A Sensible Outline for An Insensible Life

Fear VS God

2009-08-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

So, here is a question I'd like to ask:
What is the reason behind a fear-based religion?

Let me put something to the forefront of thought for all of you that is not new nor is it something that means anything in particular, but its something that only closed-minded people won't think about and at least ponder. Okay, so Eastern religions [Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Taoism, etc...], also known as Dharmic religions, are commonly referred to by ethical philosophers as "Participatory" in nature, or in other words, you get what you put into it. Thus, the terms Karma, Dharma, etc... actually work.
Western religions, or Abrahamic religions, based off of the teachings of biblical writings are known as "Fear-based" religions, where you are told to do what is right for the sole purpose of not being punished.
Now...where is the line? Should we not be doing what's right for the sole propriety of doing what is right? Would we be good people if we weren't absolutely sure that there was a Heaven? Would we be afraid of doing what is base in us if there was no punishment? I ask those questions not as judgement or a call to improper conduct, but rather as a metaphorical question.
I have chosen to combine religious views for the ability to become a better person. I cannot simply be afraid of not doing what is right, but I should be a willing participant to do what is good. There shouldn't be a fear inside of me. There should be a joy...Dharma...a search for Satya, or truth [term coined by Gandhi]. I think I should be supported. There isn't anything different, only I decide now to be a participant in what is right, as opposed to someone sitting, waiting for judgement.

Its What Needs to Be Said

2009-04-24T00:44:00.000-07:00

Family:

All of you. If you are my family, then you are. Recently, there was talk of how I was in the recent NPC production of "Measure for Measure." Yes, this show was advertised as having adult content and sexual themes. Yes, I warned everyone who wanted to know that it would be difficult, that my character was the villain, that I performed actions that would make you uncomfortable. I was forthright and honest about what was to be shown. I didn't expect anyone to go, and that doesn't bother me. It doesn't, truly. I know that art, or "art" is sometimes difficult to accept when someone you're related to is involved. Honestly, I don't mind that people don't want to attend. Its fine with me. Truly. However, I'm not super thrilled with the idea that I'm looked down on for being involved with this project. Even if you aren't looking down on me or disappointed in me, its what it feels like. The quiet, the one-word-at-a-time conversations...that hurts me. You don't have to attend and support me, but please try to see it from my perspective. I'm very proud of the work I've accomplished. I've reached a place in my acting that I'm excited about. No where to go but up, right? Thank you all for the support rendered me in the past. I need it now more than ever.
Alex.

Holding Cell

2009-03-02T21:31:00.001-08:00

New Writing

http://dramaking1227.wordpress.com/2009/03/03/holding-cell/

Libera

2009-02-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

These boys are truly blessed.

"Measure for Measure" Cast List

2009-01-16T09:39:00.001-08:00

Here is the cast list for the up-and-coming Northland Pioneer College production of William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure."
Stage Manager - Katie Evans
Duke - Trevor Hedgepeth
Isabella - Victoria Huett
Angelo - Alex Brown
Lucio - Dustin Benavides
Escalus - John Collins
Pompey - Adrian Leon
Mistress Overdone - Heather Beaman
Claudio - Sam McDowell
Mariana - Ileva Fa'apoi
Juliet - Amity Mercer
Provost - Kayla Davis
Photographer 1 - Brittan Pyper
Photographer 2 - Chelsea McNeil
Francisca - Samantha Berry
Friar Peter - Troy Eager
Elbow - Luke Walton
Froth - Ryan Ramsey
Abhorson - Gabe Stewart
Barnadine - Gabe Sierra
Court Reporter - Shay Hancock
Police Officers - Megan Crossley, Ben Holladay

Video Performers:
Chelsea McNeil, Brittan Pyper, Katie Evans, Brianna Beaubien, Megan Crossley, Ben Holladay, Samantha Berry, Shonda Radford

Make-up Crew: Shanon Burton, Jennifer Basaldua, Yvonna Fish, Kayla Davis

Tech Crew: Shonda Radford

Another One

2009-01-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

My New Year's Resolution I made this year:

To write everything that I think of. To spend at least one hour every single day on writing through a project. Finish them. Work them. Compile them. Here is the blog that will help me and you figure this out. Please add this to your blog lists. Thanks.

http://dramaking1227.wordpress.com/

Aid is Required

2008-12-30T08:58:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,Looking back on past blogs, I have asked this question of you all a great deal, however, you have yet to steer me wrong. Sometimes it may be one singular voice in the crowd to make me realize my senses, but I again call to you all for aid in deciphering my own ideas. These are several ideas in my head that I feel very strongly about and would like to pursue, but I am worried as to which one will be the greatest usage of my time. Which ideas spark your interest the most? Be brutally honest as I know you all will. Thanks guys! I do so love you all so very very much!1] Axe: A Ghost Story in Two Acts Based off of an earlier idea, the story revolves around a family in turmoil. The wealthy parents of three are found brutally murdered at the estate's wood pile by their daughter Diana. The first suspect is her younger brother Peter who is an emotionally unstable "lunatic" who has left a home for the mentally ill on the psychiatrist's recommendations. Diana's youngest brother Matthew, resides with his family on the estate with Diana. Matthew's cook is found dead the next day, followed by the deaths of his two children and his wife. Matthew is stunned and begins to search for clues of their demise. Inspector Swift investigates but is stopped at every turn by a haunting spectre that follows his partaking of absinthe. Through historical flashbacks and drug-induced sequences, this ghost story ends exactly where it started - with the mystery of life.
2] One Man's Cry to God: A Parable in Three Acts This story follows a group of college friends as they surmount the trials of life, death, despair, and hope in one evening of snowed-in, alcholic conversations. What begins as a day of music and laughter becomes an evening of thought and pondering, where ideas are exchanged and secrets come to light. Nine friends become enemies and family, wherein a redemptive perspective on the importance of friendship, brotherhood, love, charity, and forgiveness come to the front of a seemingly apathetic generation.
3] Holding Cell: A Philosophy in One Act This short play recounts the tale of two young men who are arrested the same evening for two very different offenses. The first young man is arrested for drug possession and is coming off of a high he has held for over a year. The second is arrested with blood on his hands and clothes. The slaughter of philosophies come as the two converse as they await booking and they realize that forgiveness and absolution come at a very dear price.
4] Masks: A Study in Two Acts This is the simple, complex story of a serial killer who makes death-masks of each of his victims, young and old, and displays them proudly in his spacious bedroom. One night, while hanging the mask of a young girl he has recently taken and murdered, the masks come alive and put him on trial for the murders of the innocents. The killer makes compelling arguments while the army of masks seize their defendant in the guilt that will soon consume him. The story, though simple, attempts to study innocence, guilt, obsession, and wrath.
5] A Boy and a Girl: A Play in One Act This short play details the time it takes for a boy and a girl to decide to take a pregnancy test and the aftermath. John and Elizabeth have committed a sin of passion and after a missed period, worry that their passion may be leading them down a path that they cannot possibly understand. Do they love each other enough to marry? To go through with having the child? Do they believe in abortion? Adoption? How could this have happened? What did they do? Why? Where does the fault lie? The story hopes to subject the audience with the perspective that every action may not necessarily be black and white.
What do you y'all think'em?

My Sentiments Exactly

2008-12-28T15:15:00.001-08:00

"All censorships exist to prevent anyone from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently, the first condition of progress is the removal of censorship."
-George Bernard Shaw

Paulo Coelho

2008-12-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

"You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.
"Every day, God gives us the sun - and also one moment in which we have the ability to change everything that makes us unhappy. Every day we try to pretend that we haven't perceived that moment, that it doesn't exist - that today is the same as yesterday and will be the same as tomorrow. But if people really pay attention to their everyday lives, they will discover that magic moment. It may arrive in the instant when we are doing something mundane, like putting our front-door key in the lock; it may lie hidden in the quiet that follows the lunch hour or in the thousand and one things that all seem the same to us. But that moment exists - a moment when all the power of the stars becomes a part of us and enables us to perform miracles.
"Joy is sometimes a blessing, but is often a conquest. Our magic moment helps us to change and sends us off in search of our dreams. Yes, we are going to suffer, we will have difficult times, and we will experience many disappointments - but all of this is transitory; it leaves no permanent mark. And one day we will look back with pride and faith at the journey we have taken.
"Pitiful is the person who is afraid of taking risks. Perhaps this person will never be disappointed or disillusioned; perhaps she won't suffer the way people do when they have a dream to follow. but when that person looks back - and at some point everyone looks back - she will hear her heart saying, 'What have you done with the miracles that God planted in your days? What have you done with the talents God bestowed on you? You buried yourself in a cave because you were fearful of losing those talents. so this is your heritage: the certainty that you wasted your life.'
"Pitiful are the people who must realize this. Because when they are finally able to believe in miracles, their life's magic moments will have already passed them by.
"...
"Sometimes an uncontrollable feeling of sadness grips us. We recognize that the magic moment of the day has passed and that we've done nothing about it. Life begins to conceal its magic and its art.
"We have to lsiten to the child we once were, the child who still exists inside us. That child understands magic moments. We can stifle its cries, but we cannot silence its voice.
"The child we once were is still there. Blessed are the children, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"If we are not reborn - if we cannot learn to look at life with the innocence and the enthusiasm of childhood - it makes no snese to go on living.
"There are many ways to commit suicide. Those who try to kill the body violate God's law. Those who try to kill the soul also violate God's law, even though their crime is less visible to others.
"We have to pay attention to what the child in our hear tells us. We should not be embarrassed by this child. We must not allow this child to be scared because the child is alone and is almost never heard.
"We must allow the child to take the reins of our lives. The child knows that each day is different from every other day.
"We have to allow it to feel loved again. We must please this child - even if this means that we act in ways we are not used to, in ways that may seem foolish to others.
"Remember that human wisdom is madness in the eyes of God. But if we listen to the child who lives in our soul, our eyes will grow bright. If we do not lose contact with that child, we will not lose contact with life."

-Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

Thought

2008-12-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.

Three Is A Magic Number

2008-11-08T10:21:00.001-08:00

What are the last three things you purchased?
Sonic
Throat Coat
Books (9)

What are the last three songs you downloaded?
The complete discography of Kiss
Mame soundtrack
The Way I Are by Timbaland

What are the last three places you visited?
Rexburg, ID
Phoenix, AZ
Provo, UT

What are your three favorite movies?
Moulin Rouge
Little Miss Sunshine
Garden State

What are your three favorite possessions?
My blanket my Mom made me
My books...all of em
My computer Delilah

What three things can you not live without?
Books
Movies
The stage

What would be your three wishes?
To be forgiven for everything
To learn to love and be loved in return
To live without regret

What three things haven’t you done yet?
I haven't been to NYC
I haven't watched "December Boys"
I haven't read "OIL!"

What are your three favorite dishes?
I love Lettuce Wraps From P.F. Chang's
I love Pineapple
My Mom's quiche

Which three celebrities would you most like to hang out with?
Tim Burton
Johnny Depp
Zac Braff

Name three things that freak you out?
Needles
Spiders
Clutter

Name three unusual things you are good at.
I'm really good at getting a President into office. Every single one since I've been alive.
I can hear my phone go off before it does and I can hear my name being called before someone calls it.
I have the inane ability to focus on something for so long that I can memorize a play in less than a day.

Which three things are you coveting?
A film camera...for movies.
A place to live.
Health.

Tag three bloggers to do it!
Sarah
Eben
Beau

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

2008-10-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

"And now my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness."
-Alma 38:9

Doubt

2008-10-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Very excited to see this.

Vote No

2008-09-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Please, vote against this hateful bill. "The Marriage Bill" has been denied by Arizona voters once already and though I'm not in full compliance with people's orientation, I don't believe its our right to take away the rights of others. Disagree all you want. I've prayed about this, and all I can think of when I see those awful T-shirts and signs is: "Land of the free, eh?"

Super Duper Plans

2008-09-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I should be doing homework right now, but its Biology, so I'll put it off until the last minute (which is now, unfortunately). So in order to procrastinate a bit longer, I decided to place a blog about what's been goin' on and what's goin' to go on. First and foremost, I don't think I'm getting enough sleep, but really, whattya gonna do? My body is in a state of near-death exhaustion all the time, but no matter how much I try to sleep and rest, my batteries never seem to be charged back up. Maybe its CFS. Maybe its being a cry-baby. Who knows? But at any rate, I'm working my two jobs strong and willingly, having a great smile and attitude all the while. Customer service is key. I'm keeping up on all my homework (except Biology) and rehearsals for the play are going well (except for today, I have only 7 out of my 9 actresses). My continual training for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon is going strong (minus this week's charade of zero time and energy). I'm keeping up on my reading (right now, "American Psycho"), and all in all, things are going swell.
I recently bought tickets to Orlando, FL for the marathon for my sister and me. Set me back a sum, but it's worth the prices right now so that they don't rise til I'm bled for every single penny in my possession. I am also going to get tickets for Adrian, Chelsea, and myself for our spontaneous trip up to Utah and Idaho. We decided that I wanted to see my Mom again and Chelsea missed her sister who is up at BYU Idaho in Rexburg. So, we all planned and made plans to visit Jourdan on Saturday (we fly into SLC Friday night) and then visit my Madre on Sunday in Draper. We'll rent a car and use that since its relatively cheap at the moment to do so. While there, we planned on taking Adrian (for his 21st) to go eat at Tucanos, a brilliant Brazilian bistro (Hooray alliteration!). A fun weekend awaits. We'll leave October 24-27. Flying is a must. No driving a thousand hours ever again!
Also, Adrian, Chelsea, Donovan, Sarah, me, and an unknown person will be going to see Broadway's "Lion King" in January at Gammage Auditorium. Touring cast, ya see. It'll be spectacular, I assume. I loved it when Sarah and I saw it a few years ago. Much fun, indeed. Our choir is also thinking about seeing it at the same time, but of course, we'll have the better seats. Fantastic!
For now, I sign off to study for Biology (coughs up phlegm). I don'ta wanna, but I gotta :-(

Water For Elephants - Book Review

2008-09-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
So, I read this in high hopes that the book would measure up to its reviews, but alas, I was highly and thoroughly disappointed. Perhaps it was because I had recently finished "Catch-22" and was expecting the same level of excellence. Sarah Gruen is a writer with great talents in creating the world and adding shocking, honest twists to her tales, but as a storyteller, she is seriously lacking. The novel was interesting, yet unbelievable. She prides herself as an author for having researched the world that she was writing about, but none of that really showed through. It was though I was reading about a fantastical circus world, where everyone was unscrupulous and where every single character had the same voice, actions, and motivations. Her twists came at unexpected and seemingly interesting places, but they never lead anywhere worthwhile. The only part that added some sort of redemptive flair for me was when the elephant killed the trainer. Sure, it made me think that the elephant was even more human than those around her, but that's no way to end the story, so Gruen proceeds to dictate a ridiculous amount of nonsense leading to the protagonist's journey as a pro-90 year old man joining the circus. Absurd and far too abstract for my taste.

View all my reviews.

Frost/Nixon Movie Trailer

2008-09-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

**After being in "Nixon's Nixon," movie like this are interesting to me. I ordered the play that this movie was based on to see if the college would do it!

Burn After Reading - Film Review

2008-09-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

When I heard that the Coen Brothers were going back to making their darkly rich comedies, I knew I was in for a treat. Once I saw the trailer to this espionage comedy, I was knee-deep in giddiness. And let me tell you, this movie did not disappoint. The Coen's clever writing and ridiculous story-lines merge together to create a fantastic trip through a world of wildly diverse characters and a plot to screw your head on the other way. "Burn After Reading" was a treat. Thoroughly Chai-tastic!
When the movie began, I was girlishly flush with anticipation. Megan and I sat in awe at the trailers to some good movies I want to see and then the film reel went forward to the main event. Though not entirely what I was expecting to see, I wasn't at all disappointed with the nature of the disc that was talked so much about. I was invited to a world of very well-developed characters. The alcoholic ex-CIA member (John Malkovich), the icy pediatrician (Tilda Swinton), the slightly gay health-nut (Brad Pitt), the OCD paranoid leach (George Clooney), and the appearance-obsessed greed queen (Francis McDormand). What a rich variety of characters and flavors to add to the texture of the film.
The writing was biting and fraught with twists and turns, but always kept you on the edge of your seat with sophisticated laughs and thrills. My all time favorite line in the movie: "You're an alcoholic? Is that what I am? You're a Mormon, compared to you, everyone's an alcoholic!" Haha. The final scenes are pieced together and bring to a close a story about everything and nothing. I would recommend this movie to everyone!

