ready to read about writing right: "how to write a movie in 21 days"

The truth about me is pretty sad: I'm practically an anti-reader. It's true for a lot of people I know, they have a hard time picking up a book. I don't have a hard time picking one up, I just have difficulties opening it. Then, the chances that I do open it, it's finishing it. That's why I think it was such a big deal that I finished reading Watchmen. But I can hear critics saying now that that isn't considered a real book. Well, I beg to differ. It made it on the top 100 novels and it's the only graphic novel on there. Sure, it's mostly pictures, but you really can't figure out what's going on without reading it.

Anyway, you know you are a sad reader when your friends have to mail you books to read. Peopel can suggest books to you all day, but when it's hand delivered to you by your local postman, then perhaps it's time to read the words cover to cover.

Granted, I still haven't finished Our Uncle Sam by Erik Greene... but I say that's a wee bit different. I started reading that because our cable went out before I decided to pop in a DVD. Again, I know... I'm a sad reader. I've been tryin' to told ya!

So my friend, whom I dub as my "cinematic soul mate" (and I could write an entire post about, but I'm not going to but will thank her for this book and a birthday card she stuck in it), sent me Viki King's How to Write a Movie in 21 Days. Hopefully I can read it in at least 7. If I'm not mistaken, I think she wants this book back, so I will get my reading on so I can ship it back to her ASAP whilst I look into buying my own copy. Or buy her a brand new one since I'm too lazy to ship anything myself that can't fit into a envelope. I have no shame.

By receiving this book, I think it means it's time for me to head back to the "studio" to start penning a script. February just began. In my dream world, perhaps I'll wriet a script every month. Hey, I'm a firm believer in making my dreams come true, so if I could write a script every month... Good googamooga! Of course I'd come back to them a month later to tweak and tweak until I see no more need for tweaking until others say so. I haven't forgotten my mentors Mrs. Rogers and Jaden, plus countless tips I pick up from various trusted sources.

But first, I must read. That's one piece of advice I haven't followed that even my idol, Sam Cooke, said to do: read as much as you can. I seriously doubt I can count Wikipedia.

happy birthday mr. soul

I couldn't let the clock hit midnight without giving it up to the one and only Sam Cooke. So I will post a tweet I wrote earlier tonight.

I almost forgot today is Sam Cooke's birthday. He'd be 78 today, and he
would've seen that change certainly came and took office 2 days ago.

I don't remember how I remembered or what made me think of it, but at least I remembered.

And it's been an interesting day that I might talk about on another day. I rather not go into great detail about it, but instead I can rewrite it as a little fictional piece inspired by a true story. It would consist of being distracted all day, an overflowing toilet with "products that weren't friends of mine" and dealing with something I won't go into detail with, but will hyperlink with two words: tonsil stones. If you know what those are, then you already know. If not, click at your own risk.

Now I must work on some other blog related things. Yay for me!

fripodding and heavy roation: the top 5 five

Last friDay, in the first of my Heavy Rotation series, I shared my top ten favorite albums that came out before I was born. Prince seemed to be a favorite, and it almost didn't make it on the list being so close to T-Day. Anyway, I will show you 5 top album in 5 selected categories. Since this will be a list of 25 albums, I won't comment as to why I think the albums are on top, and I will also hold back from sharing album cover art. If you want specifics as to why I listed what I listed, you know where the comment button is.

I rate these based on their listenability - listening to an entire, or most of the album without much skipping. These are albums I bought or acquired, whereas I may not listen to every track. My rule is I have to like at least 3 songs to buy the whole thing. Well, back before iTunes and file sharing existed. I still buy a disc every once in a while. Also bear with me, it's not easy rating these in my own liking. I keep switching who's at #1 depending on my mood at the time. And I sadly had to take some albums out because they didn't rate well with the listenability meter. Shucks. Nevertheless, if you don't have any of these albums, I highly recommend you invest!

TOP 5 GOSPEL ALBUMS
I must be honest, I leave out a lot of gospel music on my playlist and even here with the friPods. And it is indeed a music genre I enjoy, and sing practically every Sunday, or every other Friday, and occasionally on Thursday...

5. BBJay - Universal Concussion
4. Detrick Haddon - Chainbreaker
3. Helen Baylor - The Live Experience
2. Detrick Haddon - Crossroads
1. Kirk Franklin - The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin

TOP 5 LIVE ALBUMS
I was actually working on making a LIVE playlist taking all the live songs I had, and well... ya know... one playlist. But I realized I have a decent collection of live albums. There are certain elements you just don't get with studio albums. Crowd screaming for one thing. And then it makes you wish you were there when you hear them react to something as if the performer did something or maybe it's a surprise guest! Finally, this massive party is also a compilation of some of your favorite songs, sometimes extend or mixed into a medley with something else. Just pure awesomeness all around and your ticket is about $15 for the CD.

5. Curtis Mayfield - Live 1971
4. John Legend - Live From Philadelphia
3. Kirk Franklin - The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin
2. Daft Punk - Alive 2007
1. Sam Cooke - Live from the Harlem Club Square

TOP 5 SOULFUL LADY ALBUMS
I could just knock off the soulful part so I could include Sara Barellis. I also had to draw a line and take out Lauryn Hill who'd no doubt stick out at #1. And Alicia Keys I left out for the simple fact that I wanted some newcomers to get a little bit of shine. So here are some of my favorite leading ladies... and if any of these beautiful singers are reading, please give me a call so we can hang out some time.

5. Corrine Bailey Rae - Corrine Bailey Rae
4. Chrisette Michele - I Am
3. Solange Knowles - Sol-Angel & The Hadley St. Dreams
2. Leela James - A Change Is Gonna Come
1. Joss Stone - Introducing...

TOP 5 90's ALBUMS
LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR: this is a list of albums I owned then. And I'm also basing this list on how often I listened to them back then. I'm fudging #5 by including 2, only because I really didn't own the album but borrowed it several times.

5. P. Diddy & the Bad Boy Family - No Way Out/Will Smith - Big Willy Style
4. Santana - Supernatural
3. Wyclef Jean - The Carnival
2. Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
1. K-Ci & JoJo - Love Always

TOP 5 SOUNDTRACKS
Let's face it, some movies wouldn't be what they are today if it wasn't for an awesome soundtrack backing it up. Or in some cases, it's what drives it. I also cheated on this list for the #1 slot putting 2 albums together... but it's not really cheating. The majority of both albums were composed by the same person. I would've included a 3rd album with the other 2, but I don't own it yet. I'd also like to note that Idlewild from Outkast would be on this list, except that technically, they consider the album as just that, an album, not a soundtrack to the movie. Yes, songs from the movie are included on it, but you'll also find a chunk of the songs from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Anyway, check out the movies that these soundtracks belong too as well as their awesome musical ventures.

