Monday, September 30, 2013
Song butchers
Stumbled on Monday Night Football in time to hear 5 seconds of butchering the National Anthem. I didn't have to hear more.
There are two kinds of singers in our culture: those who use a song to show off their voice, and those who use their voice to communicate a song. In our age of hype and packaging over content, the latter is an endangered species.
There are two kinds of singers in our culture: those who use a song to show off their voice, and those who use their voice to communicate a song. In our age of hype and packaging over content, the latter is an endangered species.
Lombardo's Homer
"Soldiers sprawled on the ground, closer now to vultures than to their wives." Still listening to, enjoying, impressed by Lombardo reading The Iliad.
Engaging historical speculation
SuperPuddle City
Oregon storm 2013: Portland, Astoria see highest September rainfalls on record http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/09/oregon_storm_2013_portland_ast.html
Sanders on health care
A Single-Payer System, Like Medicare, is the Cure for America's Ailing Healthcare | Common Dreams:
"I start my approach to healthcare from two very basic premises. First, healthcare must be recognized as a right, not a privilege. Every man, woman and child in our country should be able to access the healthcare they need regardless of their income. Second, we must create a national healthcare system that provides quality healthcare for all in the most cost-effective way possible."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
75%
Not running on all cylinders this morning.
The new term begins. A year of transition. Many personal changes ahead.
The new term begins. A year of transition. Many personal changes ahead.
From bees to us
The Sixth Mass Extinction Is Upon Us: Can Humans Survive? http://disinfo.com/2013/09/sixth-mass-extinction-upon-us-can-humans-survive/
AP
Associated Press Top 25 Poll
Updated: Monday September 30, 2013 01:28 AM
| Rank | Team | Record | Votes | Previous |
| 1 | Alabama (55) | 4-0 | 1,495 | 1 |
| 2 | Oregon (5) | 4-0 | 1,422 | 2 |
| 3 | Clemson | 4-0 | 1,354 | 3 |
| 4 | Ohio State | 5-0 | 1,305 | 4 |
| 5 | Stanford | 4-0 | 1,280 | 5 |
| 6 | Georgia | 3-1 | 1,171 | 9 |
| 7 | Louisville | 4-0 | 1,091 | 7 |
| 8 | Florida State | 4-0 | 1,069 | 8 |
| 9 | Texas A&M | 4-1 | 1,012 | 10 |
| 10 | LSU | 4-1 | 979 | 6 |
| 11 | Oklahoma | 4-0 | 838 | 14 |
| 12 | UCLA |
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/polls/#ixzz2gNQD1Prf
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Thanks a lot, Chip!
Denver is beating you so bad (49-13 early in 4th), TV switched games so I can't watch in awe as Manning picks you apart.
The Wallowa County Who-Who
I believe this is the last story I published in a print journal, then only because The Portland Review asked for something.
http://cdretire.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-wallowa-county-who-who.html
http://cdretire.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-wallowa-county-who-who.html
Climate chills
A climate report that gives you the chills http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/09/29/4349179/a-climate-report-that-gives-you.html
Quits flying as moral issue
Meteorologist Who Says He Will Never Fly Again Has A Compelling Explanation http://www.businessinsider.com/meterologist-eric-holthaus-quits-air-travel-2013-9?utm_source=news360&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=referral&utm_content=referral&utm_campaign=referral
Saturday, September 28, 2013
She got it!
The grad student screenwriter I'm mentoring got the for-hire gig with a very sweet contract. Hey, this makes my last year. So fine.
R.I.P.?
New York City Opera near bankruptcy; Kickstarter effort falling short http://zite.to/16TJUc5
College football at its best!
WV upsets Ok St, 30-21, in Morgantown, homecoming, and I heard it on WV radio, first rate old school announcers, exciting to listen to. Doesn't get much better than this.
Underdogs
Great fun to listen to underdog's radio station when they are competitive. My morning team ends up being West Virginia, leading Ok St in 2nd. They are excited ... and so am I. Go Mountaineers!
Duh
Screenwriting venues don't like promoting my free tutorial because it competes with (and is superior to!) products they advertise. Makes sense and makes it harder to get the word out.
Football Saturday
Wind and rain outside, good day for the entertaining escape of college football. Navy and Harvard games early, later two good Pac games tonight. UCLA off, plays Thur I think.
I usually don't watch pro ball but tomorrow might watch Denver rip Chip Kelly.
But serious work tomorrow on my last day off from a teaching mentality.
I usually don't watch pro ball but tomorrow might watch Denver rip Chip Kelly.
But serious work tomorrow on my last day off from a teaching mentality.
Learn something new
According to the LA Times, Portland is the strip club capital of the world. This came out in an article about a NJ politician having a Twitter flirtation with a lady who works at a VEGAN strip club here. What will they think of next? Guys don't beat their meat, they beat their zucchini?