Nostalgic

2008-09-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I found this video on YouTube and thought I'd post it. Sure does take me back to a simpler time, eh?

Affirmation

2008-09-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

Burn After Reading

2008-08-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

This is the new movie I'm looking forward to. From the Coen Bros. (Minds behind "No Country for Old Men," "Fargo," and "Intolerable Cruelty").

Cast List

2008-08-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

So, after several hours discussing and molding the casts for these two shows, finally Dr. Mike, Julie, Deb, and I came up with two phenomenal groups of people. I'm incredibly excited to see the outcomes of these shows. I thank all those who auditioned and hope that we can see you all help out in every way you can. I wish everyone the best of luck for these shows and characters. I'm very excited...as I said. So, without further ado, here is the cast of "1776" (in order of no particular kind):

John Hancock - Greg Hudson
Josiah Bartlett - James Mark Burden
John Adams - Troy Eager
Stephen Hopkins - Steve Taylor
Roger Sherman - Trevor Hedgepeth
Lewis Morris - Dustin Benavides
Robert Livingston - William Sullivan
Rev. John Witherspoon/ Painter - Terry McConville
Benjamin Franklin - A.J. Taylor
John Dickinson - Ryan Rademacher
James Wilson - Sam McDowell
Caesar Rodney - Barry Richins
Col. Thomas McKean - Curtis Casey
George Read - William Arnet
Samuel Chase - Adrian Leon
Richard Henry Lee/Leather Apron - Nick Bushman
Thomas Jefferson - Donovan Stole
Joseph Hewes - Stanton Davis
Edward Rutledge - Stephen Mehr
Dr. Lyman Hall - Ben Tatum
Charles Thomson - Gabe Stewart
Andrew McNair - Gabe Sierra
Abigail Adams - Ginny Handorf
Martha Jefferson - Samantha Berry
Courier - Johnathan Ash
Stage Manager - Savannah Decker

And now for "As It Is In Heaven":

Hannah - Heather Beaman
Fanny - Ashleigh Palmer
Phebe - Chelsea McNeil
Betsy - Katie Evans
Polly - Ileva Fa'apoi
Peggy - Jessica Davis
Rachel - Lorie Williams
Jane - Brittan Pyper
Izzy - Shay Hancock
Stage Manager - Kayla Davis

Book Review: Catch-22

2008-08-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I started reading this book with a predisposition to enjoy it, because it was one I've always been eager to read. The comedy of the book is incredibly palpable, with an incredibly mind-boggling series of random events mismatched in a disorganized fashion; then the serious, deep explanations of war were told in linear, sensible ways. The comedy kept me reading, but the story kept me intrigued. The ending, though not quite what I was expecting, but brilliantly achieved and left me with a feeling of satisfaction. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys classic, farcical comedy and well-told, haunting fiction.

View all my reviews.

These Are Hilarious

2008-08-11T08:52:00.004-07:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

LOL

2008-08-11T08:52:00.003-07:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Haha the 2nd

2008-08-11T08:52:00.002-07:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Haha

2008-08-11T08:52:00.001-07:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Pineapple Express - Film Review

2008-08-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

2.5/4 stars
"Pineapple Express" was a pleasant surprise, I must say. Now, I didn't walk out of the movie thinking that my life had changed because of it, but the writing was better than almost every single other stoner movie out there. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a pretty high percentage so I decided to watch it. Upon entering the theater, I noticed that the demographics represented were all below the age of 21. That's not what got to me. I was the only person laughing at the subtle nuances of the script. I think that most people who watch it won't find those small little gags in the background or the subtle hits at "the established order," but I was entertained and walked out with a few movie quotes to remember and cherish.

Swing Vote - Film Review

2008-08-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

1/4 stars
Alright, here I was, absolutely reticent to go in and say, "Hey, I know a fun time. Let's go to the local cinema and see the new Kevin Costner theatrical abortion." And all along, I should have been just watching the movie. Kevin Costner's desire to be dubbed the worst actor on Earth is still palpable (honestly, what casting director sees Kevin Costner and says, "Sure, why not?") The movie itself offered a great script of hilarious side characters amidst the most ridiculous of circumstances. The most hilarious being Nathan Lane, George Lopez, and Stanley Tucci (quite honestly the reason I went to see it in the first place...if it wasn't for that darned Kevin guy). The writing offers treats of social and political commentary, leaning towards a rather melancholy look at the American political games that we all buy into, I fear. All in all, I wasn't highly disappointed by the movie, but I certainly didn't walk out with a feeling of accomplishment muttering, "Hey, that was impressive."

A Blissful Day of Frolicking About

2008-08-07T13:28:00.002-07:00

Hey everyone. I feel like a loser on meth. I haven't written any acutal "daily life of Alex" blogs recently and I'm constantly tired. I may have chronic fatigue...oh well. And so, to remedy this situation, I've opted to express my views about yesterday with y'all. It wasn't an eventful day, but it was a day where I didn't feel like walking into a pawn shop, purchasing a relic medieval sword and swinging away at Wal-mart. It wasn't a day of particular interest, but what's more interesting than day-to-day life. As expressed in several novels in the past century, art is no where near as interesting as people-watching in the mall. I'm sure Emily Dickinson wrote that...?

So, I went to work til three. The morning was spent at a finale voice lesson where I think I'm actually getting a hang of that old Italian script in operatic format. Then, back to work and then I got a huge relief when Stephen called me and told me to not show up for rehearsal (my scenes weren't going to be done yesterday). That left me with ample time to go home and watch some TV before fettering my time away at Java Deli. Cassidi, Rachelle, Chelsea, and I went and had sandwhiches, chai, smoothies, and cookies at this cool little deli by Jiffy Lube. It was a fun time. Then we met Adrian at the park and took a bunch of pictures and...we were just complacent in conversation that lead no where in particular. Just the relaxation of doing nothing for a change of pace.

Then to the gym (oh yeah, I go there a couple times a week now). Jourdan, Chelsea, Brittan, Adrian, and I went there to play some racquetball and swim. I ended up not swimming because my legs were in pretty bad shape from previous days. It was a fight to not fall flat on my face while playing racquetball! Then I went home, read some more of "The Hours" (read my review of it below) and fell asleep relatively early. All in all, it was an uneventful, yet ful-filled day of everything excluding extravagence.

The Hours - Book Review

2008-08-07T13:28:00.001-07:00

The Hours by Michael Cunningham

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
Okay, I'll admit a good book when I read one. However, I am having a hard time getting past the lack of story to look at the extremely brilliant form of writing. Cunningham has no lack of prosaic abilities, but he is severely lacking in interest. The first 194 pages are ridiculously long-winded, uninteresting, and (dare I say) cinematically depressing. Anyone who thinks that just because a book is incredibly and rigidly bent on a negative view of life is a good piece of literature should be drug out onto a street and shot. The movie was better is all I'm saying. I will not dismiss Cunningham's talents as a writer, but as a storyteller, I'm not convinced to read anything else by him.

View all my reviews.

A Clockwork Orange - Book Review

2008-08-04T11:47:00.001-07:00

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by "A Clockwork Orange." I expected the violence that I witnessed in Stanley Kubrick's film version would be a bit much to handle, but upon reading the Nadsat "language," the story became bearable to read. However, when reading I became pleased with myself at understanding Nadsat, so in turn I became pleased with reading about the violence and ultra-violence of the book. One of Burgess' methods no doubt. The book's final chapter made the story all too real for me, creating a rounded character I could understand as opposed to Kubrick's ending of "some things never change." Ah well, I thought this was great.

View all my reviews.

It All Falls Down

2008-08-01T12:19:00.001-07:00

I found this video on YouTube on the "What Viewers Are Watching Now" part. It brought back a lot of memories. None of them good in the sense that I was terrified when it happened. But I have to admit to the world that I think its impossible to forget this event. And we shouldn't try. This attack is all the evidence I need to be an advocate for peace in this world. Harmony and love is what we have been commanded to give this world. And I think we need to start.

99 Childhood Memories

2008-07-30T08:17:00.001-07:00

I saw this on my sister's blog, so some may actually be the same as hers, but hey, we grew up together, right. That's right. So here are some of my favorite childhood memories:

1. Getting a desk for Christmas one year and I was SOOOOO excited about it.
2. Going on trips to the valley with my family and Beau, Sarah, and I bought Skittles and Starbursts and made Starbursts into "bread" and the Skittles into "peanut butter and jelly" and scarfed our sugar sandwhiches.
3. Going over to my Grandma and Grandpa Willis' house to watch Sandlot.
4. Going ovre to my Grandma and Grandpa Willis' house to play May-I.
5. Having chicken and fudge and tamales over that my Grandpa Willis made for me.
6. Splitting my chin open at Sho-Lo Bowl and having to have stitches.
7. Spending the night at my Grandma and Grandpa Brown's house and sleeping in between them.
8. Having the Sunday Buffet at Asia Garden.
9. Being signed up for Tae Kwon Do and Karate and only staying in them for about a month each.
10. My first day of school I went to wait for the bus with my Grandma Brown and I met Jessica Jones and Jessica Sigala there, and to this day, all three of us are still very good friends. The next-door neighbor let us sit on his bench outside and we waited there every day to go to Kindergarten. All three of us were in the same class, too!
11. Meeting my longest-held best friend Chris Spencer in 1st Grade (Mrs. Sigala's class.)
12. Spending the night at my Grandma Willis' house and sleeping on the couch.
13. Spending the night at my cousin Nik's house and having to call home every night because I would get scared.
14. Watching the best cartoons in the world like Inspector Gadget, the Jetsons, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rugrats, the Angry Beavers, Rocko's Modern Life, Hey Arnold!, and Tailspin.
15. Owning a coveted Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sleeping bag that I took to every sleepover I ever had.
16. Having the best Pirate Birthday party ever. My Mom had us dig up buried treasure, dress up like pirates, play pirate games, and my invitations were messages in bottles with burned edges.
17. Eating my Mom's quiche and loving it.
18. Loving it when my parents bought Corn Pops, because it was the best cereal ever.
19. Taking the bus with my sister to the Zoo to play laser tag.
20. My brother Beau's friend Jared coming over every morning to walk to school with Beau.
21. Speding the night over at Chris Spencer's house and playing Nintendo 64 and with his Aliens toys.
22. Playing with my coveted Star Wars toys (I had the Millenium Falcon, yo!)
23. Playing with my toy cars and coming up with names and powers for all of them.
24. Watching Underdog and dressing up and playing like I was him, complete with ring and super energy pills.
25. Going to church and hating it because I didn't know the children's hymns.
26. Falling asleep during Apollo 13.
27. Watching Terminator 2 with my dad and Beau and Sarah.
28. Going up the street to play with Blayne Jones and Minette Matkin.
29. Being the person who had the house everyone wanted to go to because we had a trampoline and deck and huge living room.
30. My sister's huge Halloween party where I was scared of seeing my dad with an axe and chainsaw.
31. Trick-or-treating with Chris when I was the Grim Reaper.
32. My mom doing our Halloween costumes and makeup at work when she worked at the police station.
33. Visiting my Mom at work when she was at Copy Boy.
34. The red van that we went to Utah in.
35. Grandpa Willis' note in his car: "Get In. Sit Down. Shut Up and Hang On!"
36. When we renovated our kitchen, the carpenter told us kids to be quiet and my Mom and Dad got SOOOO mad.
37. Being excited to have a TV in our kitchen.
38. Singing in my Mom's Church Christmas program "I'm Gettin' Nothin' For Christmas."
39. Reading Hank the Cowdog and Animorphs and The Bailey School Kids and Goosebumps, and Moby Dick and a Tale of Two Cities.
40. My mom and dad took me to see Mortal Kombat even though it was violent. They were cool like that.
41. My dad helping me find the money easter egg every year because Sarah and Beau would rush around and try finding them all before I could find any.
42. My brother and Jared throwing rocks at Burt Brigham because he kept calling me a shrimp.
43. Eating fruit roll-ups and oven-baked pizza ALL THE TIME.
44. My Grandma Willis' wheel chair being the source of much of my shenanigans.
45. Writing stories and my Grandma Willis would show them to everyone and I would get really shy.
46. Doing my first play in 3rd Grade with Mrs. Ng about twins who find dinosaurs and I was a brother who had 12 individual lines. My favorite line to say was "He sat on my head!"
47. Going over to Chris Spencer's house because his mom made us the outfits for that dinosaur play.
48. Meeting another great friend in 4th grade: Jacob Brown (no relation.)
49. Playing with broom handles as magic staffs.
50. Every New Years Eve we would have a party at our house and watched World's Greatest Magic.
51. Watching "Nightmare Before Christmas" and thinking it was risque because it said, "My God" a few times.
52. Not being able to watch "Married With Children."
53. My sister, brother, friends, and cousins sleeping outside on the trampoline and I would wake up in the morning and everyone having gone inside.
54. Putting new shingles on the roof of the big yellow house.
55. Moving for a year or so to the house behind Shell that had a tree growing in the middle of the porch.
56. Working on the Show Low Bowl float in our driveway.
57. Playing Pogs.
58. Playing Magic the Gathering with my cousins and brother.
59. Playing Dungeons and Dragons with my cousins and brother.
60. Our dogs Gabby and Ira (they were the best dogs ever!)
61. When we had snow days, we would all go sledding by the hill by Jared's house.
62. Beau and Sarah once scared me into thinking that there was a killer in the house by acting like he was calling from a phone inside the house.
63. Watching The Shining with my sister and her friends.
64. Watching Scream a thousand times because it was the biggest movie of one of those summers.
65. Going all out on decorating for Christmas every year.
66. The Christmas calender where you put cotton balls on Santa's beard.
67. Beau and I doing a Christmas play that I wrote for my family.
68. Having one of our bathrooms locked for the longest time because the shower didn't work.
69. Our house was haunted by a ghost named Rose (a story my Mom told us.)
70. Playing hide-and-go-seek in the dark in the big yellow house.
71. Playing Mario Kart and Doctor Mario with my family downstairs.
72. Playing Doom and Duke Nukem.
73. Getting sucked into the Pokemon fad.
74. My friend Chris Spencer's mom getting into a car accident but coming out of it okay.
75. Listening to Ace of Base, Backstreet Boys, N Sync, Spice Girls, La Bouche, Michael Jackson, and Beastie Boys all the time.
76. My CD player was in the bathroom and we'd all listen to CD's while taking showers.
77. Getting ready for school all by ourselves and walking to school.
78. My dog Glory having puppies and my dad gave them all away.
79. My Grandpa Willis making steamed cabbage for me every day when I got home from school.
80. My grandparents picking me up late every day from Elementary School.
81. Sharing a room with Beau even though he made several places to sleep downstairs and in the other room. I think that makes sense.
82. Having two gerbils.
83. Watching "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."
84. Having Travis Brown come over to play when my Grandma Brown babysat him.
85. Playing with my cousin Ben who lived down the street and who first introduced me to "Need for Speed" on Playstation.
86. Going to Snowflake for Christmas parties at my Uncle Kelly's.
87. Walking to Video Dome and Safeway almost every day.
88. Going to Oklahoma and being near a tornado.
89. Creating mazes throughout the whole house with sheets and cushions and boxes with Beau and Jared.
90. Walking to the movie theater to watch Red Planet and the Haunting.
91. Asking my Grandpa Willis to call and excuse absences when I was bored and thought I was sick.
92. Using the mirrors from our "wall of mirrors" to pretend we were walking on the ceiling with Carly and Janea.
93. Buying a Playstation with Beau.
94. Playing Mortal Kombat with my cousin Ryan and Nick.
95. Having Ben and Clinton live with us.
96. Going to Joseph City to watch Sarah in the Spelling Bee.
97. Playing soccer because my Dad, Ron Matkin, or my Mom coached me.
98. Playing with Gabby and her taking me to my Grandma Brown's.
99. Getting Caller ID for the first time.

Writings

2008-07-30T00:32:00.001-07:00

I decided that I haven't spent enough time writing my scripts. I think that I need to do even more than I am now. The best way, of course, is to set goals for myself. Any ideas out there for me to do some writing prompts? I would love them to get the juices running.

Watchmen

2008-07-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for this movie. The book was amazing!