5. Dreamgirls (Deluxe edition)
4. Superbad
3. Black Snake Moan
2. Purple Rain
1. Ocean's Eleven/Ocean's Thirteen

Yes, yes y'all!

fripodding and heavy rotation: vol. 1 - pre-me

So this is the first of a few of what I call "Heavy Rotation" which in radio land means songs that are played frequently... since back in the day, radio stations used records which rotate! (There you go, you learned something today!) The term can still apply since a lot of us still use CDs, even though those are slowly becoming obsolete and now we rotate our fingers around our iPods' wheel.

Anyway, I compiled a list of top albums I truly love and can have the title of being in Heavy Rotation when it comes to being played on my late stereos (may they rest in piece, collecting dust), car and computer CD players alike, and of course iSaac and other MP3 playing devices.

This list feature albums that came out before my time. Since we live in an age of countless "best of" albums, a majority of this list features those compilation albums or collections. However, I will provide the title of the album I actually own, just so you know I'm not making it up. So here are my favorite albums of my past. And by past, I mean before I was around in the later 80's.


10. Earth Wind & Fire - Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 - This album only has 10 tracks on it, and this was the 3rd CD I ever owned I bought when I began my music listening career. Songs like Singasong, September and Getaway among countless others are always great songs to fall back on when I need to get out of a bad or gloomy mood.

9. The Jacksons - I don't really have a specific album to cite here, but their music played a vital role while I was growing up. Yeah, I grew up in the late 80's early 90's, but this was the only music I was exposed to (besides Christmas songs and Disney tunes). Needless to say, I grew up listening to Michael's entire catalogue and I have my reasons for not having the songs (not albums) Bad orThriller in iSaac's memory. (Long story short, overplayed.)


8. The Isley Brothers -It's Your Thing: The Story of the Isley Brothers - I found a 3 disc, "best of" collection. I love how half the songs can be upbeat and semi-partyish songs, especially a song like Shout, while others are for those making love songs like Don't Say Goodnight. And hey, we all need a little romance in our lives sometimes. Even if there isn't anyone around to romance with... as a writer, it puts me in the mood to pen something that needs that slow burn of seduction the Isleys easily churn out. Especially when such songs have their longer versions... and we can take a guess as to why they would make an extended version... Anyway, notable songs I love: Summer Breeze, This Old Heart of Mine, Love the One You're With, Footsteps in the Dark, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, and my all time favorite For the Love of You.


7. Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On - I would choose again a "best of" collection for this guy, but I can't find one that has ALL my favorites. So instead I'll just pick the one that has the most, or at least one I actually own which features one of his most popular songs. This album is pretty much a baby-making album. Anytime you hear those beginning guitar wah-wahs, you know what time it is. But once I heard the EXTENDED version, I was like... I gotta own this. Little did I know that what I heard was someone who mixed Let's Get It On with another track on the album called Keep Gettin' it On. I don't really need to explain what the song is about, do I? Anyway, there are some other lovely tracks. But by no means is that all of the Marvin Gaye songs I like.


6. Prince - Purple Rain - Thanks to some proofreading, scrolling through iSaac's library, and some second and third glances, I realized I forgot to include Prince. There's still so much more music I need to hear from this genius, but if I had to choose an album, it would be this one. I was going to include one of his many "greatest hits" albums, but c'mon now... Purple Rain! Plus this one qualifies to be on this list being released before I was born. The movie might be lacking in some respect, but the music is awesome, and for that I say it's worth watching, especially when the title song is performed. When it comes to my iPod, this album is joined by many other Prince hits--past and present.


5. The Temptations - Emperors Of Soul - This is a 5 disc collector's set. I begged my mom to loan me $70 at the time (I was 15 and refused to get a paper route). It was also a year or so after their bio-movie was on TV. Let me say this... I haven't listened to the 4th disc of this collection at all. If I can, allow me to rate the discs: 2, 3, 1, 5, 4. Disc 2 contains what you would call "Classic Temptations" which has the legendary line-up including the one and only David Ruffin (My Girl, Losing You, Ain't Too Proud to Beg). There are also a few awesome bonus previously unreleased tracks on that one (I love Heaven on Earth). Disc 3 has their rougher/psychadelic side (Cloud Nine, Can't Get Next To You, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone) , disc 1 has their earliest "hits"... I say that because at that time, they were still struggling. Then disc 5 has their most recent material, and the only song I was familiar with was Treat her Like A Lady.

4. & 3. Definitive Collections - I can't choose between the next two greats. I mean, I had a hard time putting the Tempts in 5th place on this awesome list. And the next few all deserve #2 next to my #1. So without really saying there's a 3rd or 4th, find their defining best of's...

Al Green - I never owned an actual Al Green album, but he recently came out with one last year that he's been nominated for a Grammy. I shall definitely pick it up in the near future. But he's been making hits all his life and idolizes my idol, Sam Cooke. The songs on this best of album, truly hit after hit. Tired of Being Alone, Love and Happiness, L-O-V-E... Those three alone I could set on repeat for an hour. Between the lyrics, the instruments, and the voice only Al Green could sing with... However, thanks to this album I gained some new favorites like Perfect to Me which I swear I'd sing to some lucky girl some day. ;o) I just want to make an honorable mention of Simply Beautiful which isn't on this album, but worth checking out. I wrote it into a scene and I pray whenever I get to make the movie I wrote it into, I get the clearance for it.

Stevie Wonder - Another living legend that has a career that puts so many to shame. Well, I don't know who I'm referring to by that... but this double album speaks for itself. I got to be honest (as I usually am) but I seriously forget that this man is blind. And once I take that into account, I just marvel that much more about the wonderful music he has created. However, on this album, one of my favorite songs, As, is the short version. If you can find it, and you upload it to your iPod, make sure you switch it out with the extended version of that song. Other favorite songs of mine: I Wish, Yester-me Yester-You Yesterday, Signed Sealed Delivered and Living For the City. And I guess it's a song that wasn't that well known, but I've grown to love I'm Wondering. Needless to say (yet I'm saying it anyway) there are tons of other greats on here. Me being picky, I shortened this double album to just one... but that's just me.


