I'm in it...
I feel like I need to rethink my entire strategy. I think I need to rethink my goals. I need new aspirations. I've always been better at just going, as opposed to going to a specific destination. Not that I have anything against destinations...
Some days are fine and great, but some days this sucks.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thursday, January 01, 2009
"What's your favourite subject?"
This was the first thing Anna asked me when I met her, stepping out of Zig's into a warm, humid night in Sudbury. The street was less stifling than the club, but the atmosphere was On us, clinging like our wet-from-dancing-too-much clothing.
In another context I would have answered "sex," but she was referring to my camera. Without hesitation I told her "People. Always people, they're more fascinating than anything. I fuckin' hate landscapes..."
It's a lie, in fact. I don't hate shooting landscapes. The point was that there is far too much landscape photography in the media we are all exposed to. I suppose defining the point of some subjects and differentiating the relevance of them is the real thrust here, instead of just telling you what my favourites are.
It is possible to arbitrarily divide topics into mountains of little categories. Surely everybody does it, just for simplification? Without special consideration, here we go:
– People > Portrait, Random, Drinking Photos, Fashion, Art
– Landscape > Urban, Not Urban (this is by far the larger category)
– Nature > Animals, Plants (> flowers, not flowers), Other (last one was creative eh?)
– Objects > I really haven't sub-divided this category. I suppose I don't shoot enough
objects to make it worth distinguishing.
There they are. By all means if you think of something else, mention it so I can fit it in somewhere or make space for it.
Since I defamed landscapes to Anna, I suppose I rather Owe them and should comment on why so many of them do, in fact, Suck.
A landscape necessarily encompasses a certain area. I think of an open field as the smallest unit of landscape. To shoot the facade of a building, or even the full building itself, is not usually a landscape so much as a single subject. Landscapes must present us manouevering room and show us how to navigate an area.
Too often there are landscapes that are too wide open, lacking any point of interest to anchor us. Inversely, the larger scale of a proper landscape often obscures any point of interest intended to anchor us, making it smaller, degrandizing it, stealing it's impact.
So What? Who Cares? Here's the crux of landscapes: The shooter was There. There is no denying the fact the geography one is surrounded by has an impact on us all. This is the key reason people will tend to shoot landscapes. They are shooting to make a reminder of this place where they stood that was instilling something into that moment lived by the shooter - emotion probably.
You and I weren't there, of course. In a vast majority of instances, we never will be there. That's okay still, if the shooter simply wants to use the image to illustrate a point of fact like "that's the field and on the side here is the cliff that we pushed the car over to destroy the evidence... see the scorch marks on the rock?"
People love to show you a 3x5 though, and expect you to Feeeel the grandeur and magnificence of standing wind-whipped and freezing on Kilimanjaro or wading wave-lashed throught the spray and foam into the stormy Pacific. It happens so much in fact, that I wonder how people Fail to correct this misconception of what an image can do.
An image is worth a thousand words, but here's a tip: try Writing a thousand words with it, so that the 3x5 is just a secondary. The words will become the picture itself and the picture will simply be Article A in evidence that states "yeah, it happened just like that!"
So there it is, most landscapes are only for the person who shot them. Exceptions abound. I do love to turn 180º and contradict. There are some truly magnificent landscape photographies out there that really will turn your head and make you want to be somewhere else. I find that at least half of these are quite exotic, if not unique 'scapes. It really requires Something unusual to draw you, without which you've got nothing but your memory of a place.
In contrast, we have the subject of people. In my reckoning the biggest difference is that a landscape is where we act. Perhaps it is the noun in our photographic experience. People are what we Interact with though, they are the verb. People can differ vastly amongst each other, yet faces and bodies are invariably and immediately something we can identify with. We know instinctively how to interpret them because we do it every day, all our lives. We are attuned to each nuance of expression in a face and we can admire each movement - each Moment of the body. It is easier for us to extrapolate the Feeling of a human image. We're more or less hardwired to do so anyway; I rather think we would have to work Not to do it.
I don't expect anybody to have the same purpose in photography as I do. Yet most people do have the same purpose: to communicate something, to elicit a reaction - a human reaction.
(I have tried showing photographs to several of my pets in my life; dogs, cats, birds, rats and iguanas. What they gravitate to, well I haven't been able to define any specific pattern for their predilections. My iguana seemed to react best to specific colour palettes, though my dog(s) don't see in colour, I'm told).
In another context I would have answered "sex," but she was referring to my camera. Without hesitation I told her "People. Always people, they're more fascinating than anything. I fuckin' hate landscapes..."
It's a lie, in fact. I don't hate shooting landscapes. The point was that there is far too much landscape photography in the media we are all exposed to. I suppose defining the point of some subjects and differentiating the relevance of them is the real thrust here, instead of just telling you what my favourites are.
It is possible to arbitrarily divide topics into mountains of little categories. Surely everybody does it, just for simplification? Without special consideration, here we go:
– People > Portrait, Random, Drinking Photos, Fashion, Art
– Landscape > Urban, Not Urban (this is by far the larger category)
– Nature > Animals, Plants (> flowers, not flowers), Other (last one was creative eh?)
– Objects > I really haven't sub-divided this category. I suppose I don't shoot enough
objects to make it worth distinguishing.
There they are. By all means if you think of something else, mention it so I can fit it in somewhere or make space for it.
Since I defamed landscapes to Anna, I suppose I rather Owe them and should comment on why so many of them do, in fact, Suck.
A landscape necessarily encompasses a certain area. I think of an open field as the smallest unit of landscape. To shoot the facade of a building, or even the full building itself, is not usually a landscape so much as a single subject. Landscapes must present us manouevering room and show us how to navigate an area.
Too often there are landscapes that are too wide open, lacking any point of interest to anchor us. Inversely, the larger scale of a proper landscape often obscures any point of interest intended to anchor us, making it smaller, degrandizing it, stealing it's impact.
So What? Who Cares? Here's the crux of landscapes: The shooter was There. There is no denying the fact the geography one is surrounded by has an impact on us all. This is the key reason people will tend to shoot landscapes. They are shooting to make a reminder of this place where they stood that was instilling something into that moment lived by the shooter - emotion probably.
You and I weren't there, of course. In a vast majority of instances, we never will be there. That's okay still, if the shooter simply wants to use the image to illustrate a point of fact like "that's the field and on the side here is the cliff that we pushed the car over to destroy the evidence... see the scorch marks on the rock?"
People love to show you a 3x5 though, and expect you to Feeeel the grandeur and magnificence of standing wind-whipped and freezing on Kilimanjaro or wading wave-lashed throught the spray and foam into the stormy Pacific. It happens so much in fact, that I wonder how people Fail to correct this misconception of what an image can do.
An image is worth a thousand words, but here's a tip: try Writing a thousand words with it, so that the 3x5 is just a secondary. The words will become the picture itself and the picture will simply be Article A in evidence that states "yeah, it happened just like that!"
So there it is, most landscapes are only for the person who shot them. Exceptions abound. I do love to turn 180º and contradict. There are some truly magnificent landscape photographies out there that really will turn your head and make you want to be somewhere else. I find that at least half of these are quite exotic, if not unique 'scapes. It really requires Something unusual to draw you, without which you've got nothing but your memory of a place.
In contrast, we have the subject of people. In my reckoning the biggest difference is that a landscape is where we act. Perhaps it is the noun in our photographic experience. People are what we Interact with though, they are the verb. People can differ vastly amongst each other, yet faces and bodies are invariably and immediately something we can identify with. We know instinctively how to interpret them because we do it every day, all our lives. We are attuned to each nuance of expression in a face and we can admire each movement - each Moment of the body. It is easier for us to extrapolate the Feeling of a human image. We're more or less hardwired to do so anyway; I rather think we would have to work Not to do it.
I don't expect anybody to have the same purpose in photography as I do. Yet most people do have the same purpose: to communicate something, to elicit a reaction - a human reaction.
(I have tried showing photographs to several of my pets in my life; dogs, cats, birds, rats and iguanas. What they gravitate to, well I haven't been able to define any specific pattern for their predilections. My iguana seemed to react best to specific colour palettes, though my dog(s) don't see in colour, I'm told).
Monday, December 15, 2008
4 a.m.
Pausing for the last cigarette of the evening, in an open doorway, it seems that the rain is sulfuric. In this town nobody would argue. It's more a trick of the light, I think, the sodium lamps put the yellow-orange cast across everything and glitter through each droplet - and when something is cold enough it will feel hot.
The rainwater slithers over the grey-black titanium ice - titanic ice, seeking it's level. From directly above, it looks like an aerial shot of an overflowing river spilling across the plain of a vast, unknown geography. From above, the snowbanks are like mountains rising up from and overlooking the floodplains and rivers... If one can imagine themselves several thousand feet above ground level
This notion has occurred to me before. It always leaves me feeling solitary. Witness to something that may or may not be aesthetic, but is invariably inconsequential. Perhaps this keeps things in perspective, but I'd rather be doing something relevant than simply walking home...