Friday, September 27, 2013
Aristotle riffs
Black = George Cohan
Purple = Contour software
Blue/green = Charles Deemer
Priorities
DC Mayor Declares Libraries “Essential,” Will Stay Open If Government Shuts Down http://zite.to/15zWPzv
Agents
I've had six agents over my half century career. The best was the first, at Fifi Oscard, but she fled the profession in dismay at the corporate hijacking of the arts. The last was a few years ago, a boutique agency trying to sell my screenwriter mystery as a detective series. Thank the gods he failed! Sounds like writing EMPLOYMENT and I've been there, done that.
Right now I couldn't be better off, except financially. I've had a great ride and am still in the saddle. I'd do my "mistakes" all over again because they led to engaging experiences. "It's all material." (Wm Goldman)
Right now I couldn't be better off, except financially. I've had a great ride and am still in the saddle. I'd do my "mistakes" all over again because they led to engaging experiences. "It's all material." (Wm Goldman)
Overdrive
The new narrative form is growing on me. When the experiment is done, after I've reshaped stories that already exist, I might continue to add new, original stories to the series. We'll see.
Funk
Thy name is Deemer. Still not in teaching mode. A few days to get there.
I thought old age would be more mellow, more rewarding, slower, warmer, funnier and more coherent.
I thought old age would be more mellow, more rewarding, slower, warmer, funnier and more coherent.
Overdrive plans
I'd like to add one or two titles a term through the academic year. Next fall I'll bundle 3 stories and begin a series of paperbacks. This should keep me busy with grunt work.
Early chore
Take H to PT first thing in the morning. Trick is to get to work upon return. Easier said than done.
Collapse
Vikings fall apart in second half and lose. Next week to Missoula, another favorite. Lose, which is likely, and it's an 0-2 start in Big Sky.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Playing great, looking stupid
Portland State, underdogs against ranked Cal Poly, dominated the first half, 21-7. Bad news is they are the latest victims of the Nike Fashion Czars, wearing stupid new uniforms called White Camouflage, which don't hide Nike's bad taste from anyone. For the record, Cal Poly looks like a football team.
Turning off TV to hear 2nd half on radio, even though the announcers are just so-so. Otherwise I might throw up from over-exposure to Fashion.
Turning off TV to hear 2nd half on radio, even though the announcers are just so-so. Otherwise I might throw up from over-exposure to Fashion.
In praise of vegetables
Trend
Arts attendance in U.S. continues to slide: NEA report http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-arts-attendance-nea-20130926,0,3108857.story
Better late than never
George Zimmerman's wife has doubts about his innocence http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/26/justice/shellie-zimmerman-interview/index.html
Noble try
U.N. scientists aim to pitch climate case to widest audience http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/26/us-climate-ipcc-idUSBRE98L0KD20130926?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews
Fascinating
Six Brilliant Illustrations of Chinese and Western Cultural Differences http://zite.to/1dMCGf1
Job insecurity
Eric Wedge disappointed Mariners have left him "hanging out there" http://blogs.seattletimes.com/mariners/2013/09/25/eric-wedge-disappointed-mariners-have-left-him-hanging-out-there/?syndication=rss
Drip drip
Faux Pause: Ocean Warming, Sea Level Rise And Polar Ice Melt Speed Up, Surface Warming To Follow http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/09/25/2562441/faux-pause-ocean-warming-speed-up/
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
What happened?
Oracle Team USA wins America's Cup http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/25/sport/americas-cup-oracle-team-usa-team-new-zealand/index.html
I watched the race but didn't understand the course or the strategy. Impressive win, down 8-1 before winning 8 straight to get to 9. New Zealand blew it.
I watched the race but didn't understand the course or the strategy. Impressive win, down 8-1 before winning 8 straight to get to 9. New Zealand blew it.
Pdx food rocks
Why Portland's Food Scene is Better Than S.F."s Right Now http://blogs.sfweekly.com/foodie/2013/09/why_portlands_food_scene_is_be.php
Ken Burns' Civil War
My run of extraordinary literature continues: rewatching this 1990 masterpiece on my Fire. More intimate and powerful than ever. And so many contemporary echoes! Astounding. And a little sad, how little changes, how little we learn from history.
Saved
 |
| America's Cup in San Francisco |
I get the cable channel for the yachting final live at one. Perfect timing: I'm in need of mindless diversion.
Ready to rock
Up early finishing syllabus. Off to copy shop. Not sure I'm ready for this but what can I do?
Mobile screenwriters
If you write screenplays on the move, you don't need a mobile app to get the format right. You can write in anything that saves a text file, import it later and your screenwriting program, like Celtx, will format it for you IF IF IF you use the following rule: disregard all tabs and regard faithfully all vertical spacing.
Thus, on your phone or tablet, a script would look like this:
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Charles at the keyboard on his tablet. A student stands behind him.
CHARLES
We just write as usual without using tabs.
STUDENT
That's awesome.
Charles writes something.
EXT. HOUSE - DAY
Outside the kidnappers take position.
*
Save as .txt text file, import to Celtx or whatever, and the format is reproduced properly. In many ways this is much easier than using the various apps out there. There's nothing to it! Really opens up possibilities.
Thus, on your phone or tablet, a script would look like this:
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Charles at the keyboard on his tablet. A student stands behind him.