2. Curtis Mayfield - Live 1971 - I don't really know if that's the name of the album, but it's one of my favorites at the moment. It was hard to choose just one because there's the Superfly soundtrack and yet another collection of his greatest hits when he was solo, and with The Impressions--which by the way are must owns--but I chose this live album because I felt it contained some real soul, groove and funk of his personality and music. It just felt raw and I loved that. And I love hear the audience react to what he was saying and singing. The other thing it did is made me feel like I was there, at that time, and I know a little bit of history so I know what was going on and how Blacks in America were going through. Mayfield knew it to and kept it real with his audience. Besides that album, I highly respect all the music he has made over his impressive career. Notable songs I really enjoy are The Makings of You (this version I think is better than the studio version), I Plan to Stay a Believer, We're a Winner and People Get Ready. A song very few people seem to know about but is supremely awesome and deserves an honorable mention: P.S. I Love You. The album it's on is hard to find, so I suggest picking up the Superbad movie soundtrack. There are a number of other awesome songs on that album, but it doesn't fit this list.


1. Sam Cooke - One Night Stand! Live at the Harlem Club Square, 1963 - According to history, this album didn't get it's first release date until about 20 years after it was recorded. Instead, Sam at the Copa was released but compared, this album was much more superior. Similar to the Curtis's live album I mentioned before... it's raw, it's real, it's what soul is all about. This is one album I refuse to listen to any old way--it must be played beginning to end. It's only under 40 minutes, but it's the best 40 minutes I can spend in my life. It's the subject of one of my recent screenplays. And it's the album I say time and time again that if I had to take one CD with me on a deserted album, this is the one I'd bring. There's so much I could say about this but I don't think even I could do it justice... but I'm willing to do my best if I ever get the chance to get that script produced. Now I'm still just talking about the music and emotion that the album sets you in, as a listener. This is the album that made me wish I was alive and able to be at this show. But let's talk about the legend. Mr.. Soul. I've said it countless times before, but he needs his own biopic. Sure, the movies we have so far of Ray Charles, The Temptations, Little Richard and the rumored biopic of Marvin Gaye are all well deserved... but this is the man who started it all! I even have the perfect teaser trailer for it. But more on that later. If you don't know Sam, I suggest you do some homework. Fortunately, the CD people have made it easy and released a 4 disc album with practically every song he's recorded. Almost. They gave his gospel recordings with the Soul Stirrers it's own collection of discs. Surprisingly, I don't own all of these, shame on me. However, any recording of him live? Awe. Some. You want some real singing? Bump American Idol! This is what it's all about. No, A Change is Gonna Come isn't sung live here. According to my research, he didn't record or release it yet. However, what I believe is the highlight is the intro to and the actual song Bring It On Home to Me. To get a taste of what this album is, I suggest checking out the first 10 minutes of the movie Ali starring Will Smith. In fact, this is the very movie that started my fascination with Sam Cooke's music and I was determined to find that song and specifically that version. David Elliot, who starred as Sam, was good and it is on the Ali soundtrack... but it still doesn't compare to the original. And you can believe I nearly exploded once I learned that there even was an original. Since it came in the mail, this has been the #1 album that has the heaviest rotation of all time. Well, with me anyway.

fripodding and office space

So it's Friday again, and we all know what that means...

Pay day? (Not for me.) Pizza for lunch at school? (Perhaps for those schools that are still open on Friday.) TGIF on ABC? (Does that still come on anymore?) New movies in theaters? (Well... yeah, but how often do I go to the movies on a Friday for a new release? ...That soon may change though.)

Basically, it's time for my friPod iPick brought to you by my iPod iSaac. [This is where I'd have my in-house band play a little jingle as the previous words animate themselves on the screen.]

Today's pick really should've been last Friday's pick. And I'll tell you why--I bought the CD last Friday and didn't listen to it until AFTER I wrote about Al Green. Now don't get me wrong, I would've still iPicked Al Green's Stay With Me, but just not that day. I recently made a Genius playlist from it too. But these things happen for a reason. And it makes sense that I waited, and really got to get into this new album. What album do I speak of?

I highly recommend you run and pick up a copy of this masterpiece. Most of you know of my endless search for today's artist with yesterday's sound. That Motowny, classic R&B sounds from the 60's... like The Tempts, Marvin, Smokey, Diana, Four Tops, etc. Joss Stone made the list. Solange made the list. Leela James made the list. I'd even say John Legend made the list. Raphael Saadiq is the list. I couldn't stop listening to this album. I was watching TV and every commercial break I'd switch on iSaac featuring any of the 13 songs from this CD. I will quickly complain about 1 thing I disliked about this nigh-perfect album... It's too short. I don't seriously mind the songs being as short as they are. Again, that's how the songs were back then. But this CD clocks in UNDER an hour. HEY! Compact discs can have up to 74 minutes! And probably more with today's technology! Let's fill it up! I want more! You could have like 21 songs, Saadiq! C'MON! Growl...

So, this is a CD I can listen to all day long and barely skip a track. I've been iPoding it all week. So it's hard to pick just one. So I'll pick three. The first one that caught my attention is actually one of the last songs (and for good reason--save the best for last): Sometimes. This song channels my hero Sam Cooke to a wonderful degree. I was sensing A Change is Gonna Come. No doubt this is a song I'll memorize and sing to myself. Next... Big Easy which is an upbeat fast moving song and an obvious tribute to New Orleans and what happened with Katrina. I couldn't get past the instruments to get that message, but that's why I listen to songs over and over again. Between that jazzy feel this song has and feeling like you are at a jazzy night club, this could easily be one my favorite songs. My third choice would be Calling which has one of those 60's slow jam vibes to it. The earliest song I can think of is Jerry Butler's For Your Precious Love. I actually made a whole playlist of songs past and present that have that sound. Again, it's in the instruments. But this also has a slight latin twist with some Spanish speaking lady soothing the ears of the listen, probably telling the guy why she isn't answering his call. It's a wee bit sad, but I love this song.

I could sit here and tell you about each track, but I won't. It's rare that I find a CD I can listen to from beginning to end and just... love it. But this one has done it. Instant classic and throwback to that classic 60's 70's R&B sounds. Oh, and Stevie Wonder is on this too! I can't tell you enough how awesome this CD is! Eargasms all around! I even put the picture of the album up. But we'll move on.

So I decided to finally post a pciture of my new wall. I forget the official Japanese name for it, but here it is.

It's not the best picture, but I was rushing. I took it at night so I could utilize the lights on my desk to show the bamboo design. You see 5 panels, but there's actually 6. I recently moved it again so you can see it. I didn't take pictures yet. But I will.

I want to talk about the news, but I'll save it for later. What news-worthy topics do I feel like sharing? What else? Politics and the economy. Instead of getting deep into discussion, I'm just going to leave my opinion for both issues in one word that I will elaborate on later: inevitable.

books? what the stank are those?