The rainwater slithers over the grey-black titanium ice - titanic ice, seeking it's level. From directly above, it looks like an aerial shot of an overflowing river spilling across the plain of a vast, unknown geography. From above, the snowbanks are like mountains rising up from and overlooking the floodplains and rivers... If one can imagine themselves several thousand feet above ground level
This notion has occurred to me before. It always leaves me feeling solitary. Witness to something that may or may not be aesthetic, but is invariably inconsequential. Perhaps this keeps things in perspective, but I'd rather be doing something relevant than simply walking home...
Sunday, December 07, 2008
to Framboise, somewhere in America
I suppose I'm thanking you, albeit in a backhanded way, by writing this. Your words describe somethig very close to what I was feeling. At some point. I wouldn't tell you or anybody else the specifics anyway, and that would be so besides the point.
It's never exact, is it? It seems to me that perhaps nobody ever feels Exactly the same thing, between two or more of us. Sometimes that makes it easier, doesn't it? Not quite like being alone. Then again it's also a reminder that we will always be just that. After all...
If that's all we have to connect on, then it's happened spectacularly. And quietly.
I come back over and again for the sentiments you sublimate to writing that make me feel - at least someone else has been through similar... if not the same
well anyway, thanks. You express yourself with a unique eloquence
It's never exact, is it? It seems to me that perhaps nobody ever feels Exactly the same thing, between two or more of us. Sometimes that makes it easier, doesn't it? Not quite like being alone. Then again it's also a reminder that we will always be just that. After all...
If that's all we have to connect on, then it's happened spectacularly. And quietly.
I come back over and again for the sentiments you sublimate to writing that make me feel - at least someone else has been through similar... if not the same
well anyway, thanks. You express yourself with a unique eloquence
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
measure for measure...
I was informed tonight that there is no such thing as a "half" of beer. The reference being to pints. There is, I am told, no such thing as a half-pint - "it doesn't exist."
Strange how the nomenclature has existed for so long, then, but other examples are out there.
Oh thanks, though, for enlightening me, with disdain I might add - Disdain in your Voice, to Me - that I was apparently deluded (and smelled bad?) beyond reason. Where, oh Where did such an idiotic notion come from?
"it doesn't exist."
*sigh*
For the edification of those who may come across the term, there IS in fact such a thing as a half-pint. The reference differentiates between an imperial pint which is 20 oz as compared to an american pint which is 16 oz. The "half" is roughly 10 oz. I say roughly because I'm not dead sure it's British in origin, though that's where I think I picked the phrase up: "Give us a half of Spitfire, Jimmy." Whatever.
I am deeply concerned about the state of the dram, incidentally. It may not have existed for a little while now. I'm fairly sure the jigger and nip are still intact, though the latter hasn't been heard around here for a while. In fact, god help us, there may be no 'ounce' at all soon and then we're totally screwed! How awkward would it be to stroll into a bar and ask for a "30 of Jack," (30 ml being the rough equivalent of an ounce (standard shot).
Hey, I Like metric. Metric is Good, but there are a few last bastions where the old ways should be maintained. Not for the sake of resisting change. Not even because of "tradition," no.
In the case of alcohol, I would suggest that the salient reason for leaving metric behind is that there is a separate culture. Bar culture, Cafe culture, Club culture - as well as stylish parties everywhere, are connected. Their existance is for taking us out of the daily grind of life. The more encompassing their embrace, the more successful they will be.
Standardization is an incredible technology, but the name says it all "Standard." Yes, Imperial measures are a form of standardization, nobody is arguing that. The fact is that they are uncommon enough to not Feel standard. That is why a jigger of vodka, a measure of cointreau and a splash of lime still make a Cosmo so great. Otherwise it's just booze swished together.
User defined values, of course. For some, cocktails are just a way to get drunk. Personally, though, I want the fun. If you agree, then head to a bar for a nice glass of liquor and tell the barkeep to 'pony up.'
Strange how the nomenclature has existed for so long, then, but other examples are out there.
Oh thanks, though, for enlightening me, with disdain I might add - Disdain in your Voice, to Me - that I was apparently deluded (and smelled bad?) beyond reason. Where, oh Where did such an idiotic notion come from?
"it doesn't exist."
*sigh*
For the edification of those who may come across the term, there IS in fact such a thing as a half-pint. The reference differentiates between an imperial pint which is 20 oz as compared to an american pint which is 16 oz. The "half" is roughly 10 oz. I say roughly because I'm not dead sure it's British in origin, though that's where I think I picked the phrase up: "Give us a half of Spitfire, Jimmy." Whatever.
I am deeply concerned about the state of the dram, incidentally. It may not have existed for a little while now. I'm fairly sure the jigger and nip are still intact, though the latter hasn't been heard around here for a while. In fact, god help us, there may be no 'ounce' at all soon and then we're totally screwed! How awkward would it be to stroll into a bar and ask for a "30 of Jack," (30 ml being the rough equivalent of an ounce (standard shot).
Hey, I Like metric. Metric is Good, but there are a few last bastions where the old ways should be maintained. Not for the sake of resisting change. Not even because of "tradition," no.
In the case of alcohol, I would suggest that the salient reason for leaving metric behind is that there is a separate culture. Bar culture, Cafe culture, Club culture - as well as stylish parties everywhere, are connected. Their existance is for taking us out of the daily grind of life. The more encompassing their embrace, the more successful they will be.
Standardization is an incredible technology, but the name says it all "Standard." Yes, Imperial measures are a form of standardization, nobody is arguing that. The fact is that they are uncommon enough to not Feel standard. That is why a jigger of vodka, a measure of cointreau and a splash of lime still make a Cosmo so great. Otherwise it's just booze swished together.
User defined values, of course. For some, cocktails are just a way to get drunk. Personally, though, I want the fun. If you agree, then head to a bar for a nice glass of liquor and tell the barkeep to 'pony up.'
Saturday, November 15, 2008
when drinking, don't write anything important...
1. your girlfriend ups αnd leaves you for his ex. you think what?
You're cancelled bitch. Next. No, no enmity, fuck it that's life man...
2. your girlfriend buys you flowers. you do what?
kiss her cheek. s'cute, but I don't really do flowers..
3. your ex wants to hook back up. you do what?
whisper a thank you to whatever gods are listening and try to be the best boyfriend I can be
4. your parents tell you you're moving far away from where you live now. you do what?
Wish them the best. Save money to visit at some point - sun surf and sand, baby, knowing' mah 'rents!
5. has someone ever called you beautiful?
'mongst other things..
6. you are offered α career in the spotlight. you'll be as famous as Britney. (or as she ONCE was.)
I'll be bigger than Britney, baby
8. you're driving down the road and a cat runs out in front of you. do you swirve so you don't hit it?
I wasn't supposed to be behind the wheel anyway. Dead cat. But I'd stop to see it didn't suffer.
9. your opposite sex best friend is starting to act like she likes you more than a friend. do you go along with it?
mmm.. no.
10. you're fighting alot lately. you and your bf/gf. you want to end it, but you're not sure how. what would you do?
assure them that I still care, but for both our sakes it IS over. I'm sorry, it's beyond my control. It's beyond my control... It's beyond my control
11. who were you with friday night?
Marc, Rikki, and my lovely customers. Then Cait, Evan, Adric and another person
12. what woke you up this morning?
my alarm. then a phone. then another alarm. then ...
13. where are you?
living room. West End Sudbury. Canada.
14. is tomorrow going to be a good day?
Yes it is. I will see friends I haven't seen in a while
15. did you kiss or hug anyone today?
YUP! it's not really a succesful day if one or the other didn't happen...
16. when's the last time you cried?
the end of my last relationship. Surprised I didn't cry More, really...
17. what were you doing last night?
"Major Chillin'" with Cait and Evan
18. what were you doing at midnight last night?
see above. Drinking beer. Talking abbout the blues. Listening to music of the 80s
19. what were you doing at 2:00am?
Same as question 18 but instead of talking about the blues, I was taking pictures
20. ever thrown up from a roller coaster or an amusement park?
Noo. I'm made of tougher stuff. I love the feeling of motion and sudden changes in my vector
21. what's on your mind RIGHT NOW?
lyrics of the song that's playing; friends; pizza...
22. where would you like to live?
Koln, Caymans, Tokyo, Seoul, Moscow (briefly), Montreal, San Antonio, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Paris, London, Jakarta or Hong Kong, PRAGUE!, Budapest, Pretoria, Arkansas, Munchen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Sophia, anywhere in Antarctica for a brief spell, Fiji, Barcelona, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Monaco, Tenerife, Madagascar, Cairo, Jerusalem, Tripoli, Portugal, Macchu Picchu, Atlantis --- not in that order, and the list has been shortened Severely...
23. what kind of home would you like when you grow up?
If I haven't grown up yet I never will! But I don't need a mansion. Something just big enough for me, a partner and six occasional guests...
24. what do you want to be when you grow up?
Too many things to think of! Fireman, Astronaut, Spy, President of the world, International relief worker, Actor, Rockstar?, truck driver, Lifeguard, bartender, PR agent, Consultant
and more!
25. where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hate this question! I can't account for that just yet. But not here.
26. what is the longest you have gone without checking your myspace?
Don't use it.
27. who was the last person that sent you a message?
Ms. Cox, a writer from New Jersey. Interesting young lady...
28. are you friends with this person?
Officially yes. New friends. We aim to read each other's writing. (Hope she's not disappointed).
29. how often do you log in to myspcace?