"The Dark Knight" Review

2008-07-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

"This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. "

So, I'm a little behind the curve by posting this, but I figure, hey, why not post something that's incredible? So, here I am doing just that...and it feels terrific. I went to watch most likely the best movie so far this year at midnight on Thursday/Friday..."The Dark Knight." What a wonderful picture. Far exceeding it's predecessors in story, character development, humanity, and acting. So, because you're opting to read this, I will tell you what I think of it.

First off, let's get one thing out in the open, and that is Harvey Dent/Two-Face must still be alive. No question in my mind. The funeral was a way of allowing Gotham to grieve Harvey's "death," but Two-Face will still be a problem. Second, Joker is still alive, probably locked up in Arkham Asylum. I want everyone to know that I have a hunch that I too could play a decent Joker (not as grand as Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson, but hey). So, villains aren't dead. Scarecrow will make more appearances (apart from Cillian Murphy's 30-second cameo) and Joker even states that "we are bound to chase each other forever." Brilliantly put, Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" leaves the series open for another sequel.
Now, let's talk acting for a minute. This film has possibly one of the best ensembles of the year ("Get Smart" and "Iron Man" and "Horton Hears a Who" are up there in ensembles as well). You have Christian Bale (an extremely talented performer) leading a cast that includes veterans Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine coupled with incredibly talented young actors such as Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Can you say, "Dude!"? Maggie is a thousand a one times better than Katie Holmes lame "performance" in "Batman Begins," and Heath Ledger's Joker rivals Nicholson's, if not exceeding it on certain levels (yet the two had incredibly different interpretations of the diabolical character). Heath's character was the epitome of all evil, feeling no remorse, empathy, or respect for other people. Possibly, in my humble opinion, Heath Ledger's performance is Oscar-worthy. Brilliant. Aaron Eckhart (I was not particularly excited about him, really) was a pleasant surprise. He not only made me feel safe as Harvey Dent proclaimed justice, but he also made me feel fear after his terrifying transformation into Two-Face. Great villains and a great story.

I did have a few qualms with the film, though. I am seeing the beginnings of possibly corny dialogue mixing into the works, as well as awful stunts. The first of which is the Bat-Pod, after flipping the semi (AWESOME!), and it flipped backwards onto a wall...come on, now. Lame. Christopher Nolan has stated that he doesn't like using CGI, but "Dark Knight" seemed to use a lot of it. I'm not complaining, but just trying to figure out Nolan's attempts at making the caped crusader cooler than he is...and it's just not possible to do.

So anyway, that's my little review of the matter. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Oh, and everyone..."Let's put a smile on that face!"

P.S. My favorite moment of the whole movie was the disappearing pencil magic trick. Rad!

My Readings

2008-07-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. It's sure been awhile since I've posted anything of actual substance, but that's just okay, isn't it? Well, I have a few hours to spare here at work, so I thought I'd get a move on and tell eveyone what's new in my amazing life. To be honest, I'm an exhausted theater student. I've been to Phoenix twice, to Utah, had family around me for weeks upon weeks...and now I'm back to working both of my jobs all day long until I drop dead from exhaustion. Also, I'm still preparing for the Disneyland Marathon for January and Adrian, Chelsea, Jourdan, and I have gotten accumstomed to going to gym a few times a week to help build and "healthify" our bodies. But I have tremendous friends to offer me sound reprieve, as well as a phenomenal cast of characters known as my family. And, as an added bonus, I got to see my current love interest today. She was at the pool with her family while I was working there and I got to spend fleeting moments discussing with her our lives. My heart goes all a-flutter when I lay eyes on her beauteous face. *Sigh* But...on to the rest of the blog!

A current happening is that my friends and I are going to start a little book club thing, so that we can expand our minds as well as increase our own personal libraries with all forms of literature. So, in order to spread the word and pray that others will follow our literary example, I'm going to post the book list on the sidebar over there (points to the right of the screen), so that all who wish it may read along and discuss these great reads with us. The first three books, I'll even let you know in advance and give you a brief synopsis of so that you can discern whether or not you're interested in "our type of books." Here they are folks, for the first time on this page:

A Clockwork Orange - A vicious fifteen-year-old "droog" is the central character of this 1963 classic, whose stark terror was captured in Stanley Kubrick's magnificent film of the same title. In Anthony Burgess's nightmare vision of the future, where criminals take over after dark, the story is told by the central character, Alex, who talks in a brutal invented slang that brilliantly renders his and his friends' social pathology. A Clockwork Orange is a frightening fable about good and evil, and the meaning of human freedom. When the state undertakes to reform Alex -- to "redeem" him -- the novel asks, "At what cost?" This edition includes the controversial last chapter not published in the first edition and Burgess's introduction "A Clockwork Orange Resucked."

Catch-22 - Catch-22 is like no other novel. It has its own rationale, its own extraordinary character. It moves back and forth from hilarity to horror. It is outrageously funny and strangely affecting. It is totally original. Set in the closing months of World War II in an American bomber squadron off Italy, Catch-22 is the story of a bombardier named Yossarian, who is frantic and furious because thousands of people he hasn't even met keep trying to kill him. Catch-22 is a microcosm of the twentieth-century world as it might look to someone dangerously sane. It is a novel that lives and moves and grows with astonishing power and vitality -- a masterpiece of our time.

American Psycho - In American Psycho, Bret Easton Ellis imaginatively explores the incomprehensible depths of madness and captures the insanity of violence in our time or any other. Patrick Bateman moves among the young and trendy in 1980s Manhattan. Young, handsome, and well educated, In American Psycho, Bret Easton Ellis imaginatively explores the incomprehensible depths of madness and captures the insanity of violence in our time or any other. Patrick Bateman moves among the young and trendy in 1980s Manhattan. Young, handsome, and well educated, Bateman earns his fortune on Wall Street by day while spending his nights in ways we cannot begin to fathom. Expressing his true self through torture and murder, Bateman prefigures an apocalyptic horror that no society could bear to confront.

Yeah, I know...we're a bunch of crazy college students reading wildly outrageous things. Well, what can you say for the Generation RX crowd, eh? I stole that line from the movie "Chumscrubber." Anyway, one more thing before I jet off to further adventures: I am incredibly excited for tomorrow when "The Dark Knight" midnight showing premieres! I'm nearly verclempt in anticipation. And now, I'll sign off, leaving you with your thoughts, your lives. I'll see you again next time I write, world. For now tis time for me to go.

Sappy People

2008-07-10T23:49:00.001-07:00

So, I haven't updated in awhile, but I wanted to say something officially in this blog. To the world. So, here it is. I'm kinda...like in love with this girl, right. Her name is Cassidi and she's amazing. There's no doubt that she's gorgeous. She's beautiful. And she's so intelligent and witty and sappy. Just like me (the sappy part). I thought y'all should know.

In the Heights

2008-06-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

This is a video from the newest "Best Musical" winner announced last night at the Tony Awards. It's incredible to say the least. I really enjoyed last night. A night to celebrate theatre and honor those with great talents in each.

Taking a Break

2008-06-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I just got off of working at the pool and am heading out to go work at the theater, but I thought I should stop by and write something down, seeing as how I haven't in awhile. For the most part, all I can say is that I'm a pretty busy dude, working my two jobs and still trying to find the time to work on my resume and write my play and figure out which show I'll be directing next semester at NPC. It's all pretty exciting stuff, but I'm still treading a bit of water on certain stuff. I need to go get my fall registration at NPC completed so that I can more fully schedule the rest of my year. But anyway, thought I'd get all this written down so I can skidaddle off to work.

The Happening

2008-06-03T13:28:00.001-07:00

I'm incredibly excited for this movie. Second in my excitedness to the incredible "Dark Knight."

Australia

2008-06-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

Sermon

2008-06-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

"A Puritan town, run by the religion it sees as perfection, is under siege by the devil. Paranoia runs rampant as a young girl becomes possessed by an evil spirit and the town's religious leader's attempts at saving her seem meaningless. The young girl's older brother leaves the town to seek help from a neighboring village two days-ride away. The girl's sister and a town boy are caught in carnal activities. As the town's minister preaches about the ungodliness of the town he is overtaken by a spirit of the damned. The city erupts with fear and paranoia. A veritbale witch-hunt takes place as the Puritan colony seeks out those they fear are bringing the town's ill-luck into fruition. Neighbor turns against neighbor. Friend against friend, brother against brother. No one is safe. When the young girl's brother returns home to find the city burning with mischief, he has no other choice. He must take the unforgiveable option to save himself and the sister he loves."
This is the brief synopsis of the new play that I am writing, entitles "Sermon." I hope to put this play on at NPC this upcoming semester. The play's deeper motivations are made gloriously seen upon a single multi-functional set and, in my humble opinion, will be one of the best things I've written. The play will explore religious zealots and the incredible use of paranoia to strike fear and destruction by the one we all must fear and avoid. I've alread written a few monologues I would like to have included in the play, and hope to see the first draft out sometime next week. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thank you.

Best Tele-Marketing Prank Ever

2008-05-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Push, Pull, Push, Pull, Work, Work, Work

2008-05-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well, last weekend was a hoot. I had so much fun watching "Wedding Singer" and chillin with the sister. If anyone wants to hear about the British trip to Diary Queen, let me know, I found it hilarious! Anyway, I'm exhausted as of late, seeing as how I am constantly working. Today I get a little bit of a break. I got home on Sunday and went directly to work at the theater. Then, on Monday, I went to work at the pool very early and then to the theater. Then yesterday, I had to work the REALLY early morning shift at the pool and then go work at the theater. I have been putting in 15 hour days! Sheesh! Today, I only work til noon, then I'm off to rest and do some more running.
My running schedule is now different, seeing as how I don't get up in the morning anymore. I actually run at night. After work, around 10:30. It's a peaceful run and I enjoy myself. And I found the perfect music to run to as well. The soundtrack to "The Triplets of Belleville." It's perfect because almost the entire soundtrack keeps a singular beat to keep you moving. Very great. Anyway, I'm going to go read another few chapters of "The Kite Runner" and be off to home to rest and get ready for the movie night I'm hosting. We're doing "The Producers!" Ashleigh hasn't seen it yet and that's just not acceptable.

A Weekend Getaway

2008-05-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Well, the day has come that I am going down to the valley to watch Broadway's "The Wedding Singer!" I'm so excited for this weekend. I'm in serious need of some time with my sister and my nephew and niece (they's so cute!) and this is the perfect weekend getaway. I'm so happy that I can take my sister to these shows so that she can get outta the house and hang out with me and my friends. I truly have one of the coolest sisters of all time. I have two of the coolest sisters of all time, really! In fact, while I'm digressing, I should say that I have the coolest siblings ever! they're all really cool. In fact, they're all quite amazing!
So, tonight we are leaving from Snowflake to traverse down to Maricopa. Me, Adrian, Nick, Ashleigh, Chelsea, and Jourdan (Megan wimped out because of work). But we are loading up the van and going against the rules of nature to fight the storm approaching. We'll sing showtunes and tell amazing stories of our youth to each other as we make our way down. Then, tomorrow morning, we'll go to Borders for breakfast and perusing of books and music and such. Then, the show begins at 2. Then, off to our favorite restaurant, P.F. Chang's! I love that place. My sista and I always share a Lettuce Wraps plate and we just have loads of fun with that! Lol. Then we're going to go to my sister's house for a night of DDR and Guitar Hero. It shall be loads of fun!

So anyway, I better be off to do my job so that I can leave on time. Peace, homes!

A Future Full of Promise

2008-05-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers. I decided that I haven't actually written anything of importance for quite awhile, so I thought that now would be a great time. Seeing as how there's a lot of things going on. To start off with, tomorrow is NPC's graduation and I'm singing with the choir in it. Fantastic. We're all pretty excited that our time this semester has been well spent and that we're finally going to get a rest. I say that "WE" are getting a rest, when that is in fact a lie. Several of us, including myself, are going to be taking private voice lessons with Julie Holtan (our choir director) during the summer. I think it's going to be just SWELL! I'm preparing for the musical that we're doing next semester, but I'll come to that in a bit. The voice lessons, considering I'll be doing them for three months, should help somewhat in my overall vocal quality. I'm also hoping that I can get everything situated to where I can learn some music theory so that I can learn how to read music better and also sight-read.

Next up on my little agenda is that next week, me, Chelsea, Ashleigh, Nick, Adrian, Megan, and my beautiful sista Sarah will be going down to the valley to see "THE WEDDING SINGER!" at Gammage Auditorium. I just bought the tickets, ya see. I've been looking forward to seeing this musical for quite some time. Next month is "My Fair Lady," too so I'll have seen as of next weekend (thanks to mostly my Madre) 11 musicals at Gammage! Wahoo!
Okay, so I have a current dilemma that is royally ticking me off! This is a good dilemma to have, but at the same time, volatile and destructive! Here it is. Next semester, we will be doing the musical "1776", which has been a musical I've wanted to do for quite a long time. I was excited to hear that this was the current choice. However, I was struck with a mighty, mighty blow when Dr. Mike asked me to direct next semester for the Round Theater production. It would be an all-woman cast play and I'm currently reading one of the 4 choices called "As It Is In Heaven." I've wanted to direct for quite a long time as well. ....................This is my dilemma. What should I do? Any suggestions out there? Anything really will greatly help.
Anyway, so last night a bunch of us friends watched "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," and tonight we're going to go watch "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." I better be off to get ready for it, considering it's a date tonight. Wink. Wish me luck. Au revoir faithful readers and readeresses. I love you all (supposing I know you, of course.) I wish you all the best of days and that all things fare well for you and your house. Wishing you the most pleasant of thoughts and dreams, I bid thee all adieu.

New Dark Knight Trailer

2008-05-12T08:26:00.001-07:00

I am so incredibly excited for this movie! We going Sarah! We GOING!

Schoolhouse Ending

2008-05-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. So Thursday night was my final night performing the ingenious "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" Yes, it went off with a bang. Our cast made so very many mistakes during the course of the play, but luckily for us, we've been seasoned enough in this show that we were really prepared for anything. Almost everything we did was improv. So much fun it was, that we were asked to do a finale performance the 5 of June. Hopefully, I'll be able to do it. Depends on who all will be doing it, I suppose. Lol. We'd be doing it at the Snowflake Park for their city-wide day of fun!
In other news, I just finished watching the first season of "The Riches." Great GREAT show! I recommend it to anyone who likes good entertainment. Really a treat. The season finale was incredible. I almost puked I was so happy...yeah, I went there. It ends on a very high, tense note. However, I must say that the best episode of Season 1 was the one entitled "Cinderella." It was so incredibly taut that I was literally on the edge of my seat for nearly the whole time. Great show. Such a great show!
This has also been a week of movies in the theaters. I've seen so many, but the two I'd like to comment on are "Iron Man" and "Speed Racer." "Iron Man" was incredible. Quite possibly the best super-hero movie that's come out. Now, that will change once "Dark Knight" comes out, because that looks just spectacular. But, "Iron Man" holds the title now. It was darkly comic and action-packed. A movie that entertains you as it kicks your trash. Very good. Now, I went to "Speed Racer" last night expecting to come out disappointed. Well, I have to honestly say that it was not disappointing. The special effects were astounding (artistically speaking), and the cinematography was really like watching a live-action anime. They did a great job of connecting the Japenese cartoon form of artistry to the live-action "Matrix"-y type artistry. I would recommend it, especially to kids, because it was right up there with Pepsi-tastic. I will admit that I liked "Iron Man" more (awarded a Chai-tastic in my rating scale), but they were both good flicks. I'm thinking about seeing "Expelled" tonight, but we'll see, won't we?
Anyway, have a great weekend all. Hope all is well. Peace!