So I stole this from my good friend Melissa whom I keep stealing things from... I blame her, it's all her fault. But this is about books. All about books. I want people to know I do read occasionally... But let me remind you, its occasionally. Plus you guys know me, my thing is cinema. But as a writer, I know the more you read, the better writer you'll be. It's gotta be true, my hero Sam Cooke said it!

What was the last book you bought?
Literally, it just came in the mail: The Purpose Driven Life and a supplimental book to that called Daily Inspirations.

Name a book you have read MORE than once
Superfudge... But for something more grown up, I "read" The Purpose Driven Life via audio tapes/CDs.

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
Again, Purpose Driven Life and 23 Minutes in Hell.

How do you choose a book - eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
Let the record show, I'm not an avid book reader. So I used to read when required (in school) but lately, if a book arouses my interest based on description/summary, I'll possibly pick it up. Reviews and recommendations help a lot. But usually, it's my own interest in seeking the book out.

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Hard to say. Two out of the three books are self-help/DIY/instructional... But one of them is non-fiction. Past books I bought we novelized screenplays... So perhaps it'd be fiction?

What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Plot. You can lost in beautiful writing and have no clue what happened for an entire chapter.

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
Farley Drexel aka Fudge from Superfudge.

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
There's a sketch book on my make-shift night stand. Half of my bed also acts as a night stand, and yesterday I had Illustrations for Biblical Preaching and that's still there now, but I added Playing the Harminca (which has been living in my bookbag) and Our Uncle Sam (which I bought a month ago and only read pieces).

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
In it's entirety--23 Minutes in Hell and I finished that about three-four months ago. I've started three since then that I haven't finished.

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Yes. I tried reading a Sherlock Holmes novel. Didn't finish it. I tried reading Lord of the Flies. I lost interest. And I was supposed to read that for school. Guess what, I still passed that test with flying colors. WOOT! WOOT!

bad news, good news, new news, old news, ...new olds?

To make a long story short, my uncle didn't show up on Saturday at the big family reunion picnic gathering thing. Honestly, I'm not that bummed about it. Yes, I was let down, but I feel so much better knowing I was prepared and had that groovy feeling of accomplishment. There's nothing quite like it. Needless to say, I'd much rather wish I had the chance to meet my uncle and show him my work. But in due time. The other reason I'm not too bummed about it is because I'm considering the circumstances he might've went through--like the happy rain storm known as Hanna. Apparently he lives in New Jerser or Long Island... which either way is an area that got hit a little worse than us. So due to incliment weather, I can understand why he didn't show up. Plus he's a big time executive and might not always be able to leave willy nilly. Then again, that may hurt his case, and I'm still on his side.

As for the reunion... I honestly will admit I was pretty bored. I met a bunch of people I probably won't see for another year or so, if that. One of which I do hope to meet again and work with. More on that later.

As for work... So far so good. 27 files down, and we'll just say... 23 to go... and 2 days left. Woot.

My parents and grandmother tripped down to Virginia for the rest of the week. They left a few hours ago and now I have the house to myself. Partytime? Oh yeah, baby! Evey night! Heh... Not quite. Pretty much everytime I have the house to myself for more than a few days... I haven't been home. Like I suddenly turn into an anti-homebody. Odd? Some seem to think so. But the other thing is one of my best friends is on vacation and will also be gone for the week. So that's one less person I can wreak havoc with. I need some more local friends.

Speaking of important people in my life, I'm starting to watch TV a little more this fall. In fact, as I type I'm watching Fringe. I can't say if it's good or bad since it's only the first 30 minutes... However I am impressed whenever they show a location, the words/names are floating and sometimes the camera flies through the letters. It's like the words are actually there! It's awesome. I want floating words in my neighborhood! Not necessarily location devices, but just random words. What might I have? "Squishy." Or maybe "onomatopoeia."

Between the commercial breaks, they actually say how long until they return. If only every show did that. This show has some humor to it too that I appreciate. It was either this or Wipe Out... which I do watch. Later, another new show, on BET no less, called Somebodies is coming on that I want to check out. This is the 3rd show that sounds like the premise or the exact college themed sitcom I wanted to do. The other two is Undeclared and some show I saw on Hulu.com called Dorm Life. I haven't seen it yet... But one day. I keep a lot of my big ideas to myself, but I'll let the title out on this one--Academic Probation. Sigh... I won't say much more about it though.

I do hope a new show called Valentines get's cancelled. I feel bad for saying that, but an idea I have for a movie trilogy involves Greek mythology very similar to how that show is doing things. I do not appreciate it. Alas, this was an idea I would bring up when I was more established, and had the chance to meet the great Andre 3000.

Well, I'm going to go off and cause a lot of trouble.

Writer's Wretreat - August '08 [part 3]

It's the crack of dawn early Sunday morn... I'm just now realizing I have the perfect view of the sunrise. I think I neglected that fact before due to it being rainy and cloudy yesterday morning. It's hard to determine the sunrise when the cloudy clouds are blocking the sunny sun, no? Maybe I'll draw back the light blocking curtains and watch the sun rise live. That almost sounds like a concert. Ooo... That's a good idea. Have a musical concert from about 5am to 8am or something... No one steal it! I claimed it here first! Growl.

Even though I've been sitting in the same spot for about... 7 hours, I still haven't done much editting to Sam's One Night Stand. I think that's what I'm going to go with as a title. I got some feedback from a friend I sent the initial script to. I just sent her the newer version, but it's not the final completed version. If I still have energy, I may just get that over with and call it a night. Or morning. Or day. I think I'm going to start preparing to go home. With a suite like this, do they expect me to wash my dishes? I brought the wrong camera to document my stay here. I would've had some awesome shots of the silverware, food I ate, amazing stunts I did that people should never do in their own home. I jest. Like last time, I mostly sat at the desk.

Ocean's Thirteen came on HBO 2 unexpectedly. What's even more uncanny is Ocean's Eleven was on TBS at the same time! What a choice to make. I went 13 since it was uncensored and commercial free. I lucked out though because 11 came on a 2nd time... So you know where I was for about 4 hours. Yep, in the ugly brown recliner that is nowhere as comfy as the one at home. And I munched on my complimentary bag of buttered free popcorn that I almost burned, and decaf coffee that I brewed myself. Aren't I special?