Never. Daily on other sites, though
30. what do you like to do when you're in your car?
Drive! Pure aesthetics! music is mandatory. Speak without words to the passengers who understand me
31. do you like candy necklaces?
Yeah! I love 'em. I buy them for other people and judge them according to whether they accept them or not - or eat them or not, etc... s'true. I wonder who wrote this and chose candy necklaces? They really hit the button with that one
32. when was the last time you fell over or ran into something?
Three hours ago, in fact. Ran into the corner of the bar, but failed to spill any of the drinks I was toting! Damn I'm good!
33. do you listen to music every day?
If I go six hours without music, you can bet i was asleep
34. why'd your last relationship fail?
Circumstance, like any other. Nevermind. Shut up.
35. what was the last thing you ate?
Smoked salmon wrapped around a cheese stick with cream cheese and capers! Mmmmmm! about to have pizza though
36. is it the weekend?
oh yes, yes it is.
37. what are you doing tonight?
Work. Home. Wine. Write. Movie. Bed
38. what's your favorite soda?
I'm giving up soft drinks cuz they lie to me
39. ever moved?
What kind of idiot question is that? Of course, who Hasn't moved? Pfff
40. favorite sport to watch?
Soccer. Just read the blogs from 2006 and it will be obvious
41. what do you want right now?
To kill a half of Jack, and immediately board a plane for Arkansas or Vancouver (or Tokyo) and not have to sleep in the next two months. To have the faith that I could always come back, even though I wouldn't.
42. are you listening to music right now?
Of course! Always. What's a life without it?
43. do you like summer break or christmas break better?
Xmass just breaks my stride when I was finding my pace. Summer lasts and it's hotter.
44. what was the last tv show you watched?
I haven't the foggiest, to be honest. It's TV, who really cares?
45. last reason you threw up?
Drinking, naturally. The only reason I ever actually throw up. Too much - or at least, too quick..
46. best place to eat?
My House!!! Damn straight.
47. what time is it?
2:13 a.m.
48. what should you be doing right now?
Celebrating with someone I love spending time with
49. what are your pet peeves?
Stupidity. Bad drivers (variant of stupidity). People who get in my way. STupidity...
50. what song makes you cry?
No song does that currently, though there have been several over the years - starting with Paint It Black... lol
51. what song makes you happy?
Sooo many, but #1 is probably still Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel
52. what do you listen to before you go to bed?
Music, Duhhhhh,... What Kind of music? differs by the day
53. what does your mp3/ipod player have in it right now?
It has about 20 Gb of music. Couldn't start to name it all. All styles, all eras. I'm eclectic.
54. if you were a crayon what color would you be?
I would be a special colour called "Charlie"
55. what makes you happy?
Love, Life, Music and Media, Friends, Family, Lovers, Animals, Good Books, Compliments, Connections (understanding other people), Motion, Scotch and Wine, Continuance...
57. what is your favorite state?
Control.
58. if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I can't say, it might not help me get there...
59. what is the farthest from home you have ever been?
5600+ km...
Your name plus "y"?
Jasony - Charliey - Simacy ... "Heyyyou!" lol
Two feelings at the moment?
Warm, Still
What are you listening to right now?
Teenage Riot (in a public station, gonna fight, tear it up in a hypernation...)
Sonic Youth!
What are you craving to have right now?
Sex, Travel and Chocolate with Alcohol - in that order
What are you scared of?
Lately, nothing. And that's stupid. I should be scared of my erratic behaviour a few months ago, but I'm not. I should be scared at how slowly I'm progressing, but I'm not. I should be scared that... oh well nevermind. Right now I fear nothing and that's a little too cocky for my tastes.
Do you have to work tomorrow?
Nope. Nor the day after (Monday). Nor the day after That (Tuesday)!
How many houses have you lived in?
Many many houses. Very few homes.
Last friend you talked to online?
Kat Maslakow; four questions ago!
Who was the last person to text message you?
Evan Bergstra, responding to my question whether my Sarah Polly wine opener was it has place: "It's here! :)"
Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?
8th Grade. They said I looked like Kirk Cameron. It never got me anywhere...
What did you realize today?
the benefit of holding place in Silverware
Hold hands with anyone today?
No, unfortunately, but I hugged somebody
What were you doing at 7:45AM this morning?
Passed out cold. It IS the weekend, y'know.
What will you be doing tomorrow?
Clean the rat cage, visit Pete and Sandra, dinner, write, wine, movie, bed...
Have you ever been to a strip club?
Yes and Most of them were incredibly disappointing. There was one, however, where I was even inspired to get a lapdance. (it would have happened anyway, I'm told). It's the Only Peeler club that measured up, and it was in the same building as a Church!
What is the best ice cream flavor?
Tiger Tail, Cookie Dough, all forms of Chocolate, Bubble gum and ... believe it or not... Vanilla (if done well). Bill and Shannons French Vanilla / Ginger Ice Cream was Un-Fuckin'-Believable!!!
What was the last thing you cried about?
the end of my last relationship. My girlfriend was not just special, she was simply a superior being
What are you wearing right now?
Black dress shirt made of mostly synthetic fibres, black work pants, thin black socks (apparently with a small hole in the baby toe...), black tie with little skulls all over, Lorus Kinetic watch, Axe body spray, Black boxer/briefs by Senza (Incredibly comfortable)! In about two minutes I will also have on a two decade old leather jacket with steel studding through the lapels, a pillbox military cap (also black) and a black greatcoat.
Have you bought any drugs this month?
Oh sweetie, I don't Payyyy for drugs. I mean really. I haven't done any this month either, but you asked the question all wrong
Day been rough?
Today, yeah! not smooth at all. Same with most of yesterday
look to your left, what do you see?
Large goblet of Cabernet Shiraz, several DVDs and CDs, broom on chair (over my roomies' jackets), Rock Band Guitar controller, tripod, second computer, dishwasher on floor, scanneer and my flask... my flask.... my flask which Should be full of Jameson's Irish Whiskey! Hmmmm... back in ten minutes
Do you use chapstick?
Rarely, but sometimes. Cherry Coke flavoured. I'm such a loser.
Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
The reduced hours I work.
Last song listened to?
Expressway to Your Skull is just ending. Before that was New York Was Great, by the Raveonettes
Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
There are always a rare few that I hate. I think I need that for balance. There is currently nobody for whom my hate is incandescent; just a few chronic, dull, petulant hates that could be corrected quickly if we only had the time and inclination.
Are you waiting for something?
I've been waiting for Something all my life. But nothing specific. Not at the moment.
Would you date someone who was addicted to drugs?
I've tried that before. I don't do drugs like when I was younger and I know it wouldn't mesh well if I tried, because I'm not out to change anybody. Ya gots ta be who ya gots ta be.
Do you have a friend you can tell stuff to and you're sure they won't tell?
I ...
Think so. It isn't who I would have Expected, but life throws us some curves. There is one person at least that I think I could say literally Anything to. What a nice feeling!
Is there someone you want to fight?
I'm a lover, not a fighter. Lately I haven't been either, but that's how I roll - nonviolent, see?
Has any one ever told you they'll love you forever no matter what?
Yes and I believe some of them still do (in their way).
When was the last time you were disappointed?
Last night! and I was fucking irate too!
What is wrong with you right now?
Jesus! uhmmm, I will be honest with myself tomorrow...
k, I could be richer, smarter, faster, adored by hordes of beautiful women; I could be teaching myself right now - sign language or guitar...
Who was last to cook for you?
Toppazini!
What does your best friend call you?
Many things. Each of my friends has more than one name for me, generally. Who IS my BEST friend?
Do you know who Brendon Urie is?
Why even ask that when you could tell us...
What are you excited about?
just now? hearing back from a few people in particular. Excited about the next concert I see
Do you like coffee?
See my commentary on music...
Have you drank any milk today?
ewwwww, Raunch! do people Really drink milk Raw?
How about orange juice?
Mmmmmm! delicious! Yes I did and it was nuuuuuu-tritious!
Do you like the taste of blood?
most human blood actually doesn't taste too bad (in my experience)
What was the last thing you bought?
a pizza, pay attention!
When is the next concert you’re attending?
December 12 or 13 I hope...
What color are your eyes?
Green / grey / Gold
What’s your favorite movie?
*sigh* No. not again. Ask an original question
How many months till your birthday?
two and a half, and I already know what I hope to do for it!
Pepsi or Coke?
Already talked about this, what a vapid fucking question.
You're cancelled bitch. Next. No, no enmity, fuck it that's life man...
2. your girlfriend buys you flowers. you do what?
kiss her cheek. s'cute, but I don't really do flowers..
3. your ex wants to hook back up. you do what?
whisper a thank you to whatever gods are listening and try to be the best boyfriend I can be
4. your parents tell you you're moving far away from where you live now. you do what?
Wish them the best. Save money to visit at some point - sun surf and sand, baby, knowing' mah 'rents!
5. has someone ever called you beautiful?
'mongst other things..
6. you are offered α career in the spotlight. you'll be as famous as Britney. (or as she ONCE was.)
I'll be bigger than Britney, baby
8. you're driving down the road and a cat runs out in front of you. do you swirve so you don't hit it?
I wasn't supposed to be behind the wheel anyway. Dead cat. But I'd stop to see it didn't suffer.