For the Month of MAY

2008-05-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. So I decided, in order to bring some sort of order to my hectic schedule, to make a schedule of all the things that May is going to bring. As it stands, this may well be my busiest month to date (concerning this year, that is.) Alright, if all of you readers out there have your bloomers hiked up high enough to where, if a tornado passed by, you wouldn't lose 'em, I'll begin. (Takes a deep breaht and begins to prattle on.)
First off, I must set myself up to write more often. I have so many good ideas streaming through my brain right now, I have to hurry it up and but them on paper before they are lost in space. I have recently finished a one-act that I've been cooking up in the old noggin for some time now. I'm pleased with it. I'm planning on doing a reading of it very soon (next week) so that my first few alterations can be made before starting something else. Everything helps a portfolio build. And nothing is better than having a built portfolio.
Next thing on the agenda is that my choir is going to be doing a lot of concerts for the next coupla weeks before graduation on the 17th. We're first performing at an art show at NPC's Talon Gallery to celebrate the winners of the NPC Art Competition. Next, we are performing Vivaldi's "GLORIA" with the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra. I love performing this piece, but alas, twill not be for me, as I am working. Speaking of which, I will be working throughout the summer and well into my 60's two jobs. Both at the Recreation Dept for the City as well as for the movie theater (which is getting tight, since we just fired 6 of our longest-working employees). Ouch! I am also in a Vocal Ensemble performance next week where I will be singing "Pretty Lady" from Stephen Sondheim's "Pacific Overtures." Beautiful song. Also, in the middle of all of this, my scenes for "Richard III" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" will premiere. I directed those scenes, ya see. And lastly, our choir performs at Graduation. Sheesh! This is busy busy by next Saturday!
This Thursday is my last performance of "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" What a wonderful experience this show has been. Singing, dancing, acting - all for little kids to learn. I have to say that this has been one of the coolest experiences I've been a part of. Quite the toll on the voice, but hey, it's all worth it in the end. It'll be sad to see it all go away. But, we're getting ready for the summer show ("Boy Gets Girl"...a show about stalking...creeeeeppppyyyy). The weekend after graduation, I will be jetting down to the valley to go see "The Wedding Singer" with all my peeps and my sister. Leaving Friday night and returning Saturday morning! Eek! We're going to see the show and then go to P.F. Chang's and then it shall all be well indeed.
Chelsea, Ashleigh, and I will all be starting to choreograph some tap numbers in our spare time because we oh so love to tap and we just miss it to pieces.
Anyway, that's about it for the month of May...well, isn't it enough!? Lol. Anyway, you all have a wonderful weekend and I'll look forward to reading your comments and also writing to you about tomorrow's performance of "Schoolhouse." Peace out, skillets!

Tagged By Sarah

2008-05-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

5 things on my list for today...
1. Write my Mom
2. Go to both jobs
3. Finish burning CD's
4. Edit my play
5. Get gas

5 snacks I enjoy...
1. Cheez-its (my addiction)
2. Sour Patch Kids
3. Strawberries
4. Black and White Cookies
5. Potato Chips

5 places I've lived...
1. Yellow House
2. Green House behind Shell Station
3. Duplex
4. Stone house w/Dad
5. Grandma's House
(I've never left Show Low)

5 Jobs I've had...
1. Cashier at R&R Pizza
2. Assistant Manager at Ponderosa Express
3. Recreation Assistant at City of Show Low
4. Concessionist at White Mountain Entertainment
5. Recreation Assistant/Receptionist at Show Low Aquatic Center

What I would do with a Billion dollars...
1. Buy my castle
2. Buy every movie I've ever wanted
3. Pay off all of my debt
4. Travel around the world
5. Give to Broadway Cares

5 things you may not know about me...
1. I like the color black enough to wear it a lot...I'm not secretly depressed. I just like the color and I look dang good in it
2. I write plays in my "Spare Time"
3. I sleep a maximum of four hours every night
4. I want to be a film director some day
5. I own a ton of movies...for they is my passion, skillet.

I tag Malori, Laney, Rachelle, Beau, and Cassidi

Review for "Crazy for You."

2008-04-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I thought that since I critique movies and music that I hear, I might as well critique a show that I saw recently here in Show Low. The High School Performing Arts Department is putting on a production of George and Ira Gershwin's musical "Crazy for You." This is a story derived from many of the Gershwins' original songs and songs from other musicals that they have done. More of a review than anything else...but one with a great story in between. Here's the plot:

Bobby Child, an upper-class banker, wants nothing more than to be a Broadway dancer. He taps and sings and has tremendous talent, yet no one in the theatre business takes him personally, especially the snobbish Hungarian choreographer Bella Zangler. Bobby's mother wants him to pursue a meaningful life as a banker while his "fiancee," Irene, wants to get married, much to Bobby's chagrin. Bobby's mother asks him to take an assignment in Nevada to buy a theatre before it's foreclosed. He takes the opportunity so as to get out of the New York City life for awhile. In Nevada, Polly, the only woman in the po-dunk town of Deadrock, works as a mail clerk in the theatre-now-post office. Bobby instantly falls in love with her. Upon hearing his name, however, Polly refuses to speak to him, knowing that he works for the bank that is trying to buy her father's theater. Bobby has the ingenious idea of putting on a review show at the theatre in order to raise the money needed to save the theatre from selling. In order to do it, however, he masquerades as the snobbish Bella Zangler. Polly falls in love with "Zangler," leaving Bobby not knowing what to do. Meanwhile, Polly is being pursued by the town's uppity saloon owner Lank Hawkins. Irene follows Bobby to Deadrock in order to marry him. She meets Lank and the two begin to fight and nag and the like. Bobby brings his dancer friends from New York City to help put on the show, one of which is the mistress of Bella Zangler. The real Zangler enters Deadrock. Polly discovers the deciet of Bobby and the two immediately grow on bad terms. A British couple, the Fedors, enter the scene as well, hoping to create a guidebook to the American West. They help the town see that success is only being happy with what you have. Bobby leaves for New York after the show flops and only to return to woo and marry Polly. Polly, meanwhile is made the star of a show that Bella Zangler creates in Deadrock, which grows in acclaim. Polly and Bobby meet and fall madly in love as the show culminates in one glorious, energetic, happy ending.
I have to say that this was one of the best shows I've seen at the High School in quite awhile. Including when I was there myself. Stanton Davis, Bethany Gentry and Miranda Jones, Tucker Bingham, Sarah Perkins and Katie Stepp, and Alan Whipple as the principle characters bring great energy to the already charismatic show. The choreography (done by none other than one of my personal heroes Debra Fisher and her assistant Lindsey Burgess) is fantastic...mixing eclectic New York City tap numbers to the brusque Western jazz style. The Follie Girls are nothing short of dedicated little workers. Shay Hancock, Shadean Bryant, Katie Pearce, and Rebecca Pearce catch your attention and never let you go as they tap their way into your hearts. The often screwy microphones make the show difficult to stand at points, but the actors rise above the technical difficulties to surprise you with a hair-raising, energetic show of great character and personality. Great show. Great show. The Gershwins would be pleased.

Weekend Extravaganza!

2008-04-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I have yet to write about the fantastmagoria of seeing "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" down in the valley with my friends and my sista. So much fun. So much fun. After my closing night and set-strike for "Nixon's Nixon" (which had a compellingly fantastic closing night), we loaded the Aveo and took off on a curtailing road trip to Phoenix. After a few missed roads, we arrived at my sister's house in Maricopa. The next morning, we went off and watched the show at ASU Gammage Auditorium. It's such a nice theatre to see shows at. And I have to say that SWEENEY TODD ROCKS! John Doyle's adaptation was exhilarating. The actors not only acted and sung, but also played the role of the orchestra. So exciting. Those performers were incredibly talented. Judy Kaye and David Hess were Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett. They were amazing. After the show, we stopped at my favorite restaurant in the world...you guessed it - P.F. Chang's. My sister and I shared some lettuce wraps and we all shared our entrees. Chicken, beef, rice, lo mein, pork, and all sorts of varied things. Then we had a marvellous dessert and were off down the road again to Show Low. We arrived home, I konked out to sleep, and here we are. It's been a few weeks, but I had to let you all know how much fun I had chillin with the sis and friends.

I Been Tagged

2008-04-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

What I've done in my 20 years of life:
(X) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
( ) Been to Florida
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
(X) Gone to Washington , DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robber
(X) Recently colored with crayons
(X) Sang Karaoke
( ) Paid for a meal with coins only
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(X) Made prank phone calls
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(X) Gone to the movies
1. Any nickname? Al, Bra (derivitive of "Bro"), Bud, Eddie, Dax, Daxalot, You
2. Mother's name? Kerri
3. Favorite drink? Tiger Spice Chai with a shot of White Decedance Blended with home-made whipped cream
4. Tattoo? Don't want one
5. Body Piercings? None
6. Birthplace? Show Low, AZ
7. Favorite vacation spot? So far...Oklahoma was fun but Utah has a thousand family members that are always great
8. Ever been to Africa? No, but I really wanna go
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? I have
10. Ever been on TV? Sure have. Loads of times
11. Ever steal any traffic sign? One
12. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4-door
14. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch
15. Favorite pie? Pumpkin pie
16. Favorite number? 5
17. Favorite movie? Moulin Rouge, I guess
18. Favorite holiday? Halloween
19. Favorite dessert? Strawberry short-cake
20. Favorite Food? Chicken lettuce wraps with the special sauce from P.F. Chang's
21. Favorite day of the week? Sunday
22. Favorite brand of body wash? Whatever
23. Favorite smell? Rain
25. What do you do to relax? Watch movies or read
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? A very successful award-winning film writer/director
27. Furthest place away this will be read? Probably Italy...Niccolo reads this sometimes

Nixon's Nixon

2008-04-19T10:12:00.001-07:00

So tonight is my final night performing the show "Nixon's Nixon." So far we've had an excellent run. I think the White Mountains is preparing itself for more edgy, mature theatrical productions and for that I am greatly appreciative to be part of the catalyst. Our opening night was terrifying, I'll be honest. Nobody knew what to expect. We weren't sure if our audience would be open to the barrage of cursing and vulgarities. We weren't sure if our audience was going to accept a dramatic, unhappy conclusion. We weren't positive if our hard work would go appreciated. But then, as the lights dimmed to the sound of the presidential helicopter and Dr. Mike gave his final peace sign wave of farewell to the audience in the appropriate Nixon style, we heard the rise of feet and the audience was standing up for us. We received a standing ovation from the crowd! It was an incredible feeling. Talking the audience afterward, they seemed genuinenly impressed with the quality of the show and seemed anxious for more productions similar to it in the future. We even had audience members ask us when we were doing "Sweeney Todd." The second night our audience grew in size and sterness, but the affect was still the same. Last night, I was offered the opportunity to be a part of several independent films that are being filmed in Phoenix and all over Arizona. One of which is going on Lifetime. The other is a completely independently-produced film that one Tabatha Richards is putting on. It's exciting so I will be in contact with her as the weeks progress.
On another note, I'll be seeing tomorrow at exactly 2:00 SWEENEY TODD!!! At Gammage Auditorium in Tempe with Sarah, Chelsea, Heather, Ileva, Adrian, Christie, Jessi, Malori, Nick, Ana, Breana, and Dan! What a crew and what a show, eh? I'm more than excited. I'm ecstatic! Thoroughly flush with anticipation. Anyway, I'm signing off for today. I hope and pray for an exciting closing night and a fantastic weekend ahead of me.

Wrong Me

2008-04-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here is quite possibly some of the funniest writing that Mel Brooks has ever done...well, the first line is. The rest is just hilarious. Have fun as you watch this scene from "Dracula: Dead and Loving It."

The Miniature Earth

2008-04-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

This was on my sister's blog and I think that it's so interesting. I'm thinking of a play that I could do with this idea and with these goals in mind.

Pooped

2008-04-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

So...I mustn't tell a lie to all of you. Therefore I'll be honest and tell the truth - I is tired, yo. Thoroughly exhausted. Here is my week so far and what I have yet to look forward to: Monday - Work at pool from 8-12 and work at theatre from 12-9. Tuesday - At school from 1-6 and rehearsal from 6-10 (Nixon's Nixon). Wednesday - Work at pool from 8-12 and rehearse from 6-10 (Schoolhouse Rock). Thursday - Work at pool from 8-12 and go to school from 1-6 and rehearse from 6-10 (Nixon's Nixon). Friday - Perform Schoolhouse Rock Live twice from 7-2 and work at pool from 2-6 and rehearse from 6-10 (Nixon's Nixon). Saturday - Work at pool from 8-12 and work at theater from 12-11. Sunday - OFF!!!! Sunday will be my resting day. Just like another great historical person, eh?

So, other than the exhaustion and lack of sleep and sustanence bit, I'm doing pretty well. I've encountered some money issues, but I hope and pray that I'll be okay. Not counting my dimes yet, but by tomorrow, all shall be known. Eek! The last few Nixon rehearsals have been killer on my brain. I sometimes feel like my head is going to explode with these massive migraines I'm having. I, of course, pretend like I'm not having them and push through the pain, which makes the pain even worse, but what can ya do? I get myself in these sticky situations so I must now deal with them, right? At least I dropped Biology. That's a huge helping off of my plate. I really wish I was better in that class. I'd be that much closer to graduating, but alas.
Oh, good news, I get off of work here in about thirty minutes. From there, I will be off to Wal-mart to return an FM transmitter that is somehow not working. I hope I can find another one so i can listen to my new iPod in the car. Oh, if you haven't yet watched the show "The Riches," you must presently tune in to Sidereel and watch it right this instant. It's quite possibly one of the best written shows on television right now. Look on my sidebar and you'll see that I've created my most-watched TV shows and that is there. Quite a good show starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver as American gypsies who take on the identities of another family that they witnessed the death of. Quite, quite good. "The American dream...we're going to steal it!"
In other Alex news, I've just begun reading (for the third time) Bram Stoker's "Dracula." I have to say that this book gets far too much film credit and not enough people have actually read it. It's so so good. Classic literature in the best sense of the word. It's frightening, romantic, horrible, beautiful, and original - especially for it's time. Great piece of work. Quite good, indeed. Anyway, I'm off to do the cleaning for the pool so I can leave on scheduled time. I love you all and thank you for keeping interested in little ol' me.

Top Actors and Actresses

2008-04-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

I decided I haven't done this in awhile. A new list of my favorite things. This time, my top 10 favorite actresses and my top 10 favorite actors. This list is compiled of those artists who I think possess aptitude to do more than one role (i.e. Ashton Kutcher only playing plucky, good-looking comedic leads who are self-interested and end up changing for the girl he loves...boring!). So here is my top 10 favorite actors and actresses:

Actors:

10 - Leonardo DiCaprio

9 - Alan Arkin

8 - Daniel Day-Lewis

7 - William Fitchner

6 - Heath Ledger

5 - Kevin Spacey

4 - Michael Caine

3 - Jack Nicholson

2 - John Cusack

1 - Johnny Depp

Actresses

10 - Catherine Zeta-Jones

9 - Natalie Portman

8 - Cate Blanchett

7 - Christina Ricci

6 - Julianne Moore

5 - Judi Dench

4 - Naomi Watts

3 - Joan Cusack

2 - Reese Witherspoon

1 - Nicole Kidman

A Complete Weekend

2008-03-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was as perplexing as it was fun and enjoyable! Not only did I get to see most of my entire family, I also inducted several new members. That's right, my brother Beau tied the knot and got hitched last week in Utah (at the gorgeous, breath-taking Salt Lake Temple) and we had his Arizona reception Saturday night at the beautiful Downtown Chapel here in Show Low. All my siblings were here, as well as my brother's father and step-mother, as well as my Unlce Kenny and Tim, and a whole slew of others! Quite the overload of guests at times, but it's all in good fun! Beau, Eben (my new sister), and Eben's sister (the hilarious Courtney) all arrived on Thursday afternoon to celebrate the joyous occassion. Then, Friday came and Kenny, Tim, Sarah, Patrick, Patty, Jensen and Eyan (who, for argument's sake are brothers to me...the inner-machinations of my family's outline and progress is nothing short of startling), Bailey, and Nio (real name being Joaquin) all arrived in order to start prepartions. That evening, we all loaded the vehicles and went to El Rancho for dinner and watched movies at my Grandma's house. We were able to briefly set up tables for the reception as well. but only six as we weren't sure of the space for everything else. Then, BIG SATURDAY rolled along, and the entire day was spent preparing for Beau and Eben's reception. I was in charge of the sound system and M.C.-ing the shindig when the time came around to it. Francine and Grandma were in charge of drinks, the cake, and tableclothes. Patrick and Patty were in charge of the food, and Sarah was in charge of everything else. Zach, Mackenzie, and Robert joined us that day as well (much to my amusement, Robert was stuck in traffic for the following reasons: Renaissance Festival, car accident, road construction, and a golf tournament...hehe, that's hilarious!). We all went to Pat's Place (our family's favorite pizza joint that's closing its doors very very soon...tear) for a family lunch and a time where the family can give the two newly-weds advice and share memories. We also made some memories as Jensen, Eyan, Zach, Beau, Eben, and I played several rounds of pool. Fun times, fun times. Then, more prepartions, and then the reception itself!
The reception was beautiful, and Beau and Eben were so happy together. How cute. We played some good songs, had a recieving line (of just Beau and Eben, thank goodness), did the cake-cutting, the bouquet toss, the garter toss, the first dance, the parent's dance, the money dance, and the fun dances (Electric Slide, Cha-Cha Slide, and Suavemente!). We cleaned up, went home, watched as Beau and Eben opened their gifts and then we all crashed like a sack full of lead on an orphan.

