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.
An episode of Law and Order not ripped from today's headlines
A family-based sitcom where the father is not an insensitive, brain-dead doofus and the mother is not a shrewish nag
A mute button for John Madden that Al Michaels can use at will
The actual bombardment of turkeys as relayed on the classic Thanksgiving episode of WKRP in Cincinnati (though it probably wouldn't be as funny as the original show)
Today's Barbra Streisand Truth Alert™ is brought to you by the letters R and U, and the numbers 4, 8, and 6:
Barbra sez Senator Wellstone's death was no 'accident'. It's also been reported that La Streisand has informed her decorators that "they had better vote Democrat." I'm trying to remember the last somebody was that forceful during an election. Oh, yes, was that Saddam?
Actually, I think Barbra does have a point here. She should take her concerns to John Ashcroft, and Ashcroft should stroke his chin and say, "You know, Ms. Streisand, perhaps we should investigate the senator's death. While we're at it, I think I'll also reopen the cases of all of the people who died mysteriously during the Clinton administration."
1. Have you ever had to appear in court? What was the reason? How did it turn out? No, and I hope I never have to appear in court, unless Richard Moll is the baliff.
2. Ever been accused of something you never did? Were you able to convince anyone? Once when I was working at McDonald's there was one shift where every order in the drive-through appeared to be wrong. I was working the register and the swing manager kept accusing me of plugging in the wrong items, when actually the person getting the food was doing it wrong. Since I was the wilting, shy type then, the manager got on my case about it (the other worker did nothing to convince her otherwise, typical) until I told her with some force that I was doing my job correctly. I don't think I ever convinced her, but she left me alone after that.
3. When it comes to crime and punishment, do you agree with the saying "An eye for an eye?" Depends on the crime. I'm not big on the death penalty because I don't really think it solves much, especially for the victim's family.
4. Are you a judgmental person? Do you ever make up your mind about a person before you know them? When was the last time that happened? Or if not, how do you keep from being judgmental? It's a trap into which I tend to fall, but I need only to remember the Golden Rule and apply it to first impressions, and that tempers my judgmental side.
5. When I was in 6th grade I lit a match in class accidentally and was given the choice of having my folks called or getting 10 "swats." I took swats and damn, that wooden paddle with the holes drilled in it hurt like hell (not to mention the horible whistling sound it made before impact). I don't think they allow "swats" anymore. Ever get "swats" at school? How do you feel about children being spanked in school. Is it best that they don't do that anymore? How about parents spanking kids? Good or bad? How do you accidentally light a match? You do or you don't. Anyway, I never got swats at school (plenty at home). Funny how the loss of corporal punishment corresponds to the rise in school violence. Hmm. As for parents spanking children, I don't feel qualified to say anything since I'm not a parent, but I think it may be something I would do. I view spanking as discipline, and the whole notion of "time-outs" just sounds silly to me.
What is your favorite "Chick Flick?"Fried Green Tomatoes. I love the book, I love the movie.
Describe the last situation you were in that can best be summed up by the phrase "seemed like a good idea at the time?" NaNo. :-)
BONUS: Who will bury us when we die? The lowest bidder, probably.
Hit the 5,000 word mark on NaNo.
Enjoyed a great visit with friends in Northern Virginia
Their new house had Penrod hinges from my company.
Finished another book for the EPPIEs contest
Sold some copies of Drumwall and Leaps over the weekend!
To receive the monthly newsletter for Wings Press, publishers of my upcoming mystery Saints Preserve Us, e-mail FLIGHTOFDREAMS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Get the lowdown on new and upcoming fiction in print and e-book format.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at6:42 PM
2002/11/01
Weekend responsibilities in the real world are going to prevent me from blogging Saturday. I wanted to get a list out for All Souls' Day, so I'll go ahead and do it now. Feel free to make additions in the comments box.
Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace:
Angela and Nicholas Spatafora, Robert and Helen Beyerle, Gaetano and Pasqualina Virgillito, Doris Fitzgerald, Garland Beyerle, Joan Beyerle, Jean Beyerle, Bill Gdaniec, Tony Lanham, Bud Dolt, Linda Chesney, Lewis and Emogene Lively, William Phillips, Sr., Ferris and Reva Aide, Conlee Lively, John Peyton, all departed from the Beyerle, Lively, and Spatafora families, Walt and Elizabeth Hetman, Sr. Mary Paul Noonan, Sr. Mary Ethna Blackwell, Mary Ferrell, Doris Washburn, victims of the 9/11/01 terrorist acts and victims of terrorism and persecution around the world.
Become a muse: Pete Vere is holding a contest. Offer up a story idea and if Pete likes it he will craft a story. Winner gets a free copy of Schism.
posted by Leigh Ellwood at12:46 PM
1. Were you raised in a particular religious faith? I was born and raised Catholic.
2. Do you still practice that faith? Why or why not? I do now, though for many years beforehand I had lapsed from the Faith and dabbled in other things. There were many factors at play there: I dated a Jewish man who was not observant and I was in college meeting people of different faiths for the first time (having been to Catholic school, I only seemed to socialize with those in my parish). Coming back was a slow process for me, spurred by research and a near-fatal experience involving a close relative, and I like to think it is still happening.
3. What do you think happens after death? There's an expensive funeral and burial, and then your surviving relatives pick your house clean.
Seriously, I really don't know beyond what the Bible says, but I believe what happens to you in death results from how you have lived your life. Christ will judge us accordingly.
4. What is your favorite religious ritual (participating in or just observing)? I don't have a particular favorite, but I do enjoy the Mass.
5. Do you believe people are basically good? Yes. I imagine the environment in which a person is raised is a major factor in how that person will grow.