9. your opposite sex best friend is starting to act like she likes you more than a friend. do you go along with it?
mmm.. no.
10. you're fighting alot lately. you and your bf/gf. you want to end it, but you're not sure how. what would you do?
assure them that I still care, but for both our sakes it IS over. I'm sorry, it's beyond my control. It's beyond my control... It's beyond my control
11. who were you with friday night?
Marc, Rikki, and my lovely customers. Then Cait, Evan, Adric and another person
12. what woke you up this morning?
my alarm. then a phone. then another alarm. then ...
13. where are you?
living room. West End Sudbury. Canada.
14. is tomorrow going to be a good day?
Yes it is. I will see friends I haven't seen in a while
15. did you kiss or hug anyone today?
YUP! it's not really a succesful day if one or the other didn't happen...
16. when's the last time you cried?
the end of my last relationship. Surprised I didn't cry More, really...
17. what were you doing last night?
"Major Chillin'" with Cait and Evan
18. what were you doing at midnight last night?
see above. Drinking beer. Talking abbout the blues. Listening to music of the 80s
19. what were you doing at 2:00am?
Same as question 18 but instead of talking about the blues, I was taking pictures
20. ever thrown up from a roller coaster or an amusement park?
Noo. I'm made of tougher stuff. I love the feeling of motion and sudden changes in my vector
21. what's on your mind RIGHT NOW?
lyrics of the song that's playing; friends; pizza...
22. where would you like to live?
Koln, Caymans, Tokyo, Seoul, Moscow (briefly), Montreal, San Antonio, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Paris, London, Jakarta or Hong Kong, PRAGUE!, Budapest, Pretoria, Arkansas, Munchen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Sophia, anywhere in Antarctica for a brief spell, Fiji, Barcelona, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Monaco, Tenerife, Madagascar, Cairo, Jerusalem, Tripoli, Portugal, Macchu Picchu, Atlantis --- not in that order, and the list has been shortened Severely...
23. what kind of home would you like when you grow up?
If I haven't grown up yet I never will! But I don't need a mansion. Something just big enough for me, a partner and six occasional guests...
24. what do you want to be when you grow up?
Too many things to think of! Fireman, Astronaut, Spy, President of the world, International relief worker, Actor, Rockstar?, truck driver, Lifeguard, bartender, PR agent, Consultant
and more!
25. where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hate this question! I can't account for that just yet. But not here.
26. what is the longest you have gone without checking your myspace?
Don't use it.
27. who was the last person that sent you a message?
Ms. Cox, a writer from New Jersey. Interesting young lady...
28. are you friends with this person?
Officially yes. New friends. We aim to read each other's writing. (Hope she's not disappointed).
29. how often do you log in to myspcace?
Never. Daily on other sites, though
30. what do you like to do when you're in your car?
Drive! Pure aesthetics! music is mandatory. Speak without words to the passengers who understand me
31. do you like candy necklaces?
Yeah! I love 'em. I buy them for other people and judge them according to whether they accept them or not - or eat them or not, etc... s'true. I wonder who wrote this and chose candy necklaces? They really hit the button with that one
32. when was the last time you fell over or ran into something?
Three hours ago, in fact. Ran into the corner of the bar, but failed to spill any of the drinks I was toting! Damn I'm good!
33. do you listen to music every day?
If I go six hours without music, you can bet i was asleep
34. why'd your last relationship fail?
Circumstance, like any other. Nevermind. Shut up.
35. what was the last thing you ate?
Smoked salmon wrapped around a cheese stick with cream cheese and capers! Mmmmmm! about to have pizza though
36. is it the weekend?
oh yes, yes it is.
37. what are you doing tonight?
Work. Home. Wine. Write. Movie. Bed
38. what's your favorite soda?
I'm giving up soft drinks cuz they lie to me
39. ever moved?
What kind of idiot question is that? Of course, who Hasn't moved? Pfff
40. favorite sport to watch?
Soccer. Just read the blogs from 2006 and it will be obvious
41. what do you want right now?
To kill a half of Jack, and immediately board a plane for Arkansas or Vancouver (or Tokyo) and not have to sleep in the next two months. To have the faith that I could always come back, even though I wouldn't.
42. are you listening to music right now?
Of course! Always. What's a life without it?
43. do you like summer break or christmas break better?
Xmass just breaks my stride when I was finding my pace. Summer lasts and it's hotter.
44. what was the last tv show you watched?
I haven't the foggiest, to be honest. It's TV, who really cares?
45. last reason you threw up?
Drinking, naturally. The only reason I ever actually throw up. Too much - or at least, too quick..
46. best place to eat?
My House!!! Damn straight.
47. what time is it?
2:13 a.m.
48. what should you be doing right now?
Celebrating with someone I love spending time with
49. what are your pet peeves?
Stupidity. Bad drivers (variant of stupidity). People who get in my way. STupidity...
50. what song makes you cry?
No song does that currently, though there have been several over the years - starting with Paint It Black... lol
51. what song makes you happy?
Sooo many, but #1 is probably still Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel
52. what do you listen to before you go to bed?
Music, Duhhhhh,... What Kind of music? differs by the day
53. what does your mp3/ipod player have in it right now?
It has about 20 Gb of music. Couldn't start to name it all. All styles, all eras. I'm eclectic.
54. if you were a crayon what color would you be?
I would be a special colour called "Charlie"
55. what makes you happy?
Love, Life, Music and Media, Friends, Family, Lovers, Animals, Good Books, Compliments, Connections (understanding other people), Motion, Scotch and Wine, Continuance...
57. what is your favorite state?
Control.
58. if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I can't say, it might not help me get there...
59. what is the farthest from home you have ever been?
5600+ km...
Your name plus "y"?
Jasony - Charliey - Simacy ... "Heyyyou!" lol
Two feelings at the moment?
Warm, Still
What are you listening to right now?
Teenage Riot (in a public station, gonna fight, tear it up in a hypernation...)
Sonic Youth!
What are you craving to have right now?
Sex, Travel and Chocolate with Alcohol - in that order
What are you scared of?
Lately, nothing. And that's stupid. I should be scared of my erratic behaviour a few months ago, but I'm not. I should be scared at how slowly I'm progressing, but I'm not. I should be scared that... oh well nevermind. Right now I fear nothing and that's a little too cocky for my tastes.
Do you have to work tomorrow?
Nope. Nor the day after (Monday). Nor the day after That (Tuesday)!
How many houses have you lived in?
Many many houses. Very few homes.
Last friend you talked to online?
Kat Maslakow; four questions ago!
Who was the last person to text message you?
Evan Bergstra, responding to my question whether my Sarah Polly wine opener was it has place: "It's here! :)"
Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?
8th Grade. They said I looked like Kirk Cameron. It never got me anywhere...
What did you realize today?
the benefit of holding place in Silverware
Hold hands with anyone today?
No, unfortunately, but I hugged somebody
What were you doing at 7:45AM this morning?
Passed out cold. It IS the weekend, y'know.
What will you be doing tomorrow?
Clean the rat cage, visit Pete and Sandra, dinner, write, wine, movie, bed...
Have you ever been to a strip club?
Yes and Most of them were incredibly disappointing. There was one, however, where I was even inspired to get a lapdance. (it would have happened anyway, I'm told). It's the Only Peeler club that measured up, and it was in the same building as a Church!
What is the best ice cream flavor?
Tiger Tail, Cookie Dough, all forms of Chocolate, Bubble gum and ... believe it or not... Vanilla (if done well). Bill and Shannons French Vanilla / Ginger Ice Cream was Un-Fuckin'-Believable!!!
What was the last thing you cried about?
the end of my last relationship. My girlfriend was not just special, she was simply a superior being
What are you wearing right now?
Black dress shirt made of mostly synthetic fibres, black work pants, thin black socks (apparently with a small hole in the baby toe...), black tie with little skulls all over, Lorus Kinetic watch, Axe body spray, Black boxer/briefs by Senza (Incredibly comfortable)! In about two minutes I will also have on a two decade old leather jacket with steel studding through the lapels, a pillbox military cap (also black) and a black greatcoat.
Have you bought any drugs this month?
Oh sweetie, I don't Payyyy for drugs. I mean really. I haven't done any this month either, but you asked the question all wrong
Day been rough?
Today, yeah! not smooth at all. Same with most of yesterday
look to your left, what do you see?
Large goblet of Cabernet Shiraz, several DVDs and CDs, broom on chair (over my roomies' jackets), Rock Band Guitar controller, tripod, second computer, dishwasher on floor, scanneer and my flask... my flask.... my flask which Should be full of Jameson's Irish Whiskey! Hmmmm... back in ten minutes
Do you use chapstick?
Rarely, but sometimes. Cherry Coke flavoured. I'm such a loser.
Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
The reduced hours I work.
Last song listened to?
Expressway to Your Skull is just ending. Before that was New York Was Great, by the Raveonettes
Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
There are always a rare few that I hate. I think I need that for balance. There is currently nobody for whom my hate is incandescent; just a few chronic, dull, petulant hates that could be corrected quickly if we only had the time and inclination.
Are you waiting for something?
I've been waiting for Something all my life. But nothing specific. Not at the moment.
Would you date someone who was addicted to drugs?