Yesterday was my birthday, and I turned 20 years old. We had some sandwhiches and vegetables (left over from the reception) and, instead of cake (for I loathe cake), we had some strawberries and cool whip. Yumm! I was able to talk to my mom and she sang Happy Birthday to me (as did many of my friends through texts) and that was a great conversation. I love my Mommy very much! Then, I got to open my gifts from the family. My Uncle Kenny and Tim got me a Wal-Mart gift card (with which I have used), Beau and Eben got me an iTunes gift card (which I have used...I got Eddie Izzard and Company), and my Gma and Aunt Francine got me the three LOTR movies (Special Limited Editions) and an iPod! I love them both so much. However, the best gift that I received was from my Dad and Rachelle. They're paying for me to go up and visit my Mom this summer, which is hard for me to do, financially speaking. They are paying for gas, food, and a little extra in case I wanna do something fun! It was altogether a great birthday for me. Sarah, Robert, Bailey, Nio, Patrick, Patty, Jensen, Eyan, Tim, and Kenny all left that day. The remaining Courtney, Eben, Beau, and I all played May I? (our family's favorite card game) and watched LOTR: Return of the King. I woke up this morning, said my goodbyes, and here I am now at work...frittering away time by writing my life to people I'm sure who aren't interested or who were there. Life's bitter irony is that we care so much about ourselves and no one else does. That's why God created family's. So we can care about others without personal gain. Love my family, yes I do. Au Revoir, fantastic readers. Til next time.

Schoolhouse Rock Live Opening

2008-03-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hello devoted, charitable readers. Today was our opening for the smash hit musical that's sweeping the mountain, "Schoolhouse Rock LIVE!" It was a great two performances, let me tell you. The entire energy of the show changed when you stepped in front of a crowd of a hundred or so little children (K-3 & K-6). The energy of the crowd was substantial and the amount of intertaction that they actually understood and enjoyed was just as incredible. Sure, when we arrived to start to the pre-loaded van, the van wouldn't start. We had to reload another van, already running late, crowd into school-owned vehicles, and dash off across to cities to make it on time for curtain. Then, we unloaded the vans through a small exit in the rear of the auditorium (because the dock door was too heavily crowded over with items from previous shows, but then, the lights went on, the kids gathered in - we were on! Here's more details.

Our first performance was at Blue Ridge Elementary School where my cast (comprised of Ashleigh, Donovan, Marissa, Greg, Breana, and myself) performed on a small procenium stage (which Blue Ridge High School uses for their own dramatic productions) in front of approximately two hundred K-3rd grade kids and their teachers. Tammy (our lovable stage manager) controlled the show from the sound booth (centered about thirty feet in midair above the final rows of the stage). The first line of the show, uttered gracefully by Greg (aka Tom) is "Hello, class. I'm your new teacher, Mr. Mizer!....No, that sucks!" The children's innocent chuckles burst across the stage apron and poured into ourselves - permeating our fears. We each went on, displaying the work that we had done for several months (or a month as Greg and I have done). They loved it, ate it up! Enjoyed every last sampling! Every song they drew farther and farther away from the backs of their seats until they were all enthralled, mimicking our dances and movements on stage, comprehending more than we were expecting. At curtain call, we presented a teacher with the "Schoolhouse Rock" DVD (complete with every song, mind you) and the kids cheered more. We then went into the audience to greet them and say farewell as they were leaving. They were nervous and excited as we approached. To them, we were Superstars! They all announced their enjoyment, and then we rushed to gather our props, sound equipment, and costumes (which is no small feat) to hurry and bustle over to Linden Elementary school to do the whole thing all over again.

The second cast (comprised of Ileva, Terry, Megan, Greg, Breana, and Adrian) had an automatic brush with the reality of a live touring cast show. The new performance space - a multi-purpose room with an eight-by-fifteen stage set up on rickety tables graced a sound-sucking cathedral ceiling. Wow! I was lucky enough to be in the previous cast, but the Y cast (we are the X one) was one of great aptitude as they were able to adapt most well to the pretty scary circumstances. They did quite well, I must say. Our House Manager, Debra Fisher also showed up to help set up the sound equipment, as we were having a lot of feedback issues with it. Good thing we showed up an hour early. Then, we hopped back into the vans, headed back into Snowflake to unload the equipment and props (of which there are thousands, it would seem). I came home and now I am at work, writing to all of you good people.

I will be posting a play in the next few days. One of which I'm entering into a playwriting contest here in AZ. I would like all of you to prepare yourselves for what it will be. Let me just say that it is real. Not in my life, but in many lives, and I'm writing it so people won't trick themselves into thinking that it doesn't exist. I'm tired of us creating our own universes to better suit our lives when the real universe is good enough - if we fix it.
Thank you everyone and write soon!

50 Dumbest Laws

2008-03-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

I decided that this list should be more fun-filling for you readers out there. So I came up with the 50 Dumbest American Laws, and they're categorized by state. You'll laugh til you die, I swear. These laws are ridiculous, if I do say so myself. Just remember, these laws had to come from somewhere, and when you start thinking that these laws were made to protect someone, you'll be boggled with what you could possibly come up with - scenarios where these laws are actually relevant. Terrific. Terrific.

Alabma - It is illegal for a husband to beat his wife with a stick larger in diameter than his thumb.

Alaska - While it is legal to shoot bears, waking a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a photograph is prohibited.

Arizona - When being attacked by a criminal or burglar, you may only protect yourself with the same weapon that the other person posseses.

Arkansas - No person shall sound the horn on a vechicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9:00 P.M.

California - Persons classified as "ugly" may not walk down any street.

Colorado - Cats may not run loose without having been fit with a taillight.

Connecticut - It is illegal for any beautician to hum, whistle, or sing while working on a customer.

Delaware - Getting married on a dare is grounds for an annulment.

Florida - If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.

Georgia - It is illegal to say "Oh, Boy"

Hawaii - Within the limits of any public park, it is unlawful to annoy any bird.

Idaho - Illegal for a man to give his sweetheart a box of candy weighing less than fifty pounds.

Illinois - The English language is not to be spoken.

Indiana - Check forgery can be punished with public flogging up to 100 stripes.

Iowa - Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants

Kansas - If two trains meet on the same track, neither shall proceed until the other has passed.

Kentucky - By law, anyone who has been drinking is "sober" until he or she "cannot hold onto the ground."
Louisiana - It illegal for a woman to drive a car unless her husband is waving a flag in front of it.

Maine - Shotguns are required to be taken to church in the event of a Native American attack.

Maryland - It's illegal to take a lion to the movies.

Massachusettes - At a wake, mourners may eat no more than three sandwiches.

Michigan - There is a 10 cent bounty for each rat's head brought into a town office.

Minnesota - A person may not cross state lines with a duck atop his head.

Mississippi - The fine for waving a gun in public is higher than actually shooting it.

Missouri - Worrying squirrels is not tolerated.

Montana - It is illegal to operate a vehicle with ice picks attached to the wheels.

Nebraska - It is Illegal to go whale fishing.

Nevada - Everyone walking the streets is required to wear a mask.

New Hampshire - You may not tap your feet, nod your head, or in any way keep time to the music in a tavern, restaurant, or cafe.

New Jersey - It is against the law to "frown" at a police officer.

New Mexico - State officials ordered 400 words of "sexually explicit material" to be cut from Romeo and Juliet.

New York - Women may go topless in public, providing it is not being used as a business.

North Carolina - Fights between cats and dogs are prohibited.

North Dakota - One may be jailed for wearing a hat while dancing, or even for wearing a hat to a function where dancing is taking place.

Ohio - Throwing a snake at anyone is illegal.

Oklahoma - If you wear New York Jets clothing, you may be put in jail.

Oregon - Juggling is strictly prohibited without a license.

Pennsylvania - Fireworks stores may not sell fireworks to Pennsylvania residents.

Rhode Island - It is considered an offense to throw pickle juice on a trolley.

South Carolina - It is perfectly legal to beat your wife on the court house steps on Sundays.

South Dakota - It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory.

Tennessee - It is illegal for a woman to call a man for a date.

Texas - You can be legally married by publically introducing a person as your husband or wife 3 times.

Utah - No one may walk down the street carrying a paper bag containing a violin.

Vermont - Whistling underwater is illegal.

Virginia - There is a state law prohibiting "corrupt practices of bribery by any person other than candidates."

Washington - All lollipops are banned.

West Virginia - If you wear a hat inside a theater, you may be fined.

Wisconsin - Citizens may not murder their enemies

Wyoming - You may not take a picture of a rabbit during the month of June.

The Happening

2008-03-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

Here is the new M. Night Shyamalan movie that I'm looking forward to seeing. He always does good movies and I appreciate his keen sense of the darker side of human emotion. His movies are always pure and devote time to character study, and that's what I like yo.

Top 50 Movies

2008-03-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

After compiling a list of my favorite 50 books and written works, I have decided to do a list of my top 50 favorite movies. Like the book list, you'll notice that common actors, themes, directors, and the like appear all over the place. Favorite directors include Tim Burton and Martin Scorcese and Paul Thomas Anderson. I also like actors like Johnny Depp and Nicole Kidman a lot and you'll see that I have several of their movies listed here. What can I say? I just love great art. Here is my list. I hope you like it:

50. Death At A Funeral

49. Thank You For Smoking

48. Shortbus

47. Secret Window

46. Ocean's Eleven

45. The Rocky Horror Picture Show

44. Pay it Forward

43. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

42. Restoration

41. Boogie Nights

40. Take the Lead

39. Romeo+Juliet

38. Airplane!

37. Adaptation

36. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

35. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

34. Pulp Fiction

33. Blow

32. Notting Hill

31. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

30. Punch-Drunk Love

29. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

28. Finding Neverland

27. Jurassic Park

26. The Stepford Wives

25. Eulogy

24. A Fish Called Wanda

23. There Will Be Blood

22. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

21. Labyrinth

20. American Beauty

19. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

18. Serendipity

17. Amelie

16. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

15. Casino

14. Strictly Ballroom

13. Noises Off!

12. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

11. Magnolia

10. Ed Wood

9. Juno

8. The Departed

7. Nightmare Before Christmas

6. Garden State

5. Clue

4. Little Miss Sunshine

3. Donnie Darko

2. Edward Scissorhands

1. Moulin Rouge

Top 50 Books

2008-03-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I thought that I should post my top 50 books for all of you to consider reading. It's a great thing when I can pick up a book and suddenly be transported to another world, another circumstance, another life. And I can be enraptured in the adventures and intrigue created by amazing authors. So here they are, my Top 50 Written Word Reading List:

50. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

49. The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

48. Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

47. Carrie by Stephen King

46. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

45. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kessey

44. Bleak House by Charles Dickens

43. Stranger from a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

42. Sphere by Michael Crichton

41. Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice

40. Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie

39. It by Stephen King

38. The Stand by Stephen King

37. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

36. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

35. Choke by Chuck Palahniuk

34. 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King

33. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

32. Bag of Bones by Stephen King

31. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

30. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

29. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

28. Dune by Frank Herbert

27. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

26. Animal Farm by George Orwell

25. Watchmen by Alan Moore

24. Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie

23. Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk

22. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

21. Animorphs: The Invasion by K.A. Applegate

20. The Client by John Grisham

19. The 25th Hour by David Benioff

18. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

17. Hamlet by William Shakespeare

16. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

15. Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

14. Prey by Michael Crichton

13. The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

12. Next by Michael Crichton

11. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

10. Othello by William Shakespeare

9. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

8. Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk

7. 1984 by George Orwell

6. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

5. Haunted by Chuck Palaniuk

4. Dracula by Bram Stoker

3. State of Fear by Michael Crichton

2. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

1. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Movies I Wanna See

2008-03-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a look at some upcoming movies I wanna see. Interested anyone?

Boring Day & Vertical News

2008-03-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. Sorry I had to jet so quickly yesterday. It was a super-busy day. I went to go see the Snowflake production of "Guys and Dolls" and I have to say that the girl who played Adelaide and the girl who played Sarah were fantastic. Everyone else was just par. But, hey, I was in high school productions and you can't really afford much more than mediocre. They did they're best and the music was great, best music for a high school show that I've ever seen or heard. Thomas was great in the role of Sky Masterson, but acting is really out of his athletic element. But he gave it his all and you can tell that the entire cast worked very hard with choreography and vocalization, so the acting was really just a minor inconvenience to watch. So, yes, we finally ordered our tickets for "Sweeney Todd" and we're sitting in the balcony (the cheap seats), center in Row (I think?) 6. So not bad seats at all. About where I sat when I went and saw "The Producers." I'm so so SO excited to see this musical. I have to say that it's probably my favorite (next to Lion King). We go April 20 at 2 pm, which is the day after my final performance in "Nixon's Nixon," which everyone and their dog should come and see (just me and Dr. Mike people!). Anyway, onto more frivolous rantings:

Today is quite a long, boring day here at the office (as if I actually had an office). The only thing keeping me going here is the phone rings every 30 seconds and every single person asks the same question, "What time do you close today?" I know that they don't mean to be bugging me, but I sometimes will get short with them on the phone if they repeat what I just said or ask the same question twice (albeit in different ways, i.e. "So you close at what time?") I studied some lines for "Nixon's Nixon," reviewed my music for "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" and even wrote a short scene for a short film that I'm writing right now called "Punish." The scene involves a man who is an experiment in a new way to punish capital offenders. Instead of using the death penalty, this man has his eyes, vocal cords, and ear drums removed and is forced to live for thirty days within his own mind in a padded cell, unable to hurt himself or speak or hear or see. At the end of thirty days, the offender is given a choice to live or die. The choice, in the end, is theirs. Like I said, it's a short film and I'm not expecting too much out of it. It's more of a study on the human condition than on capital punishment.

Next item on the agenda is my potentially exciting news concerning a film studio here in good old Arizona. An indepedent film studio called "Vertical Blu" has contacted me and asked me to come to a private screening of a new movie that they have just released to many film festivals (approximately 40). It's called "Inconvenience" and is a portrait of choices facing every single one of us. The studio head has asked me to come because of some of my writing that he found via this blog. He read some stuff and found me on Myspace (the studio executive is about 27 years old) and was interested in me joining the team. How amazing would this be? To work in the industry that I love and doing what I love!? I'm not holding my breath, but I am praying for some miracle to help this work through. I hope you all do as well.

Anyway, that's about all for this episode. I hope you all have an amazing day. Happy success!

Whole Lotta Flicks

2008-02-29T15:47:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. This week has lent itself some pretty good movies in my direction that I have to share with everyone. They are both comedies, and hilarious ones at that. Plus, still to come are my plans for tonight and this weekend, and the exciting Broadway news that's flyin my way, as well the business world of VerticlBlu. All of these events will coelesce into me becoming excited and energized about the weekend and weeks to come. Hooray for not wanting to sleep at night!
First, the flicks. The first one I watched is called "Death at a Funeral." Okay, sounds morose and rather depressing, right, but add a huge splash of British humor and the hilarious directing style of master Frank Oz, and you have one of the best black comedies I've seen in a really really really really really really long time...probably since the movie "Eulogy." The entire film takes place at an old estate where the posh British upper-class gather to mourn the death of a father, husband, uncle, and closeted homosexual. While the family tries to piece it's own issues together, strangers lurk and cause quirky little episodes that leave several guests high on a hallucinogen disguised as Valium, a cantakerous great-uncle who always has things his way, missing bodies, and the most hilarious part of all is the rushed minister who tries to keep the cermony rolling so that he can make another appointment. Problems abound when a dwarf comes with pictures of this loving father in a homosexual relationship with him. The father's two sons quickly decide that tying up the dwarf is the best way of keeping things quiet. Two cousins quickly join the riotous acts as they all try to remain the posh upper-class. Hilarious. Hilarious.