CHARLES
We just write as usual without using tabs.
STUDENT
That's awesome.
Charles writes something.
EXT. HOUSE - DAY
Outside the kidnappers take position.
*
Save as .txt text file, import to Celtx or whatever, and the format is reproduced properly. In many ways this is much easier than using the various apps out there. There's nothing to it! Really opens up possibilities.
Comebacks
In the America's Cup, New Zealand had it won. Then America won 7 straight races, and now it's down to today, winner take all this afternoon in SF. I don't understand yacht racing but I'll check it out.
This is being called the greatest comeback in the history of sports. Nope. That happened decades ago in Iceland when Bobby Fischer beat Boris Spassky in chess after forfeiting games out of his usual eccentric, arrogant self. My letter about it at the time got published in Sports Illustrated.
This is being called the greatest comeback in the history of sports. Nope. That happened decades ago in Iceland when Bobby Fischer beat Boris Spassky in chess after forfeiting games out of his usual eccentric, arrogant self. My letter about it at the time got published in Sports Illustrated.
 |
| 1972, Fischer makes move in greatest comeback in history of sports |
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Crunch time
A productive day, and I need another tomorrow, focusing on school prep.
Man, summer raced by.
Man, summer raced by.
Inequality For All
Underdogs
Finally saw the Akron- Michigan game, down to last play. Sloppy! But exciting because Akron almost won.
Care over cure
There's a new movement afoot, centered in Europe, that challenges the "prolonged dying" of mainstream medicine. It emphasizes care over cure, the goal a peaceful transition to natural death. Let it grow!
The next novella in the Overdrive series
An old writer blames his agent for lack of fame and fortune.
'It's Your Fault' Parody Video Takes On India's Rape Culture And Ends Up Going Viral | ThinkProgress
'It's Your Fault' Parody Video Takes On India's Rape Culture And Ends Up Going Viral | ThinkProgress:
"“Let’s face it, ladies — rape is your fault! It all begins with what you wear. Scientific studies suggest that women who wear skirts are the leading cause of rape. You know why? Because men have eyes!”"
"“Let’s face it, ladies — rape is your fault! It all begins with what you wear. Scientific studies suggest that women who wear skirts are the leading cause of rape. You know why? Because men have eyes!”"
Climate Change Devastating Ocean Fisherman: 'Sometimes We'll Catch 5,000 Pounds Of Jellyfish' | ThinkProgress
Climate Change Devastating Ocean Fisherman: 'Sometimes We'll Catch 5,000 Pounds Of Jellyfish' | ThinkProgress:
"For many U.S. fisherman, there’s no debate about climate change. It’s here, and already majorly impacting their industries."
'via Blog this'
"For many U.S. fisherman, there’s no debate about climate change. It’s here, and already majorly impacting their industries."
'via Blog this'
Extraction Extremism: Connecting the Dots on Global Warming | Common Dreams
Extraction Extremism: Connecting the Dots on Global Warming | Common Dreams:
"We can’t burn all the fossil fuels in the ground without destroying the Earth as we know it. We know that the situation is already bad and it will get worse the longer we continue to burn it. These are simple dots to connect—we need to transition off of fossil fuels, and we need to do it soon.
So to paraphrase Winston Churchill: If not now, when? If not us, who?
These dots are connected, and they form a coherent whole and that whole leads straight to the most devastating tragedy humanity has ever faced. The bad news is time is running out; the good news is, we still control a measure of our future. "
'via Blog this'
"We can’t burn all the fossil fuels in the ground without destroying the Earth as we know it. We know that the situation is already bad and it will get worse the longer we continue to burn it. These are simple dots to connect—we need to transition off of fossil fuels, and we need to do it soon.
So to paraphrase Winston Churchill: If not now, when? If not us, who?
These dots are connected, and they form a coherent whole and that whole leads straight to the most devastating tragedy humanity has ever faced. The bad news is time is running out; the good news is, we still control a measure of our future. "
'via Blog this'
Monday, September 23, 2013
Elway on Manning
 |
| John Elway |
 |
| Peyton Manning |
Caruso, 1904
In his film Match Point, Woody Allen uses this aria to considerable dramatic effect. It may be my favorite Caruso.
Here's Pavarotti:
Second thoughts on SCREENWRIGHT
When I get down, which happens more often the older I get, I need to read those "ipress clippings." Remarkable.
I kept waitng for a corporation to run with my pedagogical concept and blow me out of the water with an interactive DVD with film clips, interviews with stars, and high production values. Never happened. Still, 16 years later! It still could be done and still would blow away everything out there. SCREENWRITE has no frills, no sex appeal, but you can't beat the content.
It really hasn't been "found" as a free resouce yet. I should publicize it duh. I hate marketing duh. Even when something is free.
At any rate, a dumpy day somewhat improved by those distant, long gone, pats on the back.
I kept waitng for a corporation to run with my pedagogical concept and blow me out of the water with an interactive DVD with film clips, interviews with stars, and high production values. Never happened. Still, 16 years later! It still could be done and still would blow away everything out there. SCREENWRITE has no frills, no sex appeal, but you can't beat the content.