I've tried that before. I don't do drugs like when I was younger and I know it wouldn't mesh well if I tried, because I'm not out to change anybody. Ya gots ta be who ya gots ta be.
Do you have a friend you can tell stuff to and you're sure they won't tell?
I ...
Think so. It isn't who I would have Expected, but life throws us some curves. There is one person at least that I think I could say literally Anything to. What a nice feeling!
Is there someone you want to fight?
I'm a lover, not a fighter. Lately I haven't been either, but that's how I roll - nonviolent, see?
Has any one ever told you they'll love you forever no matter what?
Yes and I believe some of them still do (in their way).
When was the last time you were disappointed?
Last night! and I was fucking irate too!
What is wrong with you right now?
Jesus! uhmmm, I will be honest with myself tomorrow...
k, I could be richer, smarter, faster, adored by hordes of beautiful women; I could be teaching myself right now - sign language or guitar...
Who was last to cook for you?
Toppazini!
What does your best friend call you?
Many things. Each of my friends has more than one name for me, generally. Who IS my BEST friend?
Do you know who Brendon Urie is?
Why even ask that when you could tell us...
What are you excited about?
just now? hearing back from a few people in particular. Excited about the next concert I see
Do you like coffee?
See my commentary on music...
Have you drank any milk today?
ewwwww, Raunch! do people Really drink milk Raw?
How about orange juice?
Mmmmmm! delicious! Yes I did and it was nuuuuuu-tritious!
Do you like the taste of blood?
most human blood actually doesn't taste too bad (in my experience)
What was the last thing you bought?
a pizza, pay attention!
When is the next concert you’re attending?
December 12 or 13 I hope...
What color are your eyes?
Green / grey / Gold
What’s your favorite movie?
*sigh* No. not again. Ask an original question
How many months till your birthday?
two and a half, and I already know what I hope to do for it!
Pepsi or Coke?
Already talked about this, what a vapid fucking question.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
in consideration of the recent past
To the people who have seen me doing stupid things and making an ass of myself: Thank you for your tolerance.
To the people who would be hurt by things I've done: I'm sorry. Simple words don't make up for everything, but it's an important start.
To the people I've annoyed: I will be more what I was when you met me and first became interested
To the people I've been good with / to / for / you-get-the-idea: I hope to continue in the same manner.
Once again, I'm seeing where the good can come out of a bad circumstance, or fucked up situation. There are those that say as long as you can keep finding that element, then you're still on the right track. Perhaps that's overly charitable, but there is a kernel of truth in it.
This is not to suggest that we cling to tiny truths in justification of our shortcomings. It's just good to know.
To the people who would be hurt by things I've done: I'm sorry. Simple words don't make up for everything, but it's an important start.
To the people I've annoyed: I will be more what I was when you met me and first became interested
To the people I've been good with / to / for / you-get-the-idea: I hope to continue in the same manner.
Once again, I'm seeing where the good can come out of a bad circumstance, or fucked up situation. There are those that say as long as you can keep finding that element, then you're still on the right track. Perhaps that's overly charitable, but there is a kernel of truth in it.
This is not to suggest that we cling to tiny truths in justification of our shortcomings. It's just good to know.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
increments 1
Telepopmusik told me to "breathe - just breathe"
but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs want me to "say say say..."
The Ventures think I should "walk, don't run" perhaps they're concerned for my safety, thanks but I'm thinking that
The Demics were right about me: "I gotta get it movin', maaan, I gotta move it right now" and then perhaps I can live up to the mantra I took from
Tykwer, Klimek and Heil - "I wish I was a person with unrelenting breath - I wish I were a heartbeat, that never comes to rest", because when
New Order tells us it's a "world in motion," even
Billy Idol "Don't Stop"
but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs want me to "say say say..."
The Ventures think I should "walk, don't run" perhaps they're concerned for my safety, thanks but I'm thinking that
The Demics were right about me: "I gotta get it movin', maaan, I gotta move it right now" and then perhaps I can live up to the mantra I took from
Tykwer, Klimek and Heil - "I wish I was a person with unrelenting breath - I wish I were a heartbeat, that never comes to rest", because when
New Order tells us it's a "world in motion," even
Billy Idol "Don't Stop"
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
radio-activity
A short while back I was invited by Mr. Luke Norton to make a guest appearance on his radio show, out at the Uni. As fate would have it, I was perfectly on time for once and those whom I was to meet were late. I took over the show for slightly more than half an hour. Luke took this as a sign of me being fully capable (which is mostly true) and is going to suggest to the station director that I be offered a timeslot.
Yeeeeeesssss, this coddles my ego. I like it. The show I offer will be later in the evening, thus falling under "experimental" programming. The advantage here is of course that I will get around specific rules. For example, the 40% Canadian content rule. I like Canadian, I do. I want to play Canadian music. I am glad I am not Strictly bound to it, mind you. Another example, which I don't intend to make much use of, is that I can play music with profanities such as "fuck," "shit" and other harsh language in it. There are limits of course. No hate. As stated though, there is no big need to purposely play music with such language.
Every program needs a name. The right name will start everything off well. There are a couple of titles in consideration right now, which I will recount momentarily; but I am hoping that anybody reading this will feel free to suggest a title for a show. Without further ado, here are some possible titles...
"Final Approach" - The first thing I played, of my own volition, was an excerpt from the beginning of the film Final Approach. I like the aircraft / in-flight feel of the name. I like the vaguely sci-fi feel of it, because I want a vaguely sci-fi feel to the show.
"Test Dept." - is actually the name of a band I used to listen to. I don't hear them so much anymore because I lent out albums and never saw them again. This would make a good title inasfar as it reflects the experimental nature of the show, and the band would be a good example of much content. Possibly.
"Radioaktivität" - taken directly from the Kraftwerk song. I loves Kraftwerk, yes I does! This title would also carry a strong sci-fi feel and a definite denotation of what's what. A little unoriginal, I'd have to say - don't you think? *sigh*...
Some kind of variation on the long standing "Voice of Freedom" might be good. Or "Radio Free Sudbury." A dash political, though.
Yeeeeeesssss, this coddles my ego. I like it. The show I offer will be later in the evening, thus falling under "experimental" programming. The advantage here is of course that I will get around specific rules. For example, the 40% Canadian content rule. I like Canadian, I do. I want to play Canadian music. I am glad I am not Strictly bound to it, mind you. Another example, which I don't intend to make much use of, is that I can play music with profanities such as "fuck," "shit" and other harsh language in it. There are limits of course. No hate. As stated though, there is no big need to purposely play music with such language.
Every program needs a name. The right name will start everything off well. There are a couple of titles in consideration right now, which I will recount momentarily; but I am hoping that anybody reading this will feel free to suggest a title for a show. Without further ado, here are some possible titles...
"Final Approach" - The first thing I played, of my own volition, was an excerpt from the beginning of the film Final Approach. I like the aircraft / in-flight feel of the name. I like the vaguely sci-fi feel of it, because I want a vaguely sci-fi feel to the show.
"Test Dept." - is actually the name of a band I used to listen to. I don't hear them so much anymore because I lent out albums and never saw them again. This would make a good title inasfar as it reflects the experimental nature of the show, and the band would be a good example of much content. Possibly.
"Radioaktivität" - taken directly from the Kraftwerk song. I loves Kraftwerk, yes I does! This title would also carry a strong sci-fi feel and a definite denotation of what's what. A little unoriginal, I'd have to say - don't you think? *sigh*...
Some kind of variation on the long standing "Voice of Freedom" might be good. Or "Radio Free Sudbury." A dash political, though.
At home, at work, at play
First off, Congratulations to Spain for making it all the way through and taking the EuroCup. I didn't see the goal (it was 1-0 at full time). In fact I only caught the last two minutes of the game because of a play I performed in.
I have been avoiding writing again for a little while. That is to say I wanted to get to it, but probably 'later.' The play is over, though, and a few things will change subtly and so perhaps it is time to get back to typing.
A Midsummer Night's Dream ran for a grand total of four performances and we always end up asking ourselves why not double the run? Whatever. I will Not say this was a smooth run. Elements of it were smooth, but some parts were outright prickly and stupid. They say it doesn't help to concentrate on the negative, but I am saying this now to get it out of my system so it can be done forever. Nonetheless it was fun overall. I would do it again. Next time as Puck.
Separate topic. I've started work at the Office Bistro. I hope they will not schedule me tomorrow, but then go ahead and schedule me for the rest of the time they are open. I have a good feeling about this place. Of course, I need to make lots of money very quickly, too. Cuz I shall have to move soon.
This place of mine is .... a perpetual mess. Short of constant effort, this is how it will remain. It's slowly getting to me. I have tried to put the point across, but I am guessing I shall have to be Blunt. I am further guessing that will only be successful for a short time. Why do people make other people have to be blunt and unpleasant?
Soon enough it won't matter, of course, because I will flee the country! Another home, far away...
And there it is: for those of you who knnow me, you know I like to write about things in threes. Todays theme "at work, at home, at play" was boosted from a song by Sparks, which is playing right now in my messy damn house
I have been avoiding writing again for a little while. That is to say I wanted to get to it, but probably 'later.' The play is over, though, and a few things will change subtly and so perhaps it is time to get back to typing.
