version of your title, that is always best and please include it with your nomination. Again, we'd rather receive nominations for someone else's title.
Deadline for December's is December 15th. Please send all nominations to: Jay Hartman, Content Editor of KnowBetter.com.
Be sure to nominate your favorite writer this year!
I'm surprised nobody has constructed a "Which Bond Girl Are You?" quiz to commemorate the opening of yet another movie. If there was such a test, I'd hope to be Wai-Lin of Tomorrow Never Dies, but I'm more likely to wind up being Miss Moneypenny, which is okay since she's my favorite Bond girl anyway (typical of a female to say that, and yes, she counts). It would be nice for once to see a Bond film where Moneypenny tells James to shove off, and then in walks Hugh Grant or somebody to sweep her off her feet.
Whatever happened to your favorite Bond girl? People has a nice feature, but not all of them are mentioned.
Better get me some of this stock. If I don't make money that way, I suppose I could eat all the doughnuts until I get fat, then sue Krispy Kreme for negligence. Heh heh heh.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at10:20 AM
I can't decide whether to laugh or cry. Thank God for the Food Network otherwise I'd have pitched the set out the window a long time ago. Of course, I'm just procrastinating here by watching bad television. I'm less than 10K from my goal and the work is slower still, though I did finish Chapter Ten last night in between Miami touchdowns.
Checking out the blogs this morning, I see that Ono's television habits are similar to mine: he sticks with just a few shows, some of which have long ago jumped the shark. I'm close to jettisoning ER from my list because it's turned into a soap opera and I'm getting tired of Abby's dysfunctional family parading onscreen every three episodes. Remember when everybody acted like they were in a hospital?
I never thought I would watch another MTV show again (used to watch Daria religiously), but Malc's hooked on that 3-South show. It figures because he is a college professor and what we watch on the show isn't that far removed from real life. He could tell you stories to keep that show going another five seasons.
Seen on the chalkboard at my favorite coffee shop:
My choice early in life was to be either a piano player in a whorehouse or a politician, and to tell the truth there's hardly any difference. - Harry S. Truman
I didn't know Independence, Missouri had a whorehouse. What would have Bess thought?
Exactly how was People granted the authority to select the Sexiest Man Alive? Who had the authority to grant the authority? Do candidates for Sexiest Man Alive have to meet any particular prerequisites? Is there an essay portion of the test? Are there appeal processes involved? Hanging chads?
posted by Leigh Ellwood at9:24 PM
Some good articles on Writer's Weekly this week: "When You've Been Violated: What To Do When Someone Steals Your Ideas or Articles" and "Procrastination as a Writing Solution". Both appear to be rather timely given this is the month for NaNo. I worry about these people who choose to post their works-in-progress online; I'm sure nobody wants to be strolling past a Barnes and Noble years from now to find their NaNo project, neatly edited, in hardcover with another person's name on it. I get antsy when I post a book review online; at least once I've seen a review of mine on a website to which I did not grant reprint permission. At least I was credited.
As for procrastinating, I don't seem to be doing much of it. I just hit 40K, but I'm still coming up with excuses to do other things. It didn't help that the Game Show network had a Let's Make a Deal marathon on last night.
I'm looking at the thing now and contemplating changing the POV from third to first in the second draft. Problem is, there are a few chapters where the POV shifts to other characters. This would mean having chapters with Lola (main character) in first-person narrative and chapters of other characters third-person limited. I've seen this done once before, in Jimmy Buffett's Where is Joe Merchant? Since Great Pretenders is supposed to fall into the genre in which he writes (the wacked-out Southern comic thriller), I hope I won't have a problem pulling it off.
Mary Higgins Clark publishes her memoirs. I've read a number of her works, nowhere close to the seventy-plus she has published. I'm still working my way through Dick Francis's catalog:
Clark lived a life filled with poverty, hard work and faith. She raised five children on her own after her first husband died. And although her Irish-Catholic background might bring to mind Frank McCourt's wonderful if lugubrious memoirs, Clark's is utterly different.
Animal hits it off with tough guy James Coburn, who decides that Animal isn’t centered enough; he introduces [Animal] to meditation and Zen. Animal does not take well to Zen.