It really hasn't been "found" as a free resouce yet. I should publicize it duh. I hate marketing duh. Even when something is free.
At any rate, a dumpy day somewhat improved by those distant, long gone, pats on the back.
Greatest hit
I suppose in numbers of critical and consumer raves, the greatest "hit" of my career is the original 1997 electronic screenwriting tutorial SCREENWRIGHT, which became the basis of my later screenwriting products. You can't do much better than these reviews and testimonials:
Check it out.
Screenwright is now FREE
Yes, FREE!
.
Check it out.
Screenwright is now FREE
Yes, FREE!
Attn: Screenwriters
Attention Screenwriters: Why Your Script Needs Suspense, No Matter What the Genre http://zite.to/16CphRw
Richard Toscan: "American movies are about what happens next."
Richard Toscan: "American movies are about what happens next."
At the hospital
At the hospital
H getting a follow up ... Listening to Caruso on the Fire in waiting area ... glare on screen, all the windows here, Fire's great weakness.
Published Recovery ... need to choose #9 ... thinking of A Writerly Revenge ... Also need to finish and print syllabus.
Not ready for summer to end. Tough.
LATER. Almost two, finally home but energy shot, doubt if I'll get anything done. Maybe finish Hamlet.
H getting a follow up ... Listening to Caruso on the Fire in waiting area ... glare on screen, all the windows here, Fire's great weakness.
Published Recovery ... need to choose #9 ... thinking of A Writerly Revenge ... Also need to finish and print syllabus.
Not ready for summer to end. Tough.
LATER. Almost two, finally home but energy shot, doubt if I'll get anything done. Maybe finish Hamlet.
Reading Kindle books
Some folks still don't realize you can read Kindle books on any electronic device (including on your computer). All you need is the appropriate free app.
Select your free app for reading Kindle books.
Select your free app for reading Kindle books.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Now walk the talk
Pope Francis decries idolatry of money over man http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57604049/pope-francis-decries-idolatry-of-money-over-man/
Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet
Started film, which I'd never seen before. Ah, something else to rave about, delivered with power and integrity. I'm being overwhelmed by extraordinary good works.
Katy Butler
Important new book?
Fine player
Last week
Only one week before classes start. Where did the summer go?
I wanted to publish the first 3 novellas in the Overdrive series. I am about to release #8.
I wanted to downsize the basement. Barely got started.
Not on the wish list: prepared ms of new book of poems, which Round Bend Press is publishing October 26.
H had successful knee #2 surgery, now in physical therapy.
Not enough summer weather.
I wanted to publish the first 3 novellas in the Overdrive series. I am about to release #8.
I wanted to downsize the basement. Barely got started.
Not on the wish list: prepared ms of new book of poems, which Round Bend Press is publishing October 26.
H had successful knee #2 surgery, now in physical therapy.
Not enough summer weather.
Maybe
Bigger days ahead for unbeaten Bruins http://zite.to/17TxcN8
If they bring their first Q lethargy to Eugene, by the time they wake up, Nike will be leading 35-0!
If they bring their first Q lethargy to Eugene, by the time they wake up, Nike will be leading 35-0!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Dejavu all over again
Terrible 1st Q for UCLA: lose ball twice in red zone, and Hundley twice misses open receivers for TDs. 28 lost pts.
PSU women runners rule
Portland State Athletics http://www.goviks.com/mobile/index.aspx?story=7859 Sent from Maxthon Mobile
Men runners, too!
Men runners, too!
Eureka!
Found a resource for hearing Harvard football games online. They have a bye so I can't test it till next week.
Sex at Amazon
Another reviewer reduced her rating because of "descriptions of sex acts" ... however, there are no such descriptions, there are only MENTIONS of them. Takes all kinds, of course, and Sarah Palin can see Russia from her window, hence is a foreign policy expert. Where are Mencken and Pound when we need them?
A good son
Jack Klugman's Son on Emmy Tribute Omission: 'I Think It's Criminal' http://zite.to/15fZJtd
A rare admission
Utah State announcer about USC defensive line: They're just really good athletes and get there much quicker.
Cannabalism in the NW
Drug-addled Spokane teens planned to eat mom's liver http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/09/21/Drug-addled-Spokane-teens-planned-to-eat-moms-liver/UPI-62771379773965/
Listening to football
Random thoughts
Listening to San Jose State at Minnesota ... close in first quarter ... gray day outside ... Dr. Big Bro is out there ... how long before they monitor more, like the mind, thoughts ... this won't be a hard world to leave ... sad to say but true ... tomorrow need to do final read of Recovery, publish ... finish syllabus ... Minn about to pull away ... check score board, visit other games.
Listening to San Jose State at Minnesota ... close in first quarter ... gray day outside ... Dr. Big Bro is out there ... how long before they monitor more, like the mind, thoughts ... this won't be a hard world to leave ... sad to say but true ... tomorrow need to do final read of Recovery, publish ... finish syllabus ... Minn about to pull away ... check score board, visit other games.