The next movie is the ever-sophisticated new comed by Wes Anderson entitled "The Darjeeling Limited." This feature stars class-acts Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, with special cameo appearances by Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston, and Natalie Portman. The film follows three brothers who have not spoken for a year after the death of they're father. They take a train trip (on a train called the Darjeeling Limited for which the film lends it's name) across India to reconnect and to find their long-lost mother (who has taken refuge in a convent at the base of the Himalayas). They are throwin into bizarre circumstances including being stranded in the middle of the dessert with eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine. Terrific acting and superb writing with the witty high-brow humor seen in such films as "The Royal Tenenbaums" and even "Sideways."

Now, tonight I'm off to go see the play "Guys and Dolls" that's being performed by Snowflake High School and stars one of my good friends Thomas Beatty. I'm excited to see a mediocre show being performed by ameteurs. Hey, that's what we all are when we're performing and not on Broadway. And also tonight, we're ordering tickets to go see "Sweeney Todd" in Phoenix in April. We're going to the matinee performance so that we can make it a there-and-back trip. Julie, AJ, Chelsea, Heather, Ileva, Adrian, and I are all going and we're surprising Dan and Breana with tickets for their anniversary! Aren't we the cutest things? And I'm afraid I'll have to get back to you on the Vertical Blu stuff, cuz I'm off to go home and order me some tickets! Huzzah! Happy art!

Oscar Fever

2008-02-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

Everyone who knows me knows that I love to watch the Oscars and guess who will win what. Well, I have to say that this year, the Oscars were rather surprising. Most of the larger categories didn't shock me, but the smaller ones surely did. Especially Tilda Swinton! Anyway, here's the list of the noms and the winners. Enjoy seeing if your hypotheses were correct. Love

Best Animated Short Film

"I Met the Walrus"
"Madame Tulti-Pulti"
"Meme les Pigeons Vont au Paradis"
"My Love"
"Peter & the Wolf" - WINNER

Best Live Action Short Film

"At Night"
"Il Supplente"
"Le Mozart de Pickpockets" (The Mozart of Pickpockets) - WINNER

"Tanghi Argentini"
"The Tonto Woman"

Best Sound Editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum" - WINNER

"No Country for Old Men"
"Ratatouille"
"There Will Be Blood"
"Transformers"

Best Sound Mixing

"The Bourne Ultimatum" - WINNER
"No Country For Old Men"

"Ratatouille"
"3:10 to Yuma"

"Transformers"

Best Visual Effects

"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"

"The Golden Compass" - WINNER

"Transformers"

Best Animated Feature of the Year

"Persepolis"
"Ratatouille" - WINNER
"Surf's Up"

Best Documentary Short Subject
"Freeheld" - WINNER
"La Corona"
"Salim Baba"
Sari's Mother"

Best Documentary Feature

"No End In Sight"
"Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience"
"Sicko"
"Taxi to the Dark Side" - WINNER

"War/Dance"

Best Makeup

"La Vie En Rose" - WINNER
"Norbit"
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"

Best Film Editing

"The Bourne Ultimatum" - WINNER
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
"Into the Wild"
"No Country For Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"

Best Art Direction
"American Gangster"
"Atonement"
"The Golden Compass"
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - WINNER

"There Will Be Blood"

Best Costume Design

"Across the Universe"
"Atonement"
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" - WINNER
"La Vie En Rose"

Best Cinematography
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
"Atonement"
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
"No Country for Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood" - WINNER

Best Original Score
"Atonement" - WINNER

"The Kite Runner"
"Michael Clayton"
"Ratatouille"
"3:10 to Yuma"

Best Original Song
Falling Slowly from "Once" - WINNER
Happy Working Song from "Enchanted"
Raise It Up from "August Rush"
So Close from "Enchanted"

That's How You Know from "Enchanted"

Best Foreign Language Film
"Beaufort"
"The Counterfeiters" - WINNER

"Katyn"
"Mongol"
"12"

Best Adapted Screenplay
"Atonement"
"Away From Her"
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
"No Country For Old Men" - WINNER

"There Will Be Blood"

Best Original Screenplay
"Juno" - WINNER

"Lars and the Real Girl"
"Michael Clayton"
"Ratatouille"
"The Savages"

Best Supporting Actor

Casey Affleck in "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
Javier Bardem in "No Country for Old Men" - WINNER

Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Charlie Wilson's War"
Hal Holbrook in "Into the Wild"
Tom Wilkinson in "Michael Clayton"

Best Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett in "I'm Not There"
Ruby Dee in "American Gangster"
Saoirse Ronan in "Atonement"
Amy Ryan in "Gone Baby Gone"
Tilda Swinton in "Michael Clayton" - WINNER

Best Leading Actor
George Clooney in "Michael Clayton"
Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" - WINNER

Johnny Depp in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
Tommy Lee Jones in "In the Valley of Elah"
Viggo Mortensen in "Eastern Promises"

Best Leading Actress
Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Julie Christie in "Away From Her"
Marion Cotillard in "La Vie En Rose" - WINNER

Laura Linney in "The Savages"
Ellen Page in "Juno"

Best Director

Julian Schnabel for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Jason Reitman for "Juno"
Tony Gilroy for "Michael Clayton"
Joel and Ethan Coen for "No Country for Old Men" - WINNER

Paul Thomas Anderson for "There Will Be Blood"

Best Motion Picture of the Year
"Atonement"
"Juno"
"Michael Clayton"
"No Country for Old Men" - WINNER

"There Will Be Blood"

60 Questions

2008-02-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I've been slackin on the blogging thing, but if I ever get the chance to tell you what my schedule is like, you'll all totally understand. Anyway, I got this survey off of my sisters blog, and I shall do it. Have fun learning a little bit more about me from an internet survey.

Various things you possibly didn't know about me:
1. What is in the back seat of your car? Water bottles, Mardi Gras beads (don't ask), and CDs
2. When was the last time you threw up? When I ingested far too much honey and cayan a couple weeks ago.
3. What color is your toothbrush? Blue
4. Name one person that made you smile today? Julie
5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Sleeping and not going to my Biology class
6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Packing for my trip
8. Have you ever been to a strip club? No
9. What is the last thing you said aloud? I'll clean that
10. What is the best ice cream flavor? Mint Chocolate Chip (If and ever I do eat it...I'm not big into ice cream)
11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water
12. What are you wearing right now? All black (at work)
13. What was the last thing you ate? Dinner last night I had Wendy's
14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? No, I haven't
15. When was the last time you ran? Last night
16. The last sporting event you watched? I don't watch sports
18. Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on myspace? I think I left a comment for Gabe last
19. Ever go camping? Yes, but I hate the outdoors...nature...cheerful animals frolicking...it's nightmarish
22. Do you have a tan? Not really...Naturally so, if you can call it a tan
24. Do you drink your soda with a straw? When it's in a glass
25. What did your last text message say? "Nick doesn't have his tux"
26. Are you someone's best friend? I sure am, I hope. I try to be everyon's best friend
27. What are you doing tomorrow? Performing in a concert in Phoenix
28. Where is your mom? Somewhere ridiculous and she shouldn't be there, doesn't deserve to be there, and I want her here with me
29. Look to your left, what do you see? A locker room door (at work)
31. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Rufus Xavier Sasaparilla
33. What is your birthstone? Aquamarine
34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? Drive thru mostly
35. What did you do yesterday? School, a lot of it. Rehearsal a lot as well
36. Do you have a dog(s)? No, but not for a lack of trying
37. Last person you talked to on the phone? I think it was Donovan
38. Have you met anyone famous? Harley Jay and Tracey McDowell and Declan Bennett
39. Any plans today? Finish packing and leave for Phoenix
40. How many states have you lived in? 1
41. Ever go to college? In it now
42. What do you want to be when you grow up ? A film director
43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Ridiculous people who call me at work
44. Last song listened to? Rufus Xavier Sasaparilla
47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? My Skechers
49. Are you jealous of anyone? Yes
50. Is anyone jealous of you? Very
51. Do you love anyone? Almost everyone
52. Do any of your friends have children? Breana and Dan do
53. Do you eat healthy? Sometimes
54. What do you usually do during the day? School or work
55. Do you hate anyone right now? Yes
56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? All the time
59. Have you ever been to Six Flags? YES...And it was AMAZING!
60. How did you get one of your scars? Car crash

No More Pressure

2008-01-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

So, I have come to a conclusion in my life, and I think that it's a big one, being as I am from the family and friends that I am. I think that this decision will be helpful every single day, and leave me less drained and less worried about things than ever before, and that is that I will not be pressured into changing my opinions or decisions by the influence of others. Now, here's the story of how I have resolved to this system of thinking, and I think that you'll all enjoy it.
Recently, I have posted several notices to several of my friends, asking them to assist me in writing a musical. The musical is about murder, obsession, darkness, jealousy, and justice, mingled with darkly-composed music and terrifying imagery by poetic lyrics. I have begun to source out my project to others (as I don't know everything and musicals are a kick in the trash to write), and people have begun to pressure me into doing other sorts of scenes and scenarios for this musical. Many points are valid, but many are not, and these people I don't heed become very irate, and so I ponder more, making sure that I am doing what my vision stipulates. Several people have even tried telling me how to write, and no one will tell me that I don't know how to write. There are even people who are telling me that I don't have a clear enough vision of my project to make it work, to start over from scratch and work up again. Well, I have this to say to those people: Do not tell me how to create art. There is one rule of art that I hold most dear and that is that no one, absolutely no one, can tell anyone else how to create. There isn't one system, and even if one system works great for one person doesn't mean that the system will hold strong for someone else. I know that I brought this on myself for having introduced several people into my circle, but in my defense, I said from the beginning that I will have the final say on all decisions, as it is my project and my art, though it be a collaborative one.
I hope that I don't seem push-offish at this stand, but I have decided that my gut instinct is better than the influence of others. My intuition is perfect, just as everyone's is, and I hope that we can all learn to accept and stop trying to persuade. Unless it's for Barack Obama.

A Load of Tripe

2008-01-08T09:26:00.001-08:00

So today has just begun and it already feels like I need to go back to bed. I woke up late, rummaged through my closet looking for something to wear, showered faster than I ever have before and went out to start my car and found that it was covered in frost. I turned on the car and let it heat up for the ten minutes I didn't have then drove down the street only to be stopped by road construction, waiting another ten minutes I didn't have. Then, here's where it gets good, I got to work twenty minutes late. Now, after work I go to meet with Lanny at the theater and then I'm off to Snowflake (and I'm running low on gas) to dance (for the review we have on Saturday that we're not prepared for) and then wait around for rehearsal for "Saving Grace." Blah, blah, bloggity, blah!

Now that I have had my rant for the day, I will report that yesterday I went to see "Juno" again with Donovan, his family, and Cassidi. Hilarious movie. I highly recommend it. But then I drove Cassidi home and we sat out in the warm car and talked (cuz we havent' done that in quite a long time) and her dad came out and said for her to get inside. He thought we were making out or something. I hope he doesn't think less of anyone because we weren't doing anything of the sort. We were making irrational comments about how failing at life is failing at creating proper innuendos and how we are all good at something, no matter how meaningless it may be. Ahh, the good 'ol times and how often they will never come again.
Well, I suppose that's all I really have to write about today. Not much and mostly negative, but hey, we all have those days don't we? That's right. We do. And the only way, therapuetically speaking to solve our issues is to face them head-on (apply directly to the forehead) and write about them so that pent-up emotional stasis can be sent running off into the past like some frightened raccoon. This is all very good to write. The troubles seem to just flow out of my fingertips and into this wretched work computer (probably why it's so freakin' slow). But all of this will be over as soon as I press "Publish" and all the negativity can be forgotten and I'll sit down here, switch on Sidereel and "Heroes" while enjoying a nice ham sandwhich I made for myself. Then all will be well. You'll see.

Jobs, Taxes, Adulthood

2008-01-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

So, I've officially decided that being an adult isn't all that much fun. Being a kid is so much easier, safer, and more fun than being an adult. This whole responsibility nonsense is starting to kick my trash, but at least I have an amazing family to support me through everything. Indeed, I think that everyone should have my family, cuz they're pretty rad.

On a down-er note, I did not accept the position at Wells Fargo that was offered me. I wasn't postive about the year commitment nor the fact that they would fail to work around my school schedule, despite the fact I told them that it would be a necessity. They offered me the position and gave me some ground rules. I prayed about it and felt uncomfortable about it, and as my friend Arianna says, it's better to go with your gut instinct than with the dollar signs floating around your head. I agree with it. This won't be the first time that I will have had my instinct get me out of a jam.

With the bank job capute, I was in need of another job, seeing as how these bills are coming faster than I can pay for 'em. So, I called up Lanny and he has agreed to let me come back to the Theater until I can find something else. I'll still be working with the City, as well as possibly teaching a class at D.E.A.L. (an after school program that I was in for a year), because they asked me. I just have to find out how much it'll pay before I sign on and end up wasting my time. That sounds awful, but it's all about the green sometimes. So, I may have two and a half jobs for this semester, as well as taking Biology, Directing (again), Vocal Ensembles, Choir, the two plays I'm involved with, and the Biology lab. I'm trying to find another class to take so that I can get more of my General studies out of the way, but not many are very copisetic to my immediate scheduling plans. I'll have to go talk to one of the academic counselors before I sign on for all of my courses. I think that it will all work out, though, seeing as how I think I'm doing the things that I ought to and not doing the things that I ought not do. That sounded awfully Tolkien of me to say, no? Hahahahaha.... ha....hahaha....uh....hahaha....Enought of that.

So, I hope all is going well with everyone out in the cyber-kingdom of the Internet. I'm sure they are, but no one comments me anymore, so everyone peace out. I'm going to go see "Juno" tonight and maybe even "Alvin and the Chipmunks." I have to go dance as well, since our review is in...a week from today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm excited, but more nervous than anything else. We haven't practiced enough yet...EEK! Well, happy adulthood everyone!

Movie Review - No Country for Old Men

2007-12-28T14:10:00.000-08:00

Before I begin with this film review, I have a confession to make. I actually never really ejoyed Coen Brothers films, until my Mom explained their methods to me, telling me that the unconventional writing style, story structure, and even their eccentric characters were a means of storytelling all by themselves. So, even though the trailer to "No Country for Old Men" made the film look actually rather boring, I decided to go and see it in memory of my Mom's favorite film "Fargo." I have to say, even though I went in excited for a Coen's original, I was surprised and excited afterwards, having been sent through a torrent of character-driven plot-lines, suspenseful (almost Hitchcock in essence) cinematography by the one-and-only Roger Deakins ("Fargo" and "The Ladykillers"), and wittily ironic idiosyncratic dialogue by the Coen brothers themselves. The ending, as most people will tell you, has the aire of disappointment written all over it to people who only went to watch the shoot-em-up Western trevails of the film, but I found the ending to be realistic and symbolic. Wonderful.
The film, an adaptation of the novel by Cormac McCarthy, centers on Llewelyn Moss (played brilliantly by Josh Brolin of "Grindhouse" fame), a Vietnam veteran who stumbles upon a drug-deal gone bad aftermath. There, he finds hundreds of packages of heroine and a suitcase full of money, as well as a sole survivor, dying from thirst. He returns later that evening after taking the money in order to take the survivor a gallon of water. There, people searching for the money find him and begin to chase him across the Texas countryside. He barely escapes with his life and begins his running to Mexico in order to protect himself. He sends his wife, Carla Jean (plaeyd by the wonderful Kelly MacDonald of "Trainspotting") to live with her mother in Odessa. Meanwhile, the sinister serial killer Anton Chigurh (played expertly
by Academy Award-nominated Javier Bardem of "The Sea Inside") is in hot pursuit of the money after being hired to track it down. Chigurh follows the money by means of a tracker and nearly finds it on several occasions, using his weapons of choice, pressurized oxygen tank and shotgun with a giant silencer on it. Chigurh and Moss face off many times on the treacherous road to Mexico while also being pursued by former hot-shot sheriff Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones in an Oscar-worthy performance). Tom discovers the origin of Chigurh and his murderous side and begins his chase, hoping to protect Moss from the vulture circling him. Private detective Carson Wells (Woody Harrelson) is hired on as well to seek out and kill Chigurh. The story spirals in and out of control as characters face off and face on with each other, consulting their own inner-demons as well as their fears, sorrows, and intelligence.
The film is reminiscent of classical styles of cinema, ranging from techniques used in "Psycho" as well as "True Grit." There are several instances where the suspense is built by simply having people sitting and waiting expectantly for something terrifying to happen. The very presence of Anton Chigurh is unsettling, as most of his crimes are committed off-screen, enhancing the audience's own imagination into the deeds. Javier Bardem's performance is nothing short of Oscar-worthy, as you are fearful of Chigurh and yet drawn to his "call it, friend-o" attitude. This is truly a masterpiece thriller, as Heather Beaman and Adrian Leon (two friends who went to see this with me last night) were constantly jumping as I did. This film should not be confused with films like "3:10 to Yuma" or "Psycho," however, because it is singular and sensational all on its own. The modernist storytelling of shock value and originality are mixed, almost seamlessly with the techniques of classical directors such as Alfred Hitchcock. This film rates as a Chai-tastic one, so everyone out there should jump on the bandwagon and see it for yourself. Just remember, "There's no way to run from what's coming." Happy viewing!