If you have published a romance novel, you have about a week left to enter the 2002 National Readers' Choice Awards, sponsored by the Oklahoma chapter of RWA.
Speaking of novels, I am close to cracking 35K on mine. Just started the ninth of a projected twenty chapters, and it's getting more difficult to find the words to write. Normally at this point it's easier to write later chapters. Could be I'm just not in the frame of mind for this particular story.
News from the Virginia Festival of the Book, held annually in Charlottesville around town and at the University of Virginia:
Novelists Stuart Kaminsky (Not Quite Kosher), Rita Mae Brown (Hotspur, The Tail of the Tip-Off), S. J. Rozan (Winter and Night), Peter Robinson (Aftermath) and a host of other mystery and suspense writers will join in the second annual Crime Wave on Saturday, March 22 at the Charlottesville Omni Hotel. Crime Wave is a daylong event featuring talks and book signings on the themes and craft of mystery and thriller writing.
I missed this last year, but I did go to another VA Book event for self-publishing and e-publishing. I learned a bit there, but I think this mystery seminar would be right up my alley this time. Charlottesville is a great place to visit; the downtown area reminds me a lot of Athens, Georgia, and it's not far from the mouth of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Great hiking.
Sad news on the publishing front, Avid Press is forced to cease operations. Avid published e-books and trade paperbacks, including the wonderful Twice Dead by Elizabeth Dearl (I understand Dearl has found another publisher to reissue her books, not sure about Avid's other authors). While I have not had the misfortune of being involved with a publisher that went out of business (yet), I can sympathize with the authors since I have had my share of setbacks. Here's hoping these worthy authors will find new homes for their works.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at9:39 AM
This is going to be a challenge. It's difficult to think positive when you've been driven from your bedroom at six in the morning by cigarette smoke coming from another apartment. There's a crack in the bathroom through which the smoke is coming; it smells like a bar in there.
Otherwise, I did get an interview as a book editor for a publisher (strictly freelance, but there's money involved), and I cracked 30K on the book. If we can get the super over with a caulking gun that would be a positive.
It's the middle of November, which can only mean that it's time for what may possibly become the annual "Harry Potter is harmless/Harry Potter is the spawn of Satan" debate. New movie's out, and folks say it's better than the first one. I'll probably go after the opening week furor has died, but my main interest will be seeing Mr. Kenneth Branagh onscreen again. It's been too long for me.
I posted a small Harry Potter cache on blogs4God.com, outlining various supporters and anti-Potter links. Christians are going to be divided on this for years, and since I don't have children I don't have to worry about them being influenced by forces of evil, if indeed Potter achieves that in the stories. When the time comes, I don't think I'd object to my children reading these books, so long as they are at the appropriate age level for reading them. As a parent I would definitely take the time to guide their reading.
Parents adamant about their children not reading Harry Potter might want to consider some alternatives. CWA member Cathy Beil recently published a young adult novel, The Samurai and the Tea, which is getting some good reviews, and Ecce Homo Press has a good selection for young readers.
See inside the womb: scroll down the right-hand side of the BBC site for the pop-up window slideshow featuring pictures from the book From Conception to Birth. Really amazing to think we all started like this.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at2:21 PM
Talk faster, look smarter, the new credo of television producers. By this logic, Abbott and Costello must have been geniuses.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at10:49 AM
I expect to hit 30K today, but right now I'm also in the middle of editing a romance novel called Caribbean Charade to be published by Echelon Press sometime next year, plus I just received a "test" chapter to edit for another publisher, plus another AOL assignment.
My second worst night of writing last night while winding down Chapter Six (I decided to consolidate six and seven since it made sense to do so; I might change my mind later). Usually when I start a book I write the proposed first sentence of each chapter in advance. This way, when I get to a certain chapter the thought is already there and I am motivated to write. I didn't do that here because I wanted all the words written in order. I'm beginning to wish I had used my old trick. Chapter Seven takes place a few days later into the story (Chapters One through Six happen over the course of one day), so now I must motivate myself to move forward in the story.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at9:32 AM
2002/11/13
I've seen the Barry Trotter parody in bookstores, but Father Shawn sends this story about a Russian Harry Potter parody which the folks at Harry Potter, Inc. are saying is more like plagiarism. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, that other lady who claims JK Rowling stole the Muggles from her is still intent on seeing through her trademark infringement suit.