Dr. Big Brother
Call from hospital last eve ... my pacer had sent distress signal at 130pm Thurs, beating too fast ... had I fainted, had chest pains, on and on? ... nope, just a normal day to me ... but I go in next week so they can check me over. Occurred to me later I mowed the lawn Thurs afternoon! Can't recall hour but it does get me tired. Must have been it.
Of course it took them over 24 hrs to get to me on this. Assume they have priority list of distress signals.
Dr.Big Brother is tracking my every move. Jeeeeezzz ...
Of course it took them over 24 hrs to get to me on this. Assume they have priority list of distress signals.
Dr.Big Brother is tracking my every move. Jeeeeezzz ...
Not walking the talk
Democrat Flaunts Vodka, Caviar To Protest Food Stamp Cuts http://zite.to/16muzj1
Oscars
Best Screenplay Oscar Predictions Update: A Look at Both the Adapted and Original Categories http://zite.to/15eSTnN
Climate
Climate: Growing certainties on warming and human role http://phys.org/news/2013-09-climate-certainties-human-role.html
Friday, September 20, 2013
Fresno St 41, Boise St 40
7 year losing streak ends. Should have been blow out ... Fresno gave Boise 18pts on a golden platter! But they got it together at the end.
Noise
The Fresno crowd is so loud, and maybe the mics not set right, very hard to hear ... watch on tv sigh ...
Why not?
Since Boise St already has a loss, I'm rooting for the home Fresno St upset. Listening radio/ Fire over Espn tv.
Agreeing with Sen. McCain!
Senator John McCain calls the Dodgers ‘overpaid, immature, arrogant, spoiled brats’ after pool celebration http://zite.to/18glehu
Damn socialists
House Republicans Line Up for Free Annual Physicals Before Defunding Obamacare http://zite.to/18Ikcae
Good new writing app!
Progress
Finished first reading of Recovery in waiting room. Pretty decent iced coffee from stand in hospital lobby.
Ice stop on way home. Then H has visitors coming. I'll go to basement office and input corrections, then send to Fire for second reading.
Time to pick #9. Have an idea.
Testing new writing app ... easier, quicker than what I was using.
Really good LA Times Op Ed about hearing early Dylan at highway rest stop ... will try and post it. About our serious historical amnesia.
No ideas for #9 cover yet.
Here comes H ...
Finished first reading of Recovery in waiting room. Pretty decent iced coffee from stand in hospital lobby.
Ice stop on way home. Then H has visitors coming. I'll go to basement office and input corrections, then send to Fire for second reading.
Time to pick #9. Have an idea.
Testing new writing app ... easier, quicker than what I was using.
Really good LA Times Op Ed about hearing early Dylan at highway rest stop ... will try and post it. About our serious historical amnesia.
No ideas for #9 cover yet.
Here comes H ...
Infographic
There are 793 million illiterate people in the world [infographic] http://zite.to/15bEZCN
PT and polish
Take H to Physical Therapy first thing in the morning. While waiting, I can read/polish Recovery on the Fire ... or wait at a nearby Starbucks and contemplate my navel.
Want to finish new syllabus today.
Want to finish new syllabus today.
Not a beach bum
My Name Is Jason, I'm A 35-Yr-Old White Male Combat Veteran...And I'm On Food Stamps http://zite.to/1gFu4qb
Free history course in November
Free online course on ‘England in the time of King Richard III’ http://zite.to/15aPrul
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The comfort of simple voices
Listening tonight to Mills Bros, Four Freshmen, Four Aces. etc. Cheaper than drugs.
Portland weather
http://roundbendpress.blogspot.com/2013/09/trapped.html
TS on disliking much of the weather here. And feeling trapped, though maybe immobile is more accurate. Know the feeling!
TS on disliking much of the weather here. And feeling trapped, though maybe immobile is more accurate. Know the feeling!
Cornell men's lacrosse team suspended following hazing incident
Cornell men's lacrosse team suspended following hazing incident
Good! We need more tough reprimands like this.
Good! We need more tough reprimands like this.
Iliad, a contemporary war story
About a quarter way through listening to Stanley Lombardo read his own translation of Homer's Iliad. In our present war culture, no story sounds more relevant, more powerful, more moving. If we learned from literature lessons that changed behavior, war would have disappeared centuries ago. But we haven't. At one point Helen says war is tragic so poets can write about it afterwards. So it is. But this is the mother of all war stories and Lombardo has given this classic a fresh, modern vitality that makes it more powerful than ever.
I'm doing a book a day and this moment has become precious, as spiritually important as church can be for some. I cannot overstate my admiration for this audiobook.
Pins and needles
A screenwriter I've been mentoring is being considered for her first for-hire gig. On pins and needles, hoping she gets it. They don't know what a gift she is. A talented collaborator as well as screenwriter.
As I get ready to retire from teaching, she's one of 6 or 8 screenwriters I've successfully mentored over the years, all of them "professional" whether they pursue(d) a career or not. One, in fact, only wrote 2 scripts but came very close to selling both, strong interest in her work, DeVito a fan, but walked away to do something else. It's not a secure profession.