A Midsummer Night's Dream ran for a grand total of four performances and we always end up asking ourselves why not double the run? Whatever. I will Not say this was a smooth run. Elements of it were smooth, but some parts were outright prickly and stupid. They say it doesn't help to concentrate on the negative, but I am saying this now to get it out of my system so it can be done forever. Nonetheless it was fun overall. I would do it again. Next time as Puck.
Separate topic. I've started work at the Office Bistro. I hope they will not schedule me tomorrow, but then go ahead and schedule me for the rest of the time they are open. I have a good feeling about this place. Of course, I need to make lots of money very quickly, too. Cuz I shall have to move soon.
This place of mine is .... a perpetual mess. Short of constant effort, this is how it will remain. It's slowly getting to me. I have tried to put the point across, but I am guessing I shall have to be Blunt. I am further guessing that will only be successful for a short time. Why do people make other people have to be blunt and unpleasant?
Soon enough it won't matter, of course, because I will flee the country! Another home, far away...
And there it is: for those of you who knnow me, you know I like to write about things in threes. Todays theme "at work, at home, at play" was boosted from a song by Sparks, which is playing right now in my messy damn house
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Drawn in the sand
Clearly the topic is lines. We're not talking about little white lines here, either, rather the big extensive lines that will swallow up vast tracts of time in the course of being memorized. I have a device to make all well though...
But first a little background is probably appropriate. With Summer coming on it is once again time for Shakespeare on the lawn at the Thorneloe Chapel. This month, from the 26th to 29th we will be presenting the much loved classic A Midsummer Night's Dream (in a slightly shortened format).
Now as mentioned, the problem with presenting a play is learning your lines, or as the thespians say "going off-book." Generally I find it hard to see how people could do this without some kind of trick. Here are some of mine.
Many would doubt it possible as I state presently that I am both typing this and studying lines simultaneously, but it's true. My first and possibly best trick is to record a reading of the lines involved to my trusty iPod. The easiest thing one will ever remember is a song that they want to sing along to. This way, I can play back any section of my nearly 20 minutes of recitation as though it Were a song. Sort of. I can do this pretty much any time outside of the shower. Better, it allows one to study handsfree and without keeping their eye on the page, making things Incredibly convenient.
Of course having an audible assist is great, but there is still no getting around the actual script. The script is your friend because it is the portable format that maintains your visual cues and all the notes to direct you on subtext that lines alone speak naught of. Pardon the vaguely archaic tone that crept in there.
Blocking (position onstage at any time and actions), tone and inflection, cues and of course silly drawings of the director are all contained in the script in one's own handwriting. And lines, too, naturally.
Lines! Sometimes we get a longer patch of lines - A "monologue," if you will. This is where trick two comes into play. Rather than be daunted by a large passage, the intelligent memorizer will instead begin to divide the passage. There are always logical progressions of sub-thoughts that can stand on there own. By taking these sub-thoughts as their own lines, we connect them with simple mnemonics or one-word categories and memorize in small portions until we have the whole.
But these things seem obvious. These are not the reason this note is being written. The real reason is that today being the 7th of June, there is only one day left for the cast to be off-book. This weighs heavily on me. There are several passages that Y.T. has down pat. Pat, pat.
Neither am I complaining that I am overburdened by the volume of lines to be memorized. I have fewer lines than some of the actors. The longest of monologues are presented by others as well. It is simply this: it is one thing to let one's self down and not be ready, but in taking a role, one makes a compact with all the others involved. One owes them a certain dedication and perseverance to ensure their efforts are equally met.
Offbook by tomorrow. Wish me 'break a leg'...
But first a little background is probably appropriate. With Summer coming on it is once again time for Shakespeare on the lawn at the Thorneloe Chapel. This month, from the 26th to 29th we will be presenting the much loved classic A Midsummer Night's Dream (in a slightly shortened format).
Now as mentioned, the problem with presenting a play is learning your lines, or as the thespians say "going off-book." Generally I find it hard to see how people could do this without some kind of trick. Here are some of mine.
Many would doubt it possible as I state presently that I am both typing this and studying lines simultaneously, but it's true. My first and possibly best trick is to record a reading of the lines involved to my trusty iPod. The easiest thing one will ever remember is a song that they want to sing along to. This way, I can play back any section of my nearly 20 minutes of recitation as though it Were a song. Sort of. I can do this pretty much any time outside of the shower. Better, it allows one to study handsfree and without keeping their eye on the page, making things Incredibly convenient.
Of course having an audible assist is great, but there is still no getting around the actual script. The script is your friend because it is the portable format that maintains your visual cues and all the notes to direct you on subtext that lines alone speak naught of. Pardon the vaguely archaic tone that crept in there.
Blocking (position onstage at any time and actions), tone and inflection, cues and of course silly drawings of the director are all contained in the script in one's own handwriting. And lines, too, naturally.
Lines! Sometimes we get a longer patch of lines - A "monologue," if you will. This is where trick two comes into play. Rather than be daunted by a large passage, the intelligent memorizer will instead begin to divide the passage. There are always logical progressions of sub-thoughts that can stand on there own. By taking these sub-thoughts as their own lines, we connect them with simple mnemonics or one-word categories and memorize in small portions until we have the whole.
But these things seem obvious. These are not the reason this note is being written. The real reason is that today being the 7th of June, there is only one day left for the cast to be off-book. This weighs heavily on me. There are several passages that Y.T. has down pat. Pat, pat.
Neither am I complaining that I am overburdened by the volume of lines to be memorized. I have fewer lines than some of the actors. The longest of monologues are presented by others as well. It is simply this: it is one thing to let one's self down and not be ready, but in taking a role, one makes a compact with all the others involved. One owes them a certain dedication and perseverance to ensure their efforts are equally met.
Offbook by tomorrow. Wish me 'break a leg'...
Thursday, December 06, 2007
because I cannot sleep
perhaps thinking will help.
Andrew didn't think anybody would repost this quiz, so I thought I'd prove him wrong:
1) Some random girl comes up to you and says "who the hell are you"?
You're asking what I'd do? I'd say "look you don't know me yet, but very soon you will.."
2) What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
my Foot!
4) The last song you listened to?
"Roadrunner" by Jonathan Richmond and Modern Lovers.
5) If you hated someone and got put in charge of his or her funeral music, what would it be?
"Entry of the Gladiators" by Fucik or "Liberty Bell March"
6) Where is your best friend right now?
I'm not sure :(
8) Pick a scar on your body:
I think the one above my left eyebrow
9) What teacher have you hated most and why?
Mrs.White, who took all the joy of math and turned it to hate
15.) Who do you trust with your life?
Ashley Silcock, Sarah Gartshore, my family... hmmm
16) If you could change your name to anything what would it be?
Bruno Ponce Léon? Johnny Moondog? Citizen Simac?
17) What would you say if someone told you that you were the most beautiful person in the world and they would do anything to wake up to your face each and every morning?
Obviously that depends on Who said it.
18) What do you hate about your school?
That they didn't accept a four year honour degree and higher than stated requirements for entrance to their MA program.
19) How often do you curse?
Ah shit...
20) Do you trust all of your friends?
All of them. To varying degrees and with specific things. One learns to what extents they can trust people - I've learned the hard way often enough. I still love them.
21) Would you move to another state or country to be with the one you love?
Of course. Probably not the U.S. though.
22.) Have you ever talked on the phone while in the shower?
electronics and water? why didn't I think of it!!
23) Name two things you would not tolerate in a relationship?
lies.
bullshit.
24) Which one of your friends do you think would make the best prostitute?
I wouldn't wish that on the people I Don't like! I'm sure as hell not doing so for friends.
25) Are you afraid of falling in love?
not at all, it's probably better than smoking
26) Is there someone that popped in your mind after that question?
I thought of ex-lovers, naturally
29) Fill in the blank. I love_____....
"that shit!" or "you" or "gratuitously"
30) What is a goal you would like to accomplish in the near future?
move to the caribbean - which people should already know
31) If you were to wake up from being in a coma for an extended time who would you call?
that cute nurse from the night shift
32) How many kids do you want to have?
one. or two. or the whole soccer team. no other number will do
33) Would you make a good parent?
I think so. I have been told so. I have a number of friends that I've been learning from, so Yes
34) Where was your default picture taken?
in my bedroom
35) What is your middle name?
Charles. Some folks think it's Charlie and that's okay, but really it's Charles
36) Honestly, what's on your mind right now?
I am literally Killing time
37) If you could go back in time and change something, what would it be?
I would have been nicer
38) Shoe size?
11
39) What are you wearing right now?
blue jeans, boxers, t-shirt and a sweater
41) Can you make a dollar in change right now?
I bet I can make ten
44) Favorite animal?
Iguanas. They are magical. Followed closely by rats
46) Have you had the chicken pox?
Twice! it is in fact possible...
48) Ever had plastic surgery?
Yup!
49) Who knows you the best?
I ask myself this often enough. Everybody knows different aspects of me...
51) Ever been in a fight with your pet?
sort of. it was pretty one sided...
52) Ever been to Mexico?
No. but nearly went on a day trip to Tijuana when I visited LA
55) Did you miss anyone today?
Yessss, just like everyday!
58) Last person to lay in your bed?