Help

2007-12-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

Help every reader! I am having a very difficult time in deciding what to write about now. I have five rather strong ideas, but I have no way of deciding which is worth more to write, you see. So below, there is a list of the ideas and their short descriptions. Please comment on which one(s) you feel are more worth my time. Please!? Thank you so much!

1.) Echo: A Ghost Story (Two-Act Play)
Diana Flocking enjoys a life of luxury with her two brothers and doting socialite parents. But, on the eve of her 18th birthday, her parents and older brother are found brutally murdered by a wood pile outside. Diana's aunt is accused and imprisoned for the murders on the grounds that she was in love with her sister's husband and that William had witnessed the crimes. The event forces Diana to care for her younger brother Thomas, though her parents' will has left her with enough to survive. Yet, within the shadowy halls of the Flockings Manor, Diana begins to see her brother William's spectral ghost warning her of dangers within the walls. News of her father's dealings with the invention of biological warfare and found ledgers of her mother's less-than-reputable business with army officials all begin to surface, causing Diana to question the murder of her parents. Axes are found in the cupboards as William's warnings become more violent. An earlier edition of her father's will names other executors, all who had been found dead, William behind them all. The play ends terrifyingly with a sudden proclamation, a wave of understanding, an axe-chase to the wood pile, and a ghostly manor crumbling to the ground.

2.) Rose/Kiss: A Vampiric Romance (Two-Act Play)
Full-length version of the previously-written etude. Doran and Raida are in love. Doran is a known boisterous rule-breaker and Raida is known for her beauty. When the two opt to marry, which is forbidden to vampires by decree of the Catholic Church, they look to the Clan's leader Marius for answers. Marius, however has chosen Raida for his wife in order to breed full-vampire children. Marius' daughter Evelyn has fallen in love with Doran. When all information surfaces, Doran and Marius must duel for Raida's hand. Meanwhile, a Catholic priest named Raz is called by the Pope to seek out and destroy the last remaining clan of vampires. Raz graciously accepts on the terms that he can keep the head of the last vampire on Earth as a token of his hatred of Ungodly things. Raz discovers the vampires during the duel and aims for Doran. Evelyn takes the stake for him, allowing the others to flee. Raz chases after Marius, who is the known leader of the group. Before Raz kills Marius, Marius bites him. When Raz seeks out Doran and Raida, Doran has fought and killed a wolf, though is badly injured during the brawl. Raz kills Raida and takes her eternal life for himself (the rose). Raz transforms into a vampire as Doran escapes. Fast-forward to present-day - Doran has written a book about his lost love and vampiric origins and lures Raz to his home in New York City. Raz kills Doran, having been consumed with power.

3.) Wreck: An Exploration of the Paranormal (Three-Act Play)
Set in Oregon, Sarah and Alan Jamison, mother and son, flee from a shark in Las Vegas. They take refuge in a small town in hopes of the shark losing their trail. Alan meets a local cheerleader named Jessica and the two start to date. When Jessica recognizes Alan from a picture in the town museum, Alan falls asleep. He wakes up covered in blood with Jessica beside him dead. Alan is put on trial for her murder. Sarah's new beau Jack Lee, a newspaper reporter, digs deep, he discovers that the two have roots in the town that go back to Jessica's ancestors having been killed by Alan's. Jack discoveres an even more shocking truth on his investigations and is found dead. New evidence emerges suggesting that Jack himself commited Jessica's murder, but when the body is exhumed, Jessica's body is gone! Sarah goes missing after a startling attack from the LV shark. Investigator Will Taylor follows the shark to find clues, but witnesses a horrible car crash. He searches for survivors, but finds Jessica's body and the shark. He goes to the police station to question Alan, but instead, Sarah has taken his place. The play ends in a climactic realization and the Jamisons' secret finally coming out.

4.) Everytown, U.S.A. (Film)
A deceptively simple plot structure involving the lives of five individuals who live in the same suburbia neighborhood, representing the modern concerns of the American people. Rhonda Crystal is a morbidly obese high school teenager whose dreams of being crowned prom queen are realized through unhealthy means of weight-loss (ie laxatives, self-starvation, bulemia, pills, and drugs). Todd Fellows loses his wife and is left to care for his five sons, though the stress of everyday life becomes almost too much to bear, so Todd turns to one thing he can control - drug use. Linda Mathis is convicted killer who claims that she is wrongfully accused. She moves into the neighborhood and is promptly pushed into false and harsh judgements from the residents. Max Lewis is a seeminly normal high-school junior, though he has taken a sudden interest in little boys. He fights with his parents, friends, girls, pornography, and with his own inner demons, struggling to find what is good and evil in this world. Sylvia Morgan is a stay-at-home Mom who teaches piano freely to children in the neighborhood, but when her divorce is called on grounds of an affair, her friendships and lessons begin to suffer. A film on the exploration of common fears of humanity, the movie ends with three murders, a getaway, and an imprisonment.

5.) Rock-a-Bye (Film)
The story of three everyday bullies at different ages and appropriations of life, the film follows a surreal and unconventional storytelling structure of a common fairy-tale. Blaire Underwood is a crotchety old woman who has taken to scaring and berating children who pass by. David Carnelle takes subtle pleasure in being a nutritionist, being able to control those who are under his care. Leo Waxing is a high school student who starts many fights and recently sent his brother to the emergency room. When these three bullies are kidnapped by ravenous monsters who life under the bed, they are placed in the roles of their victims while being transported to memories of their childhood in order to discover why they became the way they became. Then, they are put in a horrible test by one who has deemed himself the "Boogeyman." They are given a gun with two bullets. They can choose to kill each other or shoot themselves. Whoever leaves alive will be given a second chance at life. The film climaxes in a redemptive look at life.

Happy deciding!

And the Award Goes To...

2007-12-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I thought I should let you know that some of my favorites and hopeful favorites in movies have been nominated for several Golden Globe Awards (the silver medal of award shows, really). Sweeney Todd, Charlie Wilson's War, and No Country for Old Men have all been nominated. Fantastic turn of events, no? Haha. This will be a grand Golden evening. Hope to see everyone there...or in my living room, I suppose. Happy Watching!

Movies I'm Looking Forward To

2007-12-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Here's a few trailers for some upcoming movies I'm really looking forward to. Oh, and don't forget to check out my reading list and upcoming events on the sidebar. I'm working on getting the music back up, but I'm trying for some new playlists, so it may be a few days before that's up. Don't forget to comment on what movies you would like to see as well. Thanks everyone. Happy Trailers!

Film Review - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

2007-12-25T14:26:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I am in no way disappointed with the newly-released film "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." Of course, there were so many people involved that are heroes and idols of mine, including Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Colleen Atwood, Stephen Sondheim, and Richard Zucker. Most of all, Tim Burton. Those out there who know me intimately know that Tim Burton is the reason that I got into film, and I study his films avidly, looking for the things that make them so great. Well, Sweeney Todd was a movie that I didn't have to look too far or too deep to find something worth liking. First of all, there was so much to like and to study, from the beginning credits to the ending credits, the entire film is linked with fantastic imagery and clever underlying themes. Now, for those of you have seen it, tell me if I'm wrong, but I found, out of the many movies that came out this year, this was one of the best, literally one of the best pictures this year! The music, of course is Tony Award-winning, and the acting behind it is full of legends. What's not to love about this razor-wielding project!? Well, let's explore and we'll find out.
The film begins with the amazing animated beginning credits where rain drips from the clouds and travels through the shops of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett as blood, traveling through sewers to the dock where you finally meet Anthony and Sweeney Todd, arriving from a journey from Australia. Sweeney thanks Anthony for rescuing from Hell and he is off to Fleet Street. There, he finds Mrs. Lovett's meat-pie shop. Mrs. Lovett recognizes Sweeney Todd as Benjamin Barker, a barber who was wrongfully sent to Australia for a crime he did not commit, due to the fact that the evil Judge Turpin has fallen in love with Lucy, Benjamin's wife. Mrs. Lovett tells Sweeney that Lucy has killed herself with arsenic, due to Judge Turpin's tormenting her. However, Johanna, Benjamin's daughter is the ward of Judge Turpin now. Mrs. Lovett had hidden the razors of the barber and gives them back to him on his return. He calls them his friends, and declares, upon holding them, "At last, my arm is complete again!" A very powerful scene. Sweeney concocts a plan to lure the judge to his tansorial parlor, using Turpin's right-hand man Beadle Bamford. Sweeney challenges the King of Barber Adolfo Parelli to a shaving contest and is declared winner by Beadle. Meanwhile. Anthony happens upon Johanna and falls madly in love with her, much to the disappointment of Turpin. Turpin goes to Sweeney Todd for a shave upon the request of Beadle in order to woo Johanna. Todd is amazed at how quickly things are occurring. Before Todd has a chance to exact his revenge, Anthony bursts in for Todd's aid in rescuing Johanna. Enraged, Turpin leaves, quickly followed by Anthony. Perelli comes to Todd to blackmail him, for he knows his true identity. Tobias, his aid, is entertained by the now-motherly Lovett. Todd kills Perelli for the blackmailing. Toby then becomes the aid of Lovett. Mrs. Lovett then concocts a plan to get rid of the body - put them as filler in her meat-pies! Todd falls in love with the idea and they begin their plans. The rest of the movie is a surprise, but the whole Hammer horror movie themes are very prevalent, without taking over the Broadway hit music or the horrifying myth story of the demon barber. Amazing!
I highly suggest this Chai-tastic film, and ask anyone interested to discuss it with me for any reason. Email me or anything. Call me. I love discussing this wonder of a film! Let's do it! Happy murder!

Holiday Concert and To Do List

2007-12-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

So, the choir concert we had was amazing, if I do say so myself, which I do. Every single time we sang a song, we had immense applause, Julie (our choir director) would turn to take a bow, then turn back to us, with tears slightly welling behind her eyes. She would mouth the words, "Thank you so much." Then we would prepare for the next number. I have to say, that this was probably the best concert that Northland Master Chorale has put on in a really long time. Anyway, after the concert, Lindsey, Adrian, and I went to Denny's to talk about the casting decisions and next semester's classes. Speaking of next semester, THIS semester is winding down its final week, and I have a TON of homework to do. Here is a brief list of things that I have to do before Wednesday...here goes:
1.) Director's Journal (Due Tuesday) - A daily account of my actions as a director for "Bachelor Holiday." Haven't even started it yet.
2.) Final Draft of Play Analysis (Due Tuesday) - The final draft of my essay concerning Alan Ball and his play "Bachelor Holiday."
3.) "Nightwatch" Critique (Due Tuesday) - A 10-page critique on Lucille Fletcher and her themes revolving around the production of NPC's version of "Nightwatch." Complete MLA formatting required with 10 resources not found on the internet.
4.) Final Exam for History of Theater (Due Tuesday) - Self-explanatory.
5.) National Geographic Essay (Due Wednesday) - A 20-page essay linking ten fully explained and cited National Geographic articles revolving around the subject of economic powers of America (must find myself).
6.) Geography Project (Due Wednesday) - A list of 50 items and their regions of origin with a 10 page essay explaining their reasons for importing due to the geographic realm they were manufactured.
7.) Final Playwriting Draft for Concert Reading (Due Wednesday) - Completed stage reading of "Mortar and Monsters: A Parable in Two Acts" with all necessary changes and the like. Need to make 10 copies.

There you are. I best be gettin' started, eh?

NPC Spring 2008 Cast List

2007-12-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

So, the audition process is complete, as well as the nerve-wracking "night before" where the entirety of those who auditioned were put on edge as we waited fourteen hours to hear the cast list be posted. We call the number on our audition information sheet and Dr. Mike's voice comes over the voicemail inbox and then proceeds to tell us all who made the cut. We all hold our breath, waiting in anticipation to hear our name be announced next to the name of a character. The anticipation is high, but so is the energy. When our name echoes through, we hang up and dial again, hoping that we haven't gone schizophrenic. We sigh in relief and go about our day with a smile on our face. Here is the NPC Spring 2008 cast lists for "Saving Grace," "School House Rock Live!" and "Nixon's Nixon."

"Saving Grace" by Jack Sharkey.
Directed by Lisa Jayne

This zany tale of a warmhearted girl who mistakes a telephone repairman for a burglar, tries to convert him from his life of crime, and ends up having to pretend he's her husband, dismaying her strait laced sister's evangelist fiance, had critics and audiences cheering both at the Maryland and the Chicago premier productions.

Grace - Chelsea McNeil

Walter - Alex Brown

Alex - Dallon Maquillin

Harriet - Reana Cooper

Gregor - Greg Hudson

Stage Manager - Jerry Steele

"School House Rock Live!" by Scott Ferguson

Directed by Dr. Mike Solomonson

Tom, a nerve-wracked school teacher nervous about his first day of teaching, tries to relax by watching TV when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music, through such beloved Schoolhouse Rock songs as “Just A Bill,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” and “Conjunction Junction.”
With its minimal band, set, costume and flexible cast requirements, the show may be performed in virtually any space, bringing its infectious zest to a cross-generational audience. Children just discovering the TV series to “Generation X-ers” seeking a taste of nostalgia will delight in this sure-fire entertainment that’s simply good, clean – and educational – fun.

Tom - Greg Hudson and Nick Bushman

George - Donovan Stole and Terry McConville

Joe - Adrian Leon and Barry Richins

Dori - Ashley Palmer and Ileva Fa'apoi

Shulie - Brittan Pyper and Breana Holladay

Dina - Marisa Decker and Megan Crossley

Stage Manager - Tammy Mehr

Technical Crew - Erin Galbreath, Blake Houghton, and Tabitha Richards

"Nixon's Nixon" by Russell Lees
Directed by Breana Holladay
It is the night before President Nixon is to announce his resignation, and he has summoned Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to the Lincoln Sitting Room. Kissinger arrives, expecting to find his President preparing to resign. But Nixon is in the process of wrestling with that very decision. Unstable, nostalgic, garrulous and paranoid, Nixon leads his Secretary of State on a journey through the high moments of his administration and Nixon's past. The journey borders on the surreal as Nixon pressures Kissinger into reenacting crucial scenes: Kissinger plays Nixon, Nixon plays Brezhnev, Kissinger plays Kennedy and Mao—the scenarios become dizzying. Meanwhile, Kissinger is subtly working to convince Nixon to step down so that he can pursue his geopolitical goals—and his own quest for historical glory—unencumbered by a weakened President. Nixon, however, can't face the lonely aftermath of such a decision; he envisions himself "wandering some hellish golf course, waiting to die." As the evening and the drinking progress the two concoct a plan to provoke an international crisis that would allow Nixon to leave office a hero. Kissinger muses, "Sometimes I stare in the mirror. What's happening behind those eyes? I'm astonished. Mystified." Then adds, "I like it." Nixon confides he no longer stares in the mirror, although he did on the way up. He not only stared, he talked to himself. "You sly dog,' I'd say. And we'd share a secret smile. But then I fell. I fell like Satan tossed from heaven."
Nixon - Dr. Mike Solomonson
Kissinger - Alex Brown

Good job everyone! We'll all do swell. Break a leg and happy memorizing.

Finite!