As I get ready to retire from teaching, she's one of 6 or 8 screenwriters I've successfully mentored over the years, all of them "professional" whether they pursue(d) a career or not. One, in fact, only wrote 2 scripts but came very close to selling both, strong interest in her work, DeVito a fan, but walked away to do something else. It's not a secure profession.
After the Navy Yard Shooting: Why This No Time to Despair About Gun Control : The New Yorker
After the Navy Yard Shooting: Why This No Time to Despair About Gun Control : The New Yorker:
"Nothing seems to happen in the wake of massacre after massacre. No legislation, just a preening, self-congratulatory dance among the members of the gun lobby, which wholly owns the Republican Party and too many chunks of the Democratic one: Not even twelve more dead can shake our grip! Yet I don’t detect despair on the side of the sane, though despair might be helpful."
'via Blog this'
"Nothing seems to happen in the wake of massacre after massacre. No legislation, just a preening, self-congratulatory dance among the members of the gun lobby, which wholly owns the Republican Party and too many chunks of the Democratic one: Not even twelve more dead can shake our grip! Yet I don’t detect despair on the side of the sane, though despair might be helpful."
'via Blog this'
Daily Kos: End the Cultural Genocide in South Dakota against Our Lakota People
Daily Kos: End the Cultural Genocide in South Dakota against Our Lakota People:
"For far too long our people have been ignored by the United States. Many who are willing to learn of our struggles are kept in the dark by corporate-controlled media and other institutions. Genocide has survived in various forms after the Massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890 and after the deliberate kidnapping, haircutting, beatings, sexual-physical abuse, rape, and other crimes against humanity that happened to our grandmothers and grandfathers at the hands of Christian Churches and the United States Government during the boarding school era."
'via Blog this'
"For far too long our people have been ignored by the United States. Many who are willing to learn of our struggles are kept in the dark by corporate-controlled media and other institutions. Genocide has survived in various forms after the Massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890 and after the deliberate kidnapping, haircutting, beatings, sexual-physical abuse, rape, and other crimes against humanity that happened to our grandmothers and grandfathers at the hands of Christian Churches and the United States Government during the boarding school era."
'via Blog this'
This Extraordinary Pope, Ctd « The Dish
This Extraordinary Pope, Ctd « The Dish:
Andrew Sullivan on the new pope, and I think he is right. I'd love to see a radical humanist pope: one of the few institutional pulpits that can get a huge prime time audience. I hope he does more than talk, however.
Andrew Sullivan on the new pope, and I think he is right. I'd love to see a radical humanist pope: one of the few institutional pulpits that can get a huge prime time audience. I hope he does more than talk, however.
The boss
Football
Looking forward to ... Boise St / Fresno St ... Arkansas / Rutgers ... BYU / Air Force ... Idaho / WSU, the Palouse rivalry, 2 schools 8 miles apart, anything can happen ... Mich St / ND ... ASU / Stanford ... and of course UCLA. More games than time to hear them all. My upset of the week ... Mich State.
Of course, my app has a scoreboard ... close game in 4th Q, can quickly pick it up on radio, preferring broadcast of the team that's behind. Last week I caught 3 game endings decided on last play!
Of course, my app has a scoreboard ... close game in 4th Q, can quickly pick it up on radio, preferring broadcast of the team that's behind. Last week I caught 3 game endings decided on last play!
I bet this backfires!
Starbucks respectfully asks patrons not to bring guns to stores http://zite.to/1588iX1
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Ah those Yalies!
Yale Quarterback Uses Google Glass To Give First-Person View Of Game (VIDEO) http://zite.to/1aUhLsN
Progress
Grunt work done on new Overdrive. Now polish, probable release next week.
Classes in two weeks. Hard to imagine.
Classes in two weeks. Hard to imagine.
Something sweet to start the day
Man Uses Custom Book to Propose to Girlfriend http://zite.to/1dolo7T
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Paul deLay
Volleyball
Listening to ASU volleyball game, live, which I found while exploring on my radio app. Never listened to volleyball on radio before. Better than tennis on radio.
Right to die
Professor Stephen Hawking backs right to die for the terminally ill
http://gu.com/p/3tpv2
I would add ... for the rational over age 70.
http://gu.com/p/3tpv2
I would add ... for the rational over age 70.
We've Had So Many Mass Shootings In The U.S., We've Had To Redefine The Term
We've Had So Many Mass Shootings In The U.S., We've Had To Redefine The Term:
"Under the Reddit definition, a shooting spree that wounds at least four people, but doesn't kill them, is still a mass shooting.
Including Monday's mass shooting, the Reddit list for 2013 is nearing 250 incidents. That's an average of one mass shooting almost every day."
"Under the Reddit definition, a shooting spree that wounds at least four people, but doesn't kill them, is still a mass shooting.
Including Monday's mass shooting, the Reddit list for 2013 is nearing 250 incidents. That's an average of one mass shooting almost every day."