So that was part of my vacationing, and it was good. I had to get back into workmode which was a little difficult. I was distracted and inspired by reading my new favorite blogs and the comments people make. Then I decided to get snacks. All of that helped me to... [insert drumroll]

Write a brand new story! I haven't started the script, I don't know if I will do it now... but either way, I'm feeling accomplished. What is it called? Working title would be The Writing Retreat. I like puns... and there really isn't one in that title. Concept: A struggling young writer taking a weekend off at a hotel to focus on writing new material, meets an unexpected muse that changes his life forever. The fun thing about that concept alone, it's based on a true story. As for the story itself, well, it's partially based in truth, but later in the story, my imagination takes over. But it's not like crazy imagination. It's a story I could easily film if a bunch of actors were in the room next to me and they worked for free and on a whim.

Speaking of neighbors... what is with the people about me??? Who does that much walking?! Seriously! At least they are sitting now, I hope. I may have to write that in the script, what my character would be thinking is going on in the room above his. A dance party? Musical chairs? A ballet performance chef? People warming up for a marathon?

Good God in the sweet heavens above me, I would like a nap.

I was going to have a Seinfeld marathon... but I've stuck with Psych. This show makes me happy. I thought I'd get through both seasons, but I'm still on season one. And the movies I rented? Didn't touch them since I've been here. Go fig. I know why though. I couldn't write something new and watch something new at the same time. Plus, watching familiar things that I love, inspires me to write, and hopefully it's up to par to whatever I'm watching.

Crap in a hat... my eyes are too weary to continue. I've seen too many words in one sitting. I'm going to clean up a bit, open the curtains, enjoy more Psych, as I float off to La La Land. It's nice, they like me there.

Oh yeah! Bounty towels are really awesome! They really are as tough as the commercials say. And yes, I'm amazed by the simplest things in life.

Writer's Wretreat - August '08 [part 2]

Woot woot! Yes, yes yall... I have all, or most of the written words needed for my script to be at it's completeness. I'm going to go through later tonight to do some revising before I'm satisfied with the main results. I'm currently at 36 pages, which is a little less than I expected, but in screenplay terms, that still qualifies as a short film, and technically equals about 40 minutes. But the album itself is about 36 mins long, so clearly, the movie will be longer than that. Clearly.

I had a great sleep by the way. I want to smuggle these pillows out because of their awesome fluffiness. I am reminded of a Seinfeld episode with George being annoyed that his sheets are tucked in too tightly. I sort've had the same issue, but I dealt with it... and slept peacefully from about 6am to noon. Now here it is just about 3pm, and I am mostly complete. I need a quick nap before I do some hardcore reading... and probably some food too. But I have the rest of the night for that, and I can probably work on some other back burner projects OR start a brand new one. And by brand new, probably something that has been in my head but hasn't seen the light of a laptop, or been heard by any ears other than the one inside my head. That makes me sound all kinds of weird, doesn't it?

What's weird is who else is up at the wee hours of the morning walking around constantly? And no, it isn't sounds of beds moving way more than they should, it's actual footsteps. Believe me, I know the difference and I don't wanna talk about it. Anyway, the footsteps went on and on all night. It's a good thing I wasn't trying to sleep! Man, some people. My other deductive reasoning would have me believe that it's because my room is right next to a stairwell. So, that could be the reason for all the footsteps. Still... why so much walking at 3 - 4 am? And my TV goes off every few hours. I'm thinking it's an energy saving thing, but still... it's a little creepy sometimes.

Well, 'tis time for a wee nap. This is a partial vacation, I should be able to lounge around and do absolutely nothing for a little while, enjoy some free cable and a big comfy bed. But the productiveness shall continue indefinitely.

running out of time... and days off

I'm almost at the finish line of this script that I've been talking about for... a month to a year I suppose. Honestly, this was a script I never thought I'd be writing until years from now. Why? It's one of those projects I didn't want to attempt until I was well established and somewhat known and trusted to get the financing to handle it. But the other thing I keep forgetting is I can always write it now and save it for later. I must remember what my screenwriting teacher at Middlesex taught me. "All of the leading ladies can't be hot latin women!" Wait, no, she didn't say that. Build up a portfolio, then worry about selling and production stuff like that later. And to get an agent after. Which means I should go back to my other plan of writing scripts strictly for selling. Wow, strict scripts is as hard to type as it is to say out loud. I'm going to blame the pizza.

I tried a new pizza place that was recommended to me today. They already won points by getting here in 20mins. I feel bad I gave them a lousy tip. When I order from them again, I'll make up for it. I'll give them a Hallmark card that says "Thank you."

Anyway, I received Our Uncle Sam yesterday from author Erik Greene, who is the great nephew of Sam Cooke. I was already hooked by the beginning. It's exactly what I was looking for to help with my script. I'm going to see how quickly I can read it. But I want to finish one thing at a time, of course. Which means the pizza is first on my plate... literally. Well, if I was eating from a plate. I normally just take the box and run.

I also managed to watch a slew of movies, which I've reviewed all on my Myspace blog. Movies recently reviewed? 21, Park, College Road Trip, Penelope, and Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. I will probably continue this movie span in the next few days. This helps in my writing process in so many ways. "How to make a movie that doesn't suck." Speaking of movies that will probably go down in flames, isn't Disaster Movie's title really just punctuate the movie itself? I've seen enough trailers that have me convinced I want to cry if I had to pay to see this movie.

Someone is drumming very badly next door. They really should stop or I might sneak in their house and fill their drums with cement.

Speaking of which, I still haven't received word from Dr. Bob... So I may once again hold off until NEXT week, possibly Friday, to get Sam (the car) out of the hospital. So this weekend, I may finally get a wee retreat. I need to spend time away from this house. I'm thinking back to Candlewood Suites. It's nice there. Plus I never really got to sleep in the bed since I only stayed for one night and practically sat at the desk the whole time I was there. I only slept for 2 hours there. I melted into the mattress before I had to peel myself out when the cleaning lady came a'knockin. So yeah, $300 should cover a couple nights wherever I choose to go for a couple nights.

Methinks I need a nap now. Which some would see as odd since I didn't do anything today. On the contrary, last night I typed out Bible study questions for my dad. About 7 chapters, all in one sitting. Oh, my poor fingers. I wanted to detach them and sit them in some cooling waters, then hang them to dry. But sleeping for about 7 hours worked too. All I want now is just 15 mins of a nap. Or more. We have to sing tonight in Middletown at some service that I think is outside... It might not be... I'm not sure. But I need to rest. So rest I shall. And drink plenty of fluids. And don't call me in the morning.

mcdonalds

I'm considering taking tomorrow off due to the lack of work, or more accurately, my ability to do the work I need to do. There's no way in Hell, Michigan I'm going to make the numbers I need by the end of this week. In fact, this entire month is going to go below my usual numbers. Oh well, it happens to the best of us once in a while, right? I'll get over it. September will be a new month. Back to basics. (Ha! Someone thought I was about to say "back to school!" Face!)