Me! If you meant who besides me I am not answering, it would just sound like something it wasn't anyhow.
59) Last person to see you cry...
I think Ami Lowe
60) Who/what made you cry?
my pet iguana died
62) What are your plans for the weekend?
try to get my shit in order
63) Who do you think will repost this?
not too many people read this anymore. If Vic is the type to repost Crap like this, maybe...
64) Are you happy right now?
I'm not sad
66) Are you hungry?
I just had apple crisp and bread, so no
67) Are you a forgiving person?
Very much so.
68) Would you ever share a girl/boyfriend with your best friend?
Not with my best friend, but I have with others
70) Are you talking to someone while doing this?
I am quiet as a churchmouse.
72) What are you about to do right now?
go to bed
Andrew didn't think anybody would repost this quiz, so I thought I'd prove him wrong:
1) Some random girl comes up to you and says "who the hell are you"?
You're asking what I'd do? I'd say "look you don't know me yet, but very soon you will.."
2) What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
my Foot!
4) The last song you listened to?
"Roadrunner" by Jonathan Richmond and Modern Lovers.
5) If you hated someone and got put in charge of his or her funeral music, what would it be?
"Entry of the Gladiators" by Fucik or "Liberty Bell March"
6) Where is your best friend right now?
I'm not sure :(
8) Pick a scar on your body:
I think the one above my left eyebrow
9) What teacher have you hated most and why?
Mrs.White, who took all the joy of math and turned it to hate
15.) Who do you trust with your life?
Ashley Silcock, Sarah Gartshore, my family... hmmm
16) If you could change your name to anything what would it be?
Bruno Ponce Léon? Johnny Moondog? Citizen Simac?
17) What would you say if someone told you that you were the most beautiful person in the world and they would do anything to wake up to your face each and every morning?
Obviously that depends on Who said it.
18) What do you hate about your school?
That they didn't accept a four year honour degree and higher than stated requirements for entrance to their MA program.
19) How often do you curse?
Ah shit...
20) Do you trust all of your friends?
All of them. To varying degrees and with specific things. One learns to what extents they can trust people - I've learned the hard way often enough. I still love them.
21) Would you move to another state or country to be with the one you love?
Of course. Probably not the U.S. though.
22.) Have you ever talked on the phone while in the shower?
electronics and water? why didn't I think of it!!
23) Name two things you would not tolerate in a relationship?
lies.
bullshit.
24) Which one of your friends do you think would make the best prostitute?
I wouldn't wish that on the people I Don't like! I'm sure as hell not doing so for friends.
25) Are you afraid of falling in love?
not at all, it's probably better than smoking
26) Is there someone that popped in your mind after that question?
I thought of ex-lovers, naturally
29) Fill in the blank. I love_____....
"that shit!" or "you" or "gratuitously"
30) What is a goal you would like to accomplish in the near future?
move to the caribbean - which people should already know
31) If you were to wake up from being in a coma for an extended time who would you call?
that cute nurse from the night shift
32) How many kids do you want to have?
one. or two. or the whole soccer team. no other number will do
33) Would you make a good parent?
I think so. I have been told so. I have a number of friends that I've been learning from, so Yes
34) Where was your default picture taken?
in my bedroom
35) What is your middle name?
Charles. Some folks think it's Charlie and that's okay, but really it's Charles
36) Honestly, what's on your mind right now?
I am literally Killing time
37) If you could go back in time and change something, what would it be?
I would have been nicer
38) Shoe size?
11
39) What are you wearing right now?
blue jeans, boxers, t-shirt and a sweater
41) Can you make a dollar in change right now?
I bet I can make ten
44) Favorite animal?
Iguanas. They are magical. Followed closely by rats
46) Have you had the chicken pox?
Twice! it is in fact possible...
48) Ever had plastic surgery?
Yup!
49) Who knows you the best?
I ask myself this often enough. Everybody knows different aspects of me...
51) Ever been in a fight with your pet?
sort of. it was pretty one sided...
52) Ever been to Mexico?
No. but nearly went on a day trip to Tijuana when I visited LA
55) Did you miss anyone today?
Yessss, just like everyday!
58) Last person to lay in your bed?
Me! If you meant who besides me I am not answering, it would just sound like something it wasn't anyhow.
59) Last person to see you cry...
I think Ami Lowe
60) Who/what made you cry?
my pet iguana died
62) What are your plans for the weekend?
try to get my shit in order
63) Who do you think will repost this?
not too many people read this anymore. If Vic is the type to repost Crap like this, maybe...
64) Are you happy right now?
I'm not sad
66) Are you hungry?
I just had apple crisp and bread, so no
67) Are you a forgiving person?
Very much so.
68) Would you ever share a girl/boyfriend with your best friend?
Not with my best friend, but I have with others
70) Are you talking to someone while doing this?
I am quiet as a churchmouse.
72) What are you about to do right now?
go to bed
Sunday, December 02, 2007
The next Rat!
If you've read this faithfully, you will already be familiar with Jill, my Rat. When Penelope died, Jill was alone, so I had to find her a roommate. I never did introduce the newest addition to our house...
Katie, or Kate, is the young Rat currently living next door to Jill. They are separated because the fight for dominance had been getting gratuitous and bloody. I shall try to integrate them again soon. At any rate, Kate is beautiful and so good natured - though still with a healthy dose of scepticism. There will be a facebook link up shortly to a picture of Kate and Jill.
Katie, or Kate, is the young Rat currently living next door to Jill. They are separated because the fight for dominance had been getting gratuitous and bloody. I shall try to integrate them again soon. At any rate, Kate is beautiful and so good natured - though still with a healthy dose of scepticism. There will be a facebook link up shortly to a picture of Kate and Jill.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Shalll we play a little game?
A little game of...
...Murder?!?! :P
This is post 187, which, for the uninitiated, is the police code for homicide. I promised to make this one topical. So here's a little game I propose to Kill some time! I will write lines from different songs. Whoever identifies songs and artists in order presented will win an actual handwritten note from yours truly of at least two pages length. If you can execute this task with Extra information pertaining to the lines, then I will probably even let you pick the topic in the letter! First three to satisfy the conditions win.
Bonus: you just have to guess ten of these!
Shall we? here are the mystery lines:
1 "Murderer! Man on fire - Murderer! I've seen the eyes of living dead"
2 "I can turn and walk away or I can fire the gun, staring at the sky, staring at the sun"
3 "Fate - up against your will - through the thick and thin..."
4 "I heard you on the wireless back in '52, lying awake in bed and tuning in on you..."
5 "fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better Run run run run run run run away" (This one's a freebie!)
6 "I'm gonna run, gonna run till I hit the sun some little cunt's gonna get my gun"
7 "I been very tempted to grab it from the till - I've been very hungry, but not enough to kill"
8 "Tell me tell me tell me the answer - You may be a lover but you ain't no dancer" (also a giveaway)
9 "I'm a wicked young lady, but I've been trying hard lately.. O fuck it! I'm a monster! I admit it!"
10 "I felt all flushed with fever, embarrassed by the crowd, I felt he found my letters and read each one out loud"
11 "I know they're gonna hang me, tomorrow I'll be dead, though I never even harmed a hair on poor little Laurie's head."
12 "...you know I caught her messin' 'round with another man. Huh! And that ain't too cool"
13 "I stuck that lovin' 44 beneath my head"
14 "The silicon chip inside her head gets switched to overload..."
15 "What did her daddy do? It's Janie's last I.O.U."
16 "My adrenaline's pumpin. I got my stereo bumpin. I'm 'bout to kill me somethin. A police stopped me for nuthin'!
Well that's a whole lotta Killin' goin' on eh? Yes indeed. If you can't figure them out then get vengeful and add some that I can't figure out! Keeping to the theme, Chris and Angelle ordered Indian food today at my influence (cuz I could Murder a curry :P)! Eventually I shall write another post going 187 on specific corporations like Bell...
Incidentally, hands up those who've heard about the guy that the RCMP tasered to death. Did you see the video? (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/11/14/bc-taservideo.html) Did you hear anything at all about the use of a billy bat on the head of an unconscious victim? Yes, it's true. When it comes to killing may I suggest you all be HyperWary of anyone who is Supposed to carry a firearm? Remember, trust nobody with your life - cuz it's your Life!!!
I think there will have to be a part two to this...
tune in again for the next installment
...Murder?!?! :P
This is post 187, which, for the uninitiated, is the police code for homicide. I promised to make this one topical. So here's a little game I propose to Kill some time! I will write lines from different songs. Whoever identifies songs and artists in order presented will win an actual handwritten note from yours truly of at least two pages length. If you can execute this task with Extra information pertaining to the lines, then I will probably even let you pick the topic in the letter! First three to satisfy the conditions win.
Bonus: you just have to guess ten of these!
Shall we? here are the mystery lines:
1 "Murderer! Man on fire - Murderer! I've seen the eyes of living dead"
2 "I can turn and walk away or I can fire the gun, staring at the sky, staring at the sun"
3 "Fate - up against your will - through the thick and thin..."
4 "I heard you on the wireless back in '52, lying awake in bed and tuning in on you..."
5 "fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better Run run run run run run run away" (This one's a freebie!)