Thousands of Canadian Scientists Protest 'Death of Science-Based Policy' | Common Dreams
Thousands of Canadian Scientists Protest 'Death of Science-Based Policy' | Common Dreams:
"Harper government's cuts to research funding show preference for 'ignorance over evidence and ideology over honesty'"
The U.S. affliction is catching.
"Harper government's cuts to research funding show preference for 'ignorance over evidence and ideology over honesty'"
The U.S. affliction is catching.
American mythology
A simple day
Rain will keep me indoors except for my daily ice run for H's knee wrap. Ten more pages on Overdrive ... another book or two in the Iliad ... a little touch up work on the syllabus ... a little reading, music.
Homer
Complex characters! Plot twists and suspense! Poetry, evocative imagery! Man, it is all here. I've never enjoyed Homer so much. Definitely following Iliad with audiobook, same team, of The Odyssey. This is not as remarkable as the USA trilogy audiobooks I listened to some time back, but damn close.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Booze
"Extreme" binge drinking common among teens: study http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/09/16/us-teens-drinking-idINBRE98F0W120130916?feedType=RSS&feedName=health
The world we live in
I was on an errand, getting ice for H's knee wrap, when the radio was covering the Navy yard shooting. Sadly I hardly reacted ... it could have been the weather report. Another day, another mass shooting. O say can you see ...
Stanley Lombardo reads Homer
LATER. This is a modern translation (also by Lombardo) of minor controversy. Purists disapprove. I love it because it's so gripping, as exciting as a Hollywood action movie. This is a great showcase for the genius of Homer.
Watching movies
Movie theater still king, but filmmakers slowly warm to online http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/09/15/entertainment-us-toronto-festival-distri-idINBRE98E0FE20130915?feedType=RSS&feedName=hollywood
I love watching on the Fire. A novel-reading experience.
I love watching on the Fire. A novel-reading experience.
In praise of elitism
In praise of elitism:
"Giftedness exists, and not in equal measure across all people. Isn't it time to fess-up the errors brought about by the egalitarian illogic of Multiple Intelligences? Isn't it time to address the inherent inequities brought about by endorsing enrichment for all? Isn't it time to recapture the field of gifted child education from those who have held it hostage for a generation? Our gifted children deserve to be identified and served in ways that capitalize on their unique abilities and qualities. Please join me in being elitist enough to say so."
'via Blog this'
"Giftedness exists, and not in equal measure across all people. Isn't it time to fess-up the errors brought about by the egalitarian illogic of Multiple Intelligences? Isn't it time to address the inherent inequities brought about by endorsing enrichment for all? Isn't it time to recapture the field of gifted child education from those who have held it hostage for a generation? Our gifted children deserve to be identified and served in ways that capitalize on their unique abilities and qualities. Please join me in being elitist enough to say so."
'via Blog this'
Jonathan Franzen: what's wrong with the modern world | Books | The Guardian
Jonathan Franzen: what's wrong with the modern world | Books | The Guardian:
"In my own little corner of the world, which is to say American fiction, Jeff Bezos of Amazon may not be the antichrist, but he surely looks like one of the four horsemen. Amazon wants a world in which books are either self-published or published by Amazon itself, with readers dependent on Amazon reviews in choosing books, and with authors responsible for their own promotion. The work of yakkers and tweeters and braggers, and of people with the money to pay somebody to churn out hundreds of five-star reviews for them, will flourish in that world. But what happens to the people who became writers because yakking and tweeting and bragging felt to them like intolerably shallow forms of social engagement? What happens to the people who want to communicate in depth, individual to individual, in the quiet and permanence of the printed word, and who were shaped by their love of writers who wrote when publication still assured some kind of quality control and literary reputations were more than a matter of self-promotional decibel levels? "
'via Blog this'
Long and convoluted but I agree with many major points, including the ones above.
"In my own little corner of the world, which is to say American fiction, Jeff Bezos of Amazon may not be the antichrist, but he surely looks like one of the four horsemen. Amazon wants a world in which books are either self-published or published by Amazon itself, with readers dependent on Amazon reviews in choosing books, and with authors responsible for their own promotion. The work of yakkers and tweeters and braggers, and of people with the money to pay somebody to churn out hundreds of five-star reviews for them, will flourish in that world. But what happens to the people who became writers because yakking and tweeting and bragging felt to them like intolerably shallow forms of social engagement? What happens to the people who want to communicate in depth, individual to individual, in the quiet and permanence of the printed word, and who were shaped by their love of writers who wrote when publication still assured some kind of quality control and literary reputations were more than a matter of self-promotional decibel levels? "
'via Blog this'
Long and convoluted but I agree with many major points, including the ones above.
The Origins and Formatting of Modern Screenplays
The Origins and Formatting of Modern Screenplays from FilmmakerIQ.com on Vimeo.
Excellent 15 minute video.
Excellent 15 minute video.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
L. A. Times
Ah, so much fun to read all the good press about UCLA in the LAT this morning, greater coverage than anywhere else. One of the reasons I get the paper.