My day today has been so-so. I slept with my window open, inviting a cool breeze that helped put my body in a such a deep sleep that I slept through both of my alarms. By "both alarms" I mean 2 separate alarming devices that went off at least 3 times each. My mom called me around 9 asking if I was going to work. Yes, it's possible to be late when you are working from home. I threw some clothes on and headed to the office--a whole hallway and flight of stairs away.

Later my grandmother surprised me with lunch, brought to you by McDonald's. I love my grandmother dearly, but I didn't have the heart to tell her I don't eat McDonald's. Before any anti-Mickey D people get too excited, let me explain WHY I don't eat their food. It's not because they are all over the world and #1 or maybe have shady dealings or make false claims about having the best fries or the chicken is make-believe or they have a weak breakfast menu. No, it's none of that. And I'm not ashamed of admitting I'm a corporate or brand name whore. I'd name a child Sony if I could get away with it. I also like the names Phoenix and Nefertiti, but again, that's something to discuss with the mother* who at this point is non-existent. (*Applications are in the main office by the door. Attach a photo and brief discription and wait about a week for a response.) I dislike McDonald's because after consumption, my tummy starts to hate me and wreaks havoc on the rest of my body causing me to growl and scowl involuntarily, sometimes frightening small nearby children in the process. If only I could get the words "Don't eat McDonald's" I might save them from the same fate. They won't think those Happy Meals are so jolly anymore. Well, I can tolerate the apple pies. But I won't give in to too much of their food unless I don't have any other choice and there wasn't a field of fresh grass to nibble on until I could get to a Taco Bell or KFC, which is a step above McD. I don't eat too much fast food, but when I do, I'm on the picky side.

I like the French. They have given great things such as croissants, Love Me If You Dare, Amelie and Paris, je t'aime, the city of Paris (for which the film is named after), Daft Punk and what I used to think was Napoleon ice cream... But I was confusing the French ruler(s) with Italian desserts. BIG difference. That has nothing to do with anything I was doing today other than listening to Daft Punk and wondering if French toast is really from France... And it isn't. At one point it was called German toast. Then French. I never heard "Freedom toast" back when they had "Freedom fries." Anyway, look it up on Wikipedia. 'Tis quite interesting.

Lastly, I'm going to post a video of a past performance of which I rarely ever watch due to that queazy feeling I get from watching myself on screen. You are your own worst critic, as they say... I'm no exception to myself. But this is me singing "A Change is Gonna Come" for the first time in public, back in 2007, January 27th... which was 2 days before my birthday as I celebrated by throwing a poetry party/show at my church. My sister is introducing me as the host/emcee of the evening, as well as the featured poet later that night. And my fam and I all dressed alike--black and jeans. Anyway, I would need to perform this again so I can feel better about myself knowing there is a better performance of this song with my name attached. I dunno when that will be... I do like my hair at this time though...

progress and pizza

As they say in Hollywood, cut to the chase! I've never been there, but apparently its a catchphrase that has spread to modern use to tell whoever is telling a story, to get to the action-packed chase scene. Thus, my interpretation. And have I cut to the chase yet? Absolutely not!

How would one write a chase scene anyway? I have a feeling it's almost like writing directions from point A to point B, except you break as many laws as possible in the process of the trip. That isn't always true since I managed to get myself in a chase scene one morning. Good times. Well, not at the time. Had an amusing conversation with a grocery store clerk moments later while I was trying to take cover. Okay, it wasn't really funny ha-ha... just awkward, perhaps. I felt endangered, paranoid while still clever and mildly witty, and she didn't want to be awake nor did she care of my peril. She just wanted me to buy my Cinnamon Toast Crunch and leave. And I did. And it was delicious... whenever I ate it.

None of that has anything to do with the Sam Cooke project. I've written technically 25 pages. My creativeness is done. Now I must type out the lyrical portion of the historic yet unknown/underrated concert. Like Arrested Development, my feelings are you either love it, or don't know about it. My mission is to alert the world and spread the word of Sam's greatness. We've heard about Ray, we'll get a taste of Marvin, we just lost Isaac and we recently honored Al. When is Sam going to get his? Huh? HUH?!

Allow me to calm down. Still taking my anger out on those trees over the weekend. I hope that saga is over as of tonight. I'm so tired of outside. The last tree my dad cut down I had to help move across the 1000 acre woods which is my yard, to the side of the street. Fortunately we found a little red wagon. Wheels make the world so much better. Let that be the invention of the era.

I finally started using my little Moleskin notebook. And once again, my dad proves where I get my personality from. A co-worker asked him: "Why are you so mean?" Dad: "Why do you ask dumb questions?" Yep, that'd be something I'd say too.

Oh yeah! I went shopping today. Not that it's that exciting, but I bought a pair of jeans that I swear were placed in the wrong department. The tag says "Mens"... but they make my legs look like a woman. And not in a good way. They also feel like low-rise. Which are super-sexy on women. But me? No. In any event, I do shop like a guy, and I made good time considering I went into a busy store, in the middle of the day on a Saturday at the end of tax-free week. Picked out 3 shirts and 3 pants. Well, 2 pants... one is going back because I think they were built for women. Or men skinnier than me. Like Snoop Dogg.

I'm rambling... yet again. The pizza reference in the title? I have a couple slices in front of me that I regret taking big bites of. I need to roll over and probably keep rolling. And probably in the direction of the gym. It's hard being friends with both the gym and the pizza place. They missed me though. The pizza place that is.

Mmmm. Cheese.

cops and eggs

I wasn't expecting to use the "cops" tag much more than that weekend I had a few weeks ago... but it turns out I had another episode running into the law last night. Actually, they were on the good side this time. And by "good side" I mean that I wasn't getting a ticket nor was I in any trouble whatsoever. But anyone driving by might think otherwise with Meriden's finest with their new shiny bright colorful red and blue lights. I must admit, I like the way they look as a back light... even if they are flashing at a super hyper epilepsy inducing rate. They almost look purple.

So here's what happened: my aunt was on her way to our house and her fuel line sprang a leak, which started gushing gasoline everywhere except to where it's needed--the engine. Thus, causing her car to stop. She called us, my dad and I went out to the rescue. We eventually called AAA. Per AAA, we would need a flat bed tow truck and a fire truck to contain the leak. We didn't know we needed a specific flat bed tow, until before we even called a tow truck drove by and was nice enough to ask us if we needed help. He told us he couldn't help due to the leak, but said he'd let the other guy know and that he'd be waiting for the call.