I checked out that site earlier for information on the book Rah and the Legend of Muggles, which was written in the mid-80s. Don't you think those Muggles resemble the members of the Star Wars Cantina Band, est. 1977? I hope that lady doesn't get any letters from George Lucas.
You would think hitting the halfway mark would allow for smooth sailing the rest of the way to 50,000. That doesn't seem to be the case today as I wind down Chapter Six and decide whether or not the proposed Chapter Seven should just be consolidated into it. Either way, I'm so glad I have the rest of my life to work on this, it's that bad.
Meanwhile, I'm biding the time away at work, engaged in a discussion about Weeble Wobbles. I had the whole set when I was little. Wonder why Hasbro stopped making them. I'll wager some hysterical mother feared they would become a choking hazard, perhaps they were. The memories are so vague.
We can't agree on this one: there's a new Buick commercial called "The Return of Harley Earle." It features this actor in a hat lurking around Tiger Woods's massive garage. I could swear that the actor is Warren Beatty, though it was pretty late when I saw this commercial and I was half-asleep. Malc thinks it's the guy who played Larry Zito on Miami Vice. Anybody know for sure? He's probably right, why would Warren Beatty be hawking Buicks?
posted by Leigh Ellwood at8:35 AM
John Cleese to pen Superman comic. No doubt the Man in Blue will be battling the Knights of Ni. Jerry Seinfeld must be fuming with envy.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at10:46 AM
Keith Corso has a dilemma: a relative wants to buy his child a Gameboy for Christmas. Keith disapproves and said as much, yet the relative insists. Though I don't have children, I can sympathize with Keith; he does not want his child to become addicted to something he never needed in the first place, much like me with the Internet. I have a younger cousin with a Gameboy, and every major holiday when the family is gathered together he sits on the couch with his eyes glued to this miniature screen. He doesn't interact with anybody else, it doesn't seem healthy.
Speaking as a first-time aunt, I am concerned for what kind of presents my nephew is going to get this year. Granted, he's only seven weeks old now, so he's too young for the Gameboy. Surely there are better alternatives. I commented on Keith's blog that he should send his relatives a "wishlist," I've requested the same of my brother, though Malc and I are probably going to buy some books.
The Eagle Scout told the paper that he has not believed in any God since he was in the ninth grade. Which makes me wonder why he stood up -- week after week, at Scout meeting after Scout meeting -- and apparently lied.
"As God as my witness, I thought Tofurkys could fly." - Arthur "The Big Guy" Carlson, from the never-before-seen politically-correct version of the WKRP Thanksgiving episode.
1. Although I was told beforehand by my mother, my grandfather finally told me he has cancer and it was speculated he has about twelve months to live. Has someone you know ever told you they had a terminal illness? What was it like for you when you found out? How did that change your relationship with them? I'm not sure how to answer this. Malc's major professor was diagnosed with cancer, and at first it was believed he would not make it six months. That was five years ago and he is still kicking - he ended up beating the cancer though it had spread. I felt sad for him when I first found out, because he had recently met the woman who would become his wife, and it saddened me to think they wouldn't have much time together. Seeing them together now has confirmed my belief in miracles.
2. The concept of having twelve months comes as somewhat of a shock. Often those estimates are wrong and a person lives much longer. But still, it makes me think. If you found out you had twelve months to live, what would you do with that time? How would it change the way you live? Or would it? I would travel. I have always wanted to go to Europe. Everything else I have wanted to do I have achieved, except for having children.
3. My grandfather has decided to undergo chemotherapy. He was told it would not cure him, but it could prolong his life, however his quality of life could diminish. Having watched my father go through all that to no avail, I am not so sure I would choose that option. If you were (or are) in a situation where chemotherapy might cure you, or might not, would you endure the usual side effects and discomfort? If I thought there was a reason to stick around, I would go for chemo. When my mother had breast cancer she underwent chemo though we were not sure of the outcome. The cancer is gone and now she's around to enjoy her grandson.