Sports apps
There are dozens of these. Takes a while to find the right one for an individual.
For example, my college football radio app and tune in app cover all the bases, the former best for smaller teams, the latter for the espn games.
But I still didn't have a general sports app I really liked ... until now. CBS Sports app is what I was looking for. Click on a score and go to a story, not to stats like the other apps I tried. I deleted 3 sports apps, now replaced by the CBS. And the live game tracker is even better than the college fb one. Happy camper!
Looking for replay of Mich-Akron game.
For example, my college football radio app and tune in app cover all the bases, the former best for smaller teams, the latter for the espn games.
But I still didn't have a general sports app I really liked ... until now. CBS Sports app is what I was looking for. Click on a score and go to a story, not to stats like the other apps I tried. I deleted 3 sports apps, now replaced by the CBS. And the live game tracker is even better than the college fb one. Happy camper!
Looking for replay of Mich-Akron game.
Morning work
Good work on Overdrive, really improves the attitude. Recovery is a good story. Had forgotten about it. First 10 done, maybe can release this next week if I keep at it.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Dumbest QB in the universe
Wisconsin behind 2 pts, in red zone, no time outs, time for QB to spike it, FG to win, routine really.
But the Wisc QB just sets the ball down! Not a pass. The clock keeps running, runs out, Ariz St wins! Incredible! All this on Ariz radio was even more gripping than the back and forth ending and overtime of Beavers game on Utah radio.
INCREDIBLE!
But the Wisc QB just sets the ball down! Not a pass. The clock keeps running, runs out, Ariz St wins! Incredible! All this on Ariz radio was even more gripping than the back and forth ending and overtime of Beavers game on Utah radio.
INCREDIBLE!
A minority of blue
A Nebraska home game. Over 91000 screaming huskers. And way up in the nose bleed seats behind an end zone ... less than 1000 blue shirts, Bruin fans.
Late in first half. 21-3 for the home team. UCLA can' t do anything right. A massive overthrow of Bruin in the clear, easy TD. Bruin punter drops the snap, setting up a TD. Bruins are lucky to go into lockers only 3 scores behind.
And then, on final possession, they drive and score. They wake up. They score 28 in the 3rd Q, 38 unanswered pts altogether. 41-21and those few blue shirts way up high have a memory they'll never forget.
Go Bruins!
Late in first half. 21-3 for the home team. UCLA can' t do anything right. A massive overthrow of Bruin in the clear, easy TD. Bruin punter drops the snap, setting up a TD. Bruins are lucky to go into lockers only 3 scores behind.
And then, on final possession, they drive and score. They wake up. They score 28 in the 3rd Q, 38 unanswered pts altogether. 41-21and those few blue shirts way up high have a memory they'll never forget.
Go Bruins!
Oh my
Johnny Jerk just threw 96 yd TD pass, suddenly a 7 pt game with 9 mins, lots of time. Alabama about to go ahead by 21, fumbled on 4. From 21 to 7 in a heartbeat. Johnny Jerk does make things happen.
UCLA shows up
Down 21-3, nothing going right, they finally focus and score 38 unanswered points, 28 in third Q, 41-21. A class act turnaround!
First Q nightmare
Painful to watch, UCLA is so bad. Hundley terrible, defense terrible. Where is the team?
Three games
If I want, I can follow three games at once: one on TV, listen to one on Fire, follow one on Gamecast on Fire.
Football Saturday
UCLA pregame on the Fire ... I'm ready! On paper, this looks good for the Bruins but they are far from home with heavy hearts for a lost teammate. They need to keep in focus.
I don'expect NWOC to have a hard time with Tennessee. Alabama-TAM will be something ... hard to choose, I dislike both. I'll go against the arrogant Heisman.
23 minutes to kickoff at Westwood One!
I don'expect NWOC to have a hard time with Tennessee. Alabama-TAM will be something ... hard to choose, I dislike both. I'll go against the arrogant Heisman.
23 minutes to kickoff at Westwood One!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Out of sync
Out of work rhythm. Football day tomorrow but Sunday need to get going on #8, feel like I'm moving forward. Hate feeling out of sync.
First gig
Meeting with grad student screenwriter I've been mentoring. Opportunity for her first for-hire gig, always an exciting and important career step. At Starbucks expecting her arrival ...
NPR
NPR to shed 10% of staff amid budget shortfall http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24088418#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Screenwriting and fiction
How The Rules Of Screenwriting Can Improve Your Prose Fiction http://zite.to/15VN3xs
Foreign students
Poor, isolated, and far from home: what it's like to be an international student
http://gu.com/p/3th32
http://gu.com/p/3th32
Stupidity!
A TT player running for TD - but dropped ball too soon to celebrate! No TD, penalty, instead of taking lead, on 16 ... amazing stupidity. TT scores anyway but ...
Red Raiders
2 star bonus?
A reviewer put down A Gift Before Dying because it had sex in it. The blurb said so, don't read it! Maybe this will generate sales ha ha! Shows the fallacy of the whole Amazon review structure, the problem being that it's taken seriously.
John O'Hara
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