After the call, a cop pulled up and checked on us. He decided to stay and help flag down the tow truck. How nice of him. He also called dispatch to figure out whats taking the tow and the fire engine so long. Turns out AAA dispatch sent everyone to the wrong place. Which seemed odd, because we saw the to truck pass us. Then the fire engine finally came and explained they were at the wrong location because of the dispatch. There wasn't much they could do until the car was moved anyway. So there we are: me, my dad, my aunt, a cop, and about 6-7 volunteer fire fighters, all of us lights a-blazing (our cars had our hazards flashing, just to add to the fun).

Finally the tow truck arrives... and drives right by. We figure he's turning around. Nope. He does come back though from the opposite direction about 10 minutes later... but continues to drive by. He's looking for a car on the side of a specific road... And he passes by a big fire engine, a car, a police car, and a big blue pick up... All with lights flashing... signafying "Hey! Maybe you should check this out!" It's not until the 4th pass does he figure out where he needs to be, and we make room for him to do his thing, while we all give him questionable looks (which can only be seen with the flashing of our lights and a street light overhead). We also all wonder if he's on something. Sigh.

And I got a mosquito bite! I avoided them all summer! What the stank is that?

He drops the car off where we want, and we all go or merry way. My whole evening of nothingness gone, but I decide to take some time and write, which I do from about 9pm to 1am. I wrote a whole 13 pages. Hey, that's a big deal! Sure scripts don't look anything like essays, but I introduced all of my characters, set up most of the plots... and now I must type out an entire album that I've heard at least 134 times.

My deadline in August 31st. My other deadline is September 5th. But hey, it's Friday afternoon. I have the rest of today (mostly), all of tonight (except 10-11pm when Psych is on), and all of tomorrow (I think). I'm just finishing up my delicious breakfast of 1 sausage link, 2 spoonfuls of grits, 3 bacon strips, and 4 scrambled eggs (I just went out and bought 5 dozen). Now I need to kick off my shoes and throw down. Oh, and once again, my office area is all pretty and stuff. Hmmm. Pretty isn't the word I want to use. Cozy? I dunno... You choose one.

And look! I'm blogging! More pics later... I know I keep saying that... But seriously, not jestingly, I will post more later.

12 pages and counting

I was trying to hold off from blogging until tomorrow morning... But I'm just too doggone excited doggone it! I finally got a decent start in a script I've been procrastinating with for the past... I don't know... two months? Could be longer. Doesn't matter. Finished projects matter! And ohhh, how I love that feeling of accomplishment. It's slightly better than watching someone else trip and fall on something you almost tripped and fell on yourself.

I'm not really sadistic. I just sound that way.

Well, I probably should get back to work. I have some actual worth while news to read and pictures to post from the windless dry hurricane and my completed work at home office space. Oh yeah, I'm offically WAH now. Woot woot yall.

Let's shoot for... I dunno... 24 by 2am? Heh... yeah right. My back is killing me. I need a muse. Actually, more of a massuse. A pretty girl that can do both. And bake cookies. Is that too much to ask? Maybe I'll put it in the personals. "SBM seeking F muse that massages and bakes." Is that how personals are written? ...Anyone interested? I can pay in compliments :oD

--Your eyes are like giant shiny pools of chlorine ehanced swimming waters/milk chocolately Cocoa Puff/green things that are naturally green and pretty/hazel.
--You have smile that make angry people run in fear.
--Your hair is like newly fresh silk from Madagascarian... silkmakers...

Yes, I need a nap. More importantly, I need to keep writing. And a muse. And some cookies.

installation and destruction day

Today was installation day. My mom and I got our phone lines and modems and yesterday our routers came in. Awesomeness all around. Except for the part that everybody was home... Meaning my dad and grandmother. When she teams up with him, the landscape begins to change. By landscape, I mean my yard. This isn't a problem until they recruit me to help. What did I have to help them with today? Making our yard look like a post-hurricane site. My dad rented an extended saw thingy that cut down branches up high. Sadly, some of these branches needed help coming down, or needed guidence so they won't, like, crash into the windows... like mine.

Long story short, every hour or so, I (and sometimes my mom) had been called to help bring down a rather large limb. I finally got wise and got gloves to pull on the rope (for what I was called for) so I could use what mere strength I have to help guide the huge nature pieces down.

I'll post some pictures later. Meanwhile, tomorrow could almost possibly be my 2nd to last day at the office. Maybe not. I don't know.

I just know right now, I'm hungry. I'm feeling a little moody because of a slight headache which might be due to my non-food intake. Why don't I eat something already? I'm still saving money to get my car back, which hopefully is this Friday. I'd almost kill for a pizza. Maybe I'll make a sandwich. I really need a pick-me-up.

I also really need to get cracking on that script. I ordered Our Uncle Sam but I don't think I can wait for it or read all of it in time to finish writing and be ready by the end of the month and most importantly, by the time I meet Uncle Jazzy. I keep repeating myself about this, and I hate doing it so maybe once I get some work on it done, I'd feel better. But now? I need nurishing nutrients.

too much news

Okay... so there is so much happening in the past few days and days to come I can't contain it. So in order to keep the attention to those that do read my rambling blog every so often, I shall keep the events short and to the point while still keeping my wittisms and mannerisms that make my blog true to it's nature of indoobness.

First, I learned yesterday that my church has been confirmed to receive a grant worth $30,000! That's thirty-thousand dollars. It mainly goes to our after-school program that we recently started this past spring and will start again this coming fall.

Secondly, we are awaiting notice of confirmation (which is most likely going to happen within the next week) of a 2nd grant for our church worth $400,000. That's four. Hundred. THOUSAND. Within that hunk of money lies my Mac and whatever else I might need in my studio which is being realize soooo much sooner than I originally planned. What's also in that grant? Paychecks for people who work for the church--which is actually surprising to me--includes me on the payroll. Why? I'm the A/V technician and webmaster. There are other people who do great work for the church too, so they would also be paid by this grant. Most excitingly would be my dad, whom is the pastor, would get paid from this so he would no longer have to suffer driving an hour away everyday at a job that pays him so little for the amount of work he does... PLUS having to leave work and be a pastor which is a much more demanding and important job. Sigh. But alas, this will be so much better for him and I'm so happy about it.