4. How is your health? How are you doing? I am anemic. Otherwise, I feel fine.
5. Speaking of health, I was in a health food store Saturday and learned about something called "Ear Candling." It
involves having a helper insert a cone-shaped candle in your ear, lighting it and having the reverse pressure suck the wax out of your ear. Apparently it is very popular. Do you use, or have you ever tried, any alternative heath remedies or procedures? How did that work out? Anything out there we should try (or avoid)? I haven't tried anything like that, therefore I can't recommend anything. I figure if it works for some people, good for them.
6. Which reminds me, this week at work they are giving flu shots for $15. I hate getting shots, so getting one by choice, and paying for it, is tough for me. How do you feel about flu shots? Do they give them where you live? Are you going to get one or take your chances? I don't get flu shots. Seems everybody I know who get a flu shot gets the flu anyway. Why waste the money?
7. I'd like to see either "Spirited Away" or "Bowling for Columbine" before they vanish from the multiplex at the mall. But I will probably have to go see it alone (which I hate). Do you like to go to see flicks at the movie theater alone? Or would you rather have company? Seen any good (or bad) movies lately? I don't mind going alone, but I prefer company. The last movie I saw in a theater was "The Good Girl," which was okay. This week I am going to see "Frida" by myself because Malc has no interest in it.
BONUS: Don't you want somebody to love? Maybe a white rabbit.
Hit the 20,000 word mark on NaNo.
10-mile bike ride this weekend - first time in a while I've been able to go out.
More pictures of my nephew Jack came in this weekend.
Catholic Exchange published my review of The Night the Penningtons Vanished
Since buying our Lord of the Rings DVD we have played it twice with no problems. We tried to watch it last night and all of the sudden the disk is skipping and pausing, fragmenting the screen and basically being a pain in the butt. We played a few more DVDs to determine whether or not the problem was the player, but everything else played fine.
Now, if I were a conspiracy theory fan, I'd wonder if Peter Jackson had some sort of mechanism timed in each disk to erupt right around the time the deluxe LoTR DVD set is released, causing us cheapskates to become frustrated and spring for the 4-DVD set. Clever ploy, if true.
Leaps of Faith is a magnificent collection of Christian Science Fiction stories. In my favorite, "The Smile," a scientist records a three-dimensional picture of the universe and finds it's the smiling face of God. I haven't stopped smiling yet at how deliciously creative that is.
Karina and Robert Fabian have given fifteen original stories their chance in the spotlight. Each is a treat of an innovative character struggling to survive in a troubled society, or put through a test of faith. Write Leaps of Faith on your 'must read' list. It is sure to satisfy.
Fun ways to procrastinate during NaNo: create a cover for a book that will never likely see the light of day, with good reason.
For the cover I manipulated a photo I took of the giant mural at Abbey Road Pub and Restaurant in Virginia Beach. Since the setting of the book is about people who impersonate celebrities for a living, I blurred the photo and put the bars over George's and Paul's face to indicate they were not really the Beatles, only "pretending" (also, because I don't want anybody from Apple Corp. finding this page and suing). One of the supporting players in the book is a George Harrison impersonator who, as President Merkin Muffley would say, "went a little funny in the head." (This was planned before my Brainwashed rant, BTW) Paul is there because, well, he's walking in front of George. Not much I can do there. I would liked to have superimposed Elvis walking in Paul's place but my Photoshop skills aren't that good.
My original concept for the cover was to feature two people holding cutout pictures of Buddy Holly and Marilyn Monroe to their own faces since the two major characters impersonate them - that idea was inspired by a Rolling Stone cover I saw on the official Roy Orbison site. I can't find the cover online, but if you go to Roy's site there's a photo of him on a go cart in the Vault, if you're into that kind of thing.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi used to put out a wonderful newsletter for writers called "Inklings," which was part of the old Inkspot site. Inkspot ran for many years and was eventually acquired by Xlibris, who then shut it down because they couldn't maintain themselves very well, much less other projects (the bums). I'm happy to say I've discovered her online again via her own NaNoWriMo journal, which features some very funny NaNo-related cartoons.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at2:22 PM
<shatner>
"What does God...need...with a spaceship?"
</shatner>
Star Trek V was on last night, arguably the worst of the lot. For some reason I'm compelled to watch the whole damn thing every time it's on TV. Victor mentioned yesterday how Nemesis is rumored to be much better. Let's hope so. Life is too short to watch bad sci-fi.