6 "I'm gonna run, gonna run till I hit the sun some little cunt's gonna get my gun"
7 "I been very tempted to grab it from the till - I've been very hungry, but not enough to kill"
8 "Tell me tell me tell me the answer - You may be a lover but you ain't no dancer" (also a giveaway)
9 "I'm a wicked young lady, but I've been trying hard lately.. O fuck it! I'm a monster! I admit it!"
10 "I felt all flushed with fever, embarrassed by the crowd, I felt he found my letters and read each one out loud"
11 "I know they're gonna hang me, tomorrow I'll be dead, though I never even harmed a hair on poor little Laurie's head."
12 "...you know I caught her messin' 'round with another man. Huh! And that ain't too cool"
13 "I stuck that lovin' 44 beneath my head"
14 "The silicon chip inside her head gets switched to overload..."
15 "What did her daddy do? It's Janie's last I.O.U."
16 "My adrenaline's pumpin. I got my stereo bumpin. I'm 'bout to kill me somethin. A police stopped me for nuthin'!
Well that's a whole lotta Killin' goin' on eh? Yes indeed. If you can't figure them out then get vengeful and add some that I can't figure out! Keeping to the theme, Chris and Angelle ordered Indian food today at my influence (cuz I could Murder a curry :P)! Eventually I shall write another post going 187 on specific corporations like Bell...
Incidentally, hands up those who've heard about the guy that the RCMP tasered to death. Did you see the video? (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/11/14/bc-taservideo.html) Did you hear anything at all about the use of a billy bat on the head of an unconscious victim? Yes, it's true. When it comes to killing may I suggest you all be HyperWary of anyone who is Supposed to carry a firearm? Remember, trust nobody with your life - cuz it's your Life!!!
I think there will have to be a part two to this...
tune in again for the next installment
Distractions, distractions...
Sure, sure, I promised earlier that I would have already reached my 200th post. Well I was wrong. I, like so much of the world, have been on FaceBook lately.
Let's start with FaceBook, shall we? It really is a convenience somehow and yet I loathe that site. There are so many little applets that people always nag with. What a pain in the ass! But then I don't want to be rude, these people are nagging cuz they care and it's a form of interaction. And I love these people! They can't All give me a call. I suppose I love the pain in the neck applets for the intention behind them.
Now Blogger and ƒB are different utilities and I realize that I Miss Blogger. I like the idea of having content control as opposed to - ƒB who Claim content rights. Let me say that again. FaceBook claims content rights in their EULA. Some people have figured this out and I expect it is the prime reason I hear "I'm getting off facebook." Good for you. To everyone else: you best start thinking twice about that stuff. Don't put anything important on it. And for Chrissakes how can you Not know that you are being DataMined?!?! So for the Love Whatever you most want to be loved By, Get in there and LIE! Lie, Lie, Lie and fuck with those Marketers!
I suppose the unilateral-ity of Blogger is also a bonus I appreciate, which I wouldn't have cottoned to unless I read a friend's blog today. Well, associate really, I spent a long time suspecting this person didn't like me at all. A link will show up in the side bar soon, in case you trust my judgements.
Let's start with FaceBook, shall we? It really is a convenience somehow and yet I loathe that site. There are so many little applets that people always nag with. What a pain in the ass! But then I don't want to be rude, these people are nagging cuz they care and it's a form of interaction. And I love these people! They can't All give me a call. I suppose I love the pain in the neck applets for the intention behind them.
Now Blogger and ƒB are different utilities and I realize that I Miss Blogger. I like the idea of having content control as opposed to - ƒB who Claim content rights. Let me say that again. FaceBook claims content rights in their EULA. Some people have figured this out and I expect it is the prime reason I hear "I'm getting off facebook." Good for you. To everyone else: you best start thinking twice about that stuff. Don't put anything important on it. And for Chrissakes how can you Not know that you are being DataMined?!?! So for the Love Whatever you most want to be loved By, Get in there and LIE! Lie, Lie, Lie and fuck with those Marketers!
I suppose the unilateral-ity of Blogger is also a bonus I appreciate, which I wouldn't have cottoned to unless I read a friend's blog today. Well, associate really, I spent a long time suspecting this person didn't like me at all. A link will show up in the side bar soon, in case you trust my judgements.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
thinking of old times and friends...
We met when we were in school. Never took no shit from no one, we werent fools.
The teacher says we're dumb. We're only having fun. We piss on everyone in the classroom
When we got thrown out I left without much fuss. On weekends we'd go dancing down streatham on the bus
You always made me laugh, got me in bad fights, play me pool all night, smokin menthol
I practised daily in my room. You were down the crown planning your next move...
Go on a nicking spree, hit the wrong guy - each of you get three years in brixton
I did my very best to write. How was butlins? Were the screws too tight? When you lot get out were gonna hit the town - well burn it fuckin down to a cinder
Cos years have passed and things have changed and I move anyway I wanna go
Ill never forget the feeling I got when I heard that you'd got home. An I'll never forget the smile on my face when I knew where you would be...
- And if you're in the crown tonight, have a drink on me
But go easy...step lightly...stay free
The teacher says we're dumb. We're only having fun. We piss on everyone in the classroom
When we got thrown out I left without much fuss. On weekends we'd go dancing down streatham on the bus
You always made me laugh, got me in bad fights, play me pool all night, smokin menthol
I practised daily in my room. You were down the crown planning your next move...
Go on a nicking spree, hit the wrong guy - each of you get three years in brixton
I did my very best to write. How was butlins? Were the screws too tight? When you lot get out were gonna hit the town - well burn it fuckin down to a cinder
Cos years have passed and things have changed and I move anyway I wanna go
Ill never forget the feeling I got when I heard that you'd got home. An I'll never forget the smile on my face when I knew where you would be...
- And if you're in the crown tonight, have a drink on me
But go easy...step lightly...stay free
0 - 100 in X seconds
My final class ended today at about two in the afternoon. It's all done but the writing. By my count the writing is approximately thirty five pages.
Now, I haven't been on this site since early February and I miss it, yes I do. My goal is simple: All school related writing done in a week and a half and my two hundredth post here on blogger by the end of the month. further, just for ambition's sake, a script for a movie in no more than say two and a half weeks.
and I need to get a job. Fast. - ish.
The entries here will be cheating, one will note that they are extremely similar to what I must hand in for class. The shorter ones, anyhow.
That said, tune in soon to enjoy me elucidating mountains of critical theory. I'm off to get something done.
pray for me, to whichever God you believe in
Now, I haven't been on this site since early February and I miss it, yes I do. My goal is simple: All school related writing done in a week and a half and my two hundredth post here on blogger by the end of the month. further, just for ambition's sake, a script for a movie in no more than say two and a half weeks.
and I need to get a job. Fast. - ish.
The entries here will be cheating, one will note that they are extremely similar to what I must hand in for class. The shorter ones, anyhow.
That said, tune in soon to enjoy me elucidating mountains of critical theory. I'm off to get something done.
pray for me, to whichever God you believe in
Monday, February 05, 2007
Exam tonight
Yup the Exam is tonight.
All class members need 70%.
Or they are booted mercilessly from the class.
Mercilessly!
Keep your fingers crossed for me.
All class members need 70%.
Or they are booted mercilessly from the class.
Mercilessly!
Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
It's all about me today!
It really IS all about me today.
If you don't believe it read the two other entries I posted today.
That'll prove it's about mmmME!
MMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee-EEEE! (^_^)
Oh! Hi! look at you. Now, Look at Me!
sorry, how selfish. Hello all readers. Hope you have a lovely week. It looks to be shaping up as a right decent week.
If you don't believe it read the two other entries I posted today.
That'll prove it's about mmmME!
MMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee-EEEE! (^_^)
Oh! Hi! look at you. Now, Look at Me!
sorry, how selfish. Hello all readers. Hope you have a lovely week. It looks to be shaping up as a right decent week.
Not all vampires suck blood...
Energy! You dirty little vampires, I know what you were thinking. Of course in specific cases I will be more than happy to suck your blood.
Energy; O, my flock, that is what I need from you now. You see there's just sooooo much to be done, but I haven't been able to pull it together. No man is an island. I only get anywhere with the lot of you, so I have to ask this of you all:
Channel me some Karma, Power-level me, Kick my ass a little, Lend me your strength, Transfer some charge to me, Be my muse, Push me, Give Me Your Life Force and I promise to reciprocate in the fullness of time. As I have previously stated, my triumph Is your triumph!
If you all give just a little I will catch fire, I will become incandescent. Won't that be fun? Seeing me immolate? Science suggests that if I move quickly enough while this process, my gravity will increase - and then I can be a star! A star for my readers, of Course!
Energy; O, my flock, that is what I need from you now. You see there's just sooooo much to be done, but I haven't been able to pull it together. No man is an island. I only get anywhere with the lot of you, so I have to ask this of you all:
Channel me some Karma, Power-level me, Kick my ass a little, Lend me your strength, Transfer some charge to me, Be my muse, Push me, Give Me Your Life Force and I promise to reciprocate in the fullness of time. As I have previously stated, my triumph Is your triumph!
If you all give just a little I will catch fire, I will become incandescent. Won't that be fun? Seeing me immolate? Science suggests that if I move quickly enough while this process, my gravity will increase - and then I can be a star! A star for my readers, of Course!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