But that's not all. There's one more grant we're waiting for confirmation from. This grant actually sent us two letters so far saying it's on the way. How much is this grant worth? Over Six Million. I was literally in tears yesterday morning after hearing this news. Not only me, but my dad, my mom, my sis, my brother-in-law, and my grandmother. A few other were in tears too... those that know how much we struggle in our personal lives trying to do all we can to make ends meet both at home and the church. There's a reason why it seems like God makes His people suffer. Long story short: It's a test. Moral of that test: Don't lose faith. And rest assured, we won't in the least. Just the opposite. More faith. Woot!

But wait! There's more! Our wonderful grant-writer whom I've known as Rev. Richardson is going to open up her own corporation and is putting in a grant for herself on Wednesday. She included us in on that grant. I don't want to say how much it is just for the pure shock of it. I mean I thought the 6 mil was a head trip, but she's got us practically set for life. Nevertheless, the money will be used for what it's intended for. Overall, enlarging the Kingdom of Heaven. What's that mean? Helping those who need help, like the sick or the lost or what have you... The things churches are supposed to do. That's been my dad's mission since he started this church 3 years ago. And we've never stopped doing what we could since we started. And no, it wasn't easy. In fact, no one said it would be. Even more fact, people doubted we could do it. Sigh... Ye of little faith. That there was something my dad said that really shook me up inside... In the name of God, he's planning on taking over the city of Middletown.

As for other news, I'll be coming home to work very, very soon. Wednesday they will install our cable and phone. thursday we are supposed to get out chairs. Over the past weekend they installed the special program we need on our computers to take them home. All we need is the routers which will be shipped to our house. So my original countdown was off a week, and the new one might've been overshot. We'll see since it all depends on when the router arrives.

All of this news is really exciting, altogether. But I'm taking it in stride, day by day. I can't lose my focus on what I need to do. Even with all the excitement, I still have other projects I need to work on. Sam Cooke for instance. I need to have the screenplay written before the month is over. I was thinknig of holding off until I received Erik Greene's book on his uncle's life. I read an excerpt on Amazon.com, and from that alone I think I know how to start and end it. I'm still going to read the book, but I at least need to start it. Plus it's a screenplay... The majority of it will always be constantly rewritten even while it's being filmmed. In any event, I need to have a complete script by the end of August to meet my challenge deadline as well as have something to show my uncle. Hey, I might as well get ready for the Hollywood world, right? I've always wanted to be the exception to the game, so maybe I will make my own deadlines and play by my own rules and take my Tyler Perry-esque stake in Hollywood.

Did I mention I'm excited? Yes yes yall.

treatmenting and desking

I would like to believe I completed my treatment for my Sam Cooke retro-concert film project. There's gotta be a better way to say that. Anyway, I've finished it, which means I can probably start working on the script. I'd much rather send it to a friend or two for a quick review. The tricky part about doing that is I feel it would help if whomever reading it would be familiar with the album it's based on. That way they could follow along with the events that's going on.

In any event, I sat here quietly tapping away the rest of the story that's been plotted in my head for the past few months to a year. I sat here typing as I listened to Sam Cooke singing the scenes I see in my head. Well I actually started out listening to The Rascals "Beautiful Morning" and "Groovin'" because those are the only songs I know from them and like. Plus, have you ever really listened to "Beautiful Morning" on a beautiful morning? It really sets the mood for the day.

I was tempted with food, which I easily succumbed to. I was also tempted with going out with friends, but I never left the chair since the text messaging kind've dwindled down. And I knew I had to be done by 10pm to catch Psych. So there was that... My grandmother made lasagna last night which I didn't eat because I was at a buffet. I had some tonight though. What is with her (and my family (and my friend Michelle)) trying to get me to eat hard boiled eggs? I do not like them at all! My grandmother put them in the lasagna! I never remembered her putting them in there before! What's the deal?! Come on!

I decided after finishing my treatment, to see what was going on over at IMDb.com and checked out Sam's board, which I haven't done in a while. I guess there are others trying to get a Sam Cooke pic off the ground. Specifically a biopic. I'm not trying to touch a biopic at this point in my career. I'm still a newbie and I'm not ready to take on the challenge of writing, directing, or even starring as my hero. I mean, I'd take up the challenge someday in life. Just not, like, tomorrow.

For the past couple of days I've been working out my desk, getting used to it, since I'll be here a lot more often soon. The thing I'm missing is a chair.

I borrowed one from the dining room. I was using this tiny one before that will killing every piece of my butt like you wouldn't believe. I'm mean I'm a thin guy, so I thought I could handle it. I was severely mistaken. Wedgies galore. This chair is better, but it's not my style. No cracks at it's design, my mother will hunt you down.

I neglected to mention my shelf. The reason why? At the time, it wasn't built. I wasn't going to build it until my hand healed after building the desk, but I gave in. It was a bit easier than the desk, since I realized how to screw in the thread cutting screws. It still hurted like you wouldn't believe since my hand was already sore. So I wrapped a sock around the screwdriver that caused me so much trouble. And yes, that is the 2nd season of Psych you see on the shelf next to the jar of salted peanuts. I'm not 100% sure where it's going and 85% sure it'll be used to store empty DVD cases... since the DVDs live in a house all their own.

Hey look! It's my Silver Station, iPizzle, my watch, my Hard Rock cafe arm bracelet thingy, phone charger, chain necklace, a coaster, an empty cup and some instruction manuals for the lamps lighting this image!

"one night stand" (in development)

So I actually began working on the treatment to a Sam Cooke story. It isn't a biopic, since I know I'm not mentally or professionally ready for. I am going to attempt a retro-concert film of my top favorite album of my top favorite entertainer.

Originally, I was just going to do the concert iteslf, but I had other ideas circulating about other people that might've been there, and how this show may have affected their lives. But I planned for this to be a separate feature. So then I thought about it, and I said to myself, "Self, why not just combine the two? Surely I can make it work and it'll make the movie itself more interesting and entertaining."

I didn't want to interrupt the actual performance, and I may not have to. In fact, I could shoot them separately and say on DVD that you can watch it altogether, like I'm about to write it OR watch just the concert on it's own. Now when I say "retro-concert fim," I mean having actors portray what's on the album, since as far as I'm aware of, no one recorded the show on film. Too bad. I hope this idea catches on and other people recreate live albums for viewing pleasure. It's the best way to make people feel like they were there, since everytime I hear the album I say "I wish I was there."

Those are two things I want people to walk away with after seeing this: I wish I was there, and he was a great singer/performer/entertainer. I think there are other things I want to come of this too... Like more people being aware of his existence, legacy and impact on music today. Credit is given where credit is due, and I personally feel that Sam doesn't get enough of it. So I want to change that, and make people more aware. In due time... a change is gonna come.