Blogger is acting funny today. I typed an entire Friday Five and tried to publish but got an error. Wiped the whole thing away, and I don't feel like retyping it. Basically it was about elections: I voted this year, I know my reps, and I have never contacted an elected official for anything. Well, there was student council in high school, but I don't recall any details.
Up to Chapter Five now. The writing seems to be getting easier at this point. I think it's because I have better planned the two main characters in this chapter (who are, really, supporting players). This particular scene plays better in my mind as well, hence the writing is smoother. Hope the rest of the book goes this way.
DO YOU HAVE A FUNNY STORY ABOUT FLYING? There are many similarities between the first flight 100 years ago and the experience of flying today. For instance, the Wright brothers served the same meal that I got on my last flight -- nothing.
One of my jobs is co-director of the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop at the University of Dayton. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of flight, we're holding a flight humor contest. There's no cost to enter and prizes will be awarded. As long as there have been flying machines, there have been jokes about them. The Wright brothers' first flight lasted only 12 seconds -- but I bet it still arrived late.
Recommended link: Earthly Charms Promotional Resources for the author seeking to boost sales.
Speaking of boosting, did I mention that Women on Writing printed a nice review of Little Flowers?
posted by Leigh Ellwood at8:23 AM
2002/11/06
Chapter three is completed, about forty words shy of the 13K mark. I have to tell you, looking back at the pages I have written, this is really bad. In a way, bad is good, and I don't mean bad in the 70s slang context (which meant 'good'). The writing, to be certain, is really, really bad. It's terrible. I'm looking at it now and wondering how could this dreck entertain anybody, much less make sense to the average mystery reader.
It's good in the sense that I am at least writing something down, getting the idea in a concrete form. I estimate that it's going to take about five or six more revisions before the work is ready for public consumption. I'll worry about that later, though.
Unlike other NaNos, I won't be posting any excerpts, sorry. You have been exposed enough to bad writing on this blog, so why alienate newcomers? Besides, it is all written longhand, which means I probably won't get it validated by the NaNo people (I'm certainly not going to transcribe 50,000 words in the same month!).
Boston's website states that the band "opposes violence and cruelty of ANY kind." There are links to various links to animal rights and domestic abuse prevention organizations, but nothing related to abortion. They do take suggestions, though. (HINT)
She's no George Burns, I'll give you that.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at9:15 AM
I like to leave the politics to pundits, which is why you don't find much serious commentary on this blog. This blog serves its purpose better by informing people of trivial things they are not so willing to wonder aloud, like whatever happened to Mac Davis. (Seriously, what happened to Mac? We watched him on an old Hollywood Squares show last night; Malc is thinking he went to Branson with Yakov and Mickey Gilley.)
I would, however, like to take this time to say how pleased I am that Virginia voters chose not to raise taxes for road construction projects. The Hampton Roads area is already being taxed to death. Sales and food taxes for this region are absurd: it's anywhere from nine to eleven percent in the Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk areas. Add state tax, property tax and the annual car tax for some cities and it's a wonder we're not all on the dole. This is why Malc and I can't buy a house, because once the taxes are taken out of our pay we are gasping for air. I find it highly ironic that Virginia has so many taxes, considering how our forefathers fought against England's constant taxation of the colonies. We're told that the taxes are high to get the tourists, but the numbers certainly don't decease during the off-season.
The region is years behind on other road projects, and the proposed projects this tax would have funded would not have been scheduled to happen for years. I could have been paying for a tunnel through which I would never drive, assuming Malc and I leave Virginia in the next few years. I don't where the money goes in this state, but somebody needs to manage it better. I'm glad the people here are finally realizing that the taxes are high enough.
To answer an exclamatory remark in the comments section: yes, it's all in longhand. Years ago, when I was starting and stopping projects with reckless abandon, I took some time to figure out what was wrong. Why was I having difficulty seeing a draft to the end? One day I had an idea for a good story, so I just sketched a rough first chapter in a notebook. I noticed how easy the words came to me, so I just kept writing until I had filled the notebook. Then a second, then a third. That book became Little Flowers. All of my first drafts have been written by hand ever since.
If you are the type who can compose easily on the keyboard, you are so lucky.