2007-11-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have finished my first draft of "Mortar& Monsters." You have no idea how elated I am to actually have finished a project. Of course, there are a whole slew of revisions to make, but I'm happy that I have the opportunity to make them. The script is approximately 105 pages long, and incorporates two acts and 10 scenes, all taking place in a single set. There are the two main characters, Stanley and Rowan Bray, and six accompanying characters (to be played by one female and one male). The approximate timing of the show is an hour and a half and takes place over the course of two weeks (in "play-time"). Flashbacks, lighting effects, and good old-fashioned mystery is used to delve into the story of two young people fighting for survival in impossible situations.
The central message that the symbolic plot represents is for people who love each other to say it once in awhile, to share everything with each other, to never let secrets get in the way of happiness, and most of all, that it's never too late to ask for forgiveness. There are undertone messages of God's divine plan for all of us, as well as a message of hope in circumstances that are beyond our control. Salvation only comes when you ask for it.
For my staged reading of the play, to be performed Wednesay, December 12th, the role of Stanley and Rowan Bray will be played by Dan and Breana Holladay. The roles of Renee, Dr. Ophelia Sergio, and the Wraith will be played by Chelsea McNeil, and the roles of Dr. Jason Daniels, George Waldo, and the Beast will be played by Donovan Stole. Stage directions will be read by Dr. Michael Solomonson. Literary critique will be provided by Lisa Jayne, Lance Richards, and Jerry Steele, as well as a host of anyone wishing to attend the reading.
I am so happy that I have been given the opportunity to write this work. I hope that I will do everyone proud by its creation. I am now off to do some revisions, so that I can get preliminary scripts to the actors for even more revisions and continuity purposes. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in writing "Mortar & Monsters," especially Sarah, Beau, Mom, Francine, G-ma, Donovan, Dan, Becca, Terri, Lisa, Lance, Breana, Malori, Marisa, and Dad and Rachelle. Thank you everyone. I'll post an excerpt of it soon. Love you all. Happy Revisions!

The Writer's Block Is Still Here

2007-11-21T08:54:00.000-08:00

So, I'm still having the same problem as before. Every single time I try to get the characters to discuss the breathing on the other end of the phone, it always sounds like I'm putting them into a film noir. I don't like that one bit. Any help would be appreciated.

Eddie Izzard and Henry Kissinger

2007-11-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

Today has been kinda boring, if I do say so myself. I finished cleaning up my room as best as I could for the company that will be invading it in a few days and then I raked the front yard. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, "Alex and raking - the two don't correlate." You'd be right in assuming this, however my Gma B asked me nicely to do it for her, and I think it was good of me to do so. So I did. While raking, I listened to more of the Across the Universe soundtrack and I felt like I didn't listen to Eddie Izzard enough. You see, in Across the Universe, Eddie Izzard plays Mr. Kite and sings the song that correlates with his name. "Correlate" is the word of the blog, I fancy. Anyway, I went inside and showered and ate, preparing for the arduous day ahead of me.
I finished my Theater essay on the play "The Mystery of Irma Vep," which was probably the poorest example of an essay about a passion of mine that I could ever discern. Of course, to help me out of this, I wrote an essay for a friend of mine, as she treated me to a movie. And I will always do anything for anyone if they pay for me to go see a movie. Yes, ladies, that be right. After that, I decided to read more about Nixon and Kissinger. I did so, and this book is actually really interesting. Sure, I dont' know half of what they talk about means, but it's still interesting to read all those political words, you know. Super cool.
So I got here at work early, I was called in. I wanted to go help Dan and Breana move more of their stuff into their new house, but I'm afraid I was unable to. That makes me sad on the insides. However, I was able to email my good friend Malori and start watching the first season of "Heroes." I know, the last thing I need is another show to get addicted to, but here I am doing just that. I have to say, though, this show is pretty awesome. I like the cheerleader that heals quickly and can't feel pain. She rocks.
Anyway, I'm also watching Eddie Izzard stand-up while here, so on the column adjacent to these blogs I write is some videos of one of his earlier routines called "Dress to Kill." Hilarious. Absolutely hilarious! Anyway, everyone have splendid evenings and remember that the ghosts of turkeys will haunt your dreams should you ignite their fury. Happy plucking!

Another Time - Another Place

2007-11-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Today has been one boooorrrriiinnnggg day. And do I mean boring (especially with all the extra letters). I woke up after having slept ridiculously unwell. I promptly get online to do a quiz that I had to do for my History of Theater class that was due today. Since I was stressing, I kinda only scared a 60% on it. The worst score of the semester. Lame. That kinda bummed me out, so I went up into the attic and got down Christmas decorations to get me all nostalgic (and because my Grandma really wanted me to get them down since the next door neighbors have them up already - Thanksgiving's first you jerks!). It kinda helped. I then went into my bedroom and cleaned it up for the arriving peeps this week for Thanksgiving. I found a lot of the little screenplays I was writing for my Playwriting class and read over some of them. All I have to say is that I hope I've improved. Serioulsy, some of them were so bad. So so bad.

I started another book, in conjunction with reading "House of Leaves," I am reading this book called "Nixon/Kissinger: Partners in Power." No, I'm not reading this because I am so interested in these people. I really could care less about Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger, but because of my next role in "Nixon's Nixon," I thought it would be best to know as much about the era and the partnership as I could. I have to say, I'm learning a lot and I'm only on chapter two. These two politicians were kah-razee! That's all I have to say about that. They were made for each other. Nixon was a jerk who tricked people into liking him and Kissinger did the same, stepping on people to get to the top. What horrible people. I have to play one. Gross. It'll be so much fun!

I'm also starting to think about my future a little more closely. The smartest thing I could do is to move up to Orem to live with my aunt Konny and go to school to get a degree with the least amount of money spent ever. But a few friends and I have been lightly joking about moving to New York City (or rather a suburb close to it), and I think that it wouldn't be a half-bad idea. Think about it - New York City is the biggest theater and film center on Earth, bringing a whole shmorgasboard of people into the mix. New experiences where nothing is certain. This is the best artistic experience I could ever undertake. But there's my Mom. I want to stay close to her. So what about Los Angeles? I just don't know. I really don't know what to do. The more I think about it and pray about it, the more questions arise. This is whole adulthood thing really blows! I hope I can figure things out. I love you all. Happy blogging!

Writer's Block

2007-11-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

So for this play that I'm writing, "Mortar & Monsters," I am at a point where I know how the story needs to advance, but I'm at a complete loss as to the process. If there is someone out there to help me through this momentary lapse of imaginative judgement and creative prowess, I would love you forever and a day. That extra day counts for stuff, you know. Here's my problem. The phone rings, and there is breathing on the other end. Classic thrill, no? But the ringing is supposed to indicate that there is someone who knows about the plight of the protagonists. Again, classic thrill. However, my problem is that I don't want to spoon-feed the information to the audience, but rather let them understand what I'm getting at. This probably doesn't make any sense whatsoever, but anyway. If there is any help to be had, please aid me.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

2007-11-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

These past few days have been days of bittersweet farewells for me. On Saturday, our play "Lovers and Executioners" ended with a bang. Our final night was spent in character to a sold-out performance (4 of 6 nights were) to an enthusiastic audience. We said goodbye to our costumes as we removed them in the dressing room. We said goodbye to our props as we laid them on the prop table. We said goodbye to our make-up as we watched it drain down the sink in milky-brown thickness. Then we said goodbye to our set. Spending three months of our life building this world, it took us three hours to demolish it by use of sledge, drill, and saw. The world came crashing down. Literally. The ship's mast was sledged to the ground as the walls of the city came toppling down to land upon the cement floor beneath. The destruction echoed through the center as though ghosts of our characters were moaning in despair. Gloves came off, costumes put away, we erased the production board, which left black streaks, mirroring our feelings. We walked solemnly out to our vehicles, quietly reflecting on the experiences we all have had during the run. Stories that we'll take with us are the only remnants that it ever existed.

Then, Monday, I went and had my 8" curly locks chopped away and now I am left with only four inches of wonderfully soft hair, no curls, that adorn my head. I saw the tufts and snippets of hair fall from the scissors to the floor only to be swept away and discarded. But I do think that this is only the healthy progression of adulthood reering up. I know that I'm going to miss my wonderful cast. I miss my hair. But I also know that there will be other casts and that the hair will grow back. What a wonderful thing, humanity. We leave experiences behind us to find new ones that possibly clone themselves from previous tales told. But oh, how I miss my cast. Christie with her humor, Cierra with her charm, Breana with her dedication, Nick with his ambiguity, Donnovan with his methods, Stephen with his "give all" attitude. They all made my experience so much the better. How truly blessed I am. Happy farewelling.

Film Review: Across the Universe

2007-11-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

"Music's the only thing that makes sense anymore. Play it loud enough, it keeps the demons at bay." For those of you who know me intimately, will know that I have been anticipating the film "Across the Universe" for quite some time. Since, perhaps, June. Well, I have seen it twice this week already and it's only Tuesday! Kah-razee! I just have to tell everyone about it. How truly amazing this movie was. I'm not just saying it because of the special guest stars, nor the soundtrack entirely comprised of The Beatles, but rather because of the message of the movie. Call me a liberal all you want, I'm not a fan of war. Of course, nobody WANTS war, but I'm anti-war, pro-pacifism. Go Gandhi! Anyway, here is my take on the newly released Julie Taymor creation "Across the Universe." So everyone is aware, Julie Taymor is the visual genius behind such films as "Titus" and "Frida" as well as the stage production of "The Lion King." You all know who I'm talking about.

Anyway, the film, essentially, revolves around Jude (Jim Sturgess), a lad from Liverpool who travles to America to find his estranged father who was stationed in Liverpool when he was in the army. Jude was born after his father left back for America. Eighteen years later, Jude makes his way to Princeton, expecting to find a professor as his father. However, he finds that his father is the head janitor of the Academy. While visiting the campus, Jude runs into Max (Joe Anderson), a man who wants to be remembered by who he is and not what he does. Max introduces Jude to the American lifestyle of the time, drinking, fun, laughing, and getting high. Max brings Jude back home to meet his parents for Thanksgiving (which Jude has never heard of before). There, Jude meets Lucy, Max's younger sister who is dating a man who was drafted and was currently serving in Vietnam. Jude falls for Lucy, Max drops out of Princeton, and Max and Jude move to New York. They move in with a singer named Sadie (Dana Fuchs). Meanwhile, an Asian cheerleader, Prudence (T.V. Carpio), runs away from home and heads for New York. Lucy opts to spend her summer before college with Max and promptly is driven to the lifestyle of drugs, music, and love. Meanwhile, a black man from Detroit, JoJo (Martin Luther McCoy), goes to New York after a riot back home results in the death of his little brother. JoJo gets a job working as Sadie's lead guitarist as Prudence stumbles into the care of Max and Jude. It's at this time that Lucy hands over a letter for Max, and it turns out to be a letter informing Max's drafting into the U.S. Army for the war in Vietnam. Lucy falls for Jude and the two share a night together and see Max off to the induction. Max is grabbed by Uncle Sam and thrown into a training facility taught by G.I. Joes'. This is the part of the movie that leaves you in awe of Taymor's ability to use art, music, and cinematography to tell a compassionate story. Sadie meets a record producer, who invites the crew to attend a party to meet Dr. Robert (Bono), who also goes by the Walrus. Dr. Robert shows the crew the new and exciting way to view planes of life, acid. This results in a very long scene of technicolor, simulating the immense alterations that the drug offered. The troupe travels with Dr. Robert to meet another divine spirit, but alas, the trip leads to nowhere. Dr. Robert returns to California, leaving the crew to fend for themselves. They encounter Mr. Kite (Eddie Izzard) while on their acid trip and he entertains them with a delightful circus of blue people and horses and the like. They come out of their little trip and return to New York as Max is shipped off to Vietnam to "fight for the cause." Lucy meets a man named Paco who is protesting the war. Lucy joins him in order to bring her brother back. Jude begins to draw posters and signs for Sadie's new band. Sadie and JoJo become entangled in love, leaving Prudence out of the picture. Prudence finds new life through her friends as Sadie leaves JoJo in order to pursue a solo career. Jude becomes jealous of Paco and causes a riot at his headquarters. Lucy leaves Jude, and when Jude goes to find her at a rally against the war, he is arressted. The police discover that Jude is in America illegally and ship him back to Liverpool. Max returns, but he is drastically altered. Lucy tries to heal him, but the only thing that will help is for things to return the way they used to be. Jude gets a visa and returns to New York only to find that Sadie has returned, JoJo is her guitarist again, and that Prudence has joined the band. Lucy returns to try and find Jude who seranades the city from the top of a building. The last scene is of the two finally seeing each other again, in love more than they ever were before.

There, I told you the entire story, but with reason. The story isn't meant to be unpredictable, but rather, an artistic vision of how war affects us all. About 30 Beatles songs graces this musical including "Strawberry Fields Forever," "Come Together," "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," and "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite." The vision of Julie Taymor and her colleagues is amazing, offering theatrical whimsy to the fantastic view of war and symbolism. One of the best moments in the film is during the song "I Want You," which is being sung by Uncle Sam as Max and fellow drafted soldiers tramp through the jungles of Vietnam carrying a huge, heavy Statue of Liberty on their shoulders. It's an increcible journey that is amazingly Chai-tastic. The music is suberb and the story is premium. See it. Love you, all. Happy Loving!

Book Review: Choke

2007-11-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, I finished Chuck Palahniuk's novel "Choke" last week, and this is the only spare time I have to write about it before I get into the next book I'm reading ("House of Leaves"). There isn't really much to say about "Choke." The entire explanation of the book is in the title. But here is a brief synopsis of it without revealing too much information:

Victor Mancini, a medical school dropout, works as a performer in the eighteenth century, or rather an 18th-century-themed amusement park called Colonial Dunsboro. He works there in order to support his dying mother who lives in an assisted living facility. Living in his mother's house, he feels the bills are piling up far too great, so he comes up with an ingeneous plan: he goes to fancy, ritzy restaurants and pretends to choke on pieces of food in order to be "saved" by rich patrons. Afterwards, these patrons feel responsible for his life and opt to send him checks. Meanwhile, Victor cruises around sex-addict support groups to find women who are in need of being saved. A doctor at his mother's facility tells Victor he is Jesus Christ, his best friend collects rocks to build a castle, and his mother's raging past of attempted political upheaval create a novel of exquisite taste and hazardous restorations.

I have to say that this is one of my favorite Palahniuk novels, for the simple fact that it is very original and you take away so much from the message of the book - life is about progression, not about figuring things out. Not only does the anti-hero experience pain, he experiences redemption, thoughts and emotions that most people try to evade. Palahniuk's free style of writing makes it easy to read, but mind-bending at the same time. "Choke" doesn't hold a candle to "Haunted," but is a great testemant to our turbulent times and the passion that is within all of us to help others, to be saved and needed and loved and remembered.

There isn't much else I can say that can truly express how I experienced this book. I guess, if you want to learn more, you'll just have to go read it yourself. Happy reading.

Dehydrated & Exhausted

2007-11-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. It's been a few days since I posted last. My opening weekend was a riot and a hit. However, it seems like every time I open in a show, I get incredibly ill. I don't like that. Yesterday, I spent all the entire day in my pajamas trying to sleep and rest. My throat was hurting, which scared me, considering the last time that happened, I ended up being voiceless for two months! Luckily, I think I got it in time. Nothing too serious today. I woke up with my usual allergy symptoms, but after taking some Claritin and doing another cup of Theraflu tea, I think I'm better. Last night, I decided that I drank too much water to spend so much on it being bottled, so I went to Wal-Mart (originally to get me Theraflu) and got one of those half-gallon water bottles and three gallon-sized water jugs. All for only five bucks. I think saving money is a good thing. Especially since I sent out my insurance and my car payments this morning. That hurts. Every time I take a large lump sum out of my bank account, angels cry. Anyway, that's prettty much the last two days.

On a happier note, my play "Mortar and Monsters" is coming along very well. I would put in some more scenes, but no one will understand it. If you would like a copy of it after it's finished, just let me know and I'll find out your address and send it one your way. I'm not promising final drafts, of course, but rather just a polished view of the vision. There is always work to be done, especially on a play. I have to go through every scene I do to make sure that it's possible to perform on stage. This gets hectic, especially when I watch so many movies and I want the play to happen at the rapidity of the movies. But I know it'll never be. Sadly, put, but happily that it's coming along. I'm almost done with the first act! Anyway, I have to go and paint here at work. So I'll see you all in my dreams. Happy Getting Better!

It's Opening Night

2007-11-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last night was opening night for Northland Pioneer College's fall Mainstage Production of "Lovers and Executioners." For those of you who are avid readers of mine, this is the show that I'm in. It's written by John Strand, based on a very old French black comedy by Montfluery. The entire cast (seven of us: Donovan, Nick, Steve, Breana, Christie, Cierra, and I) were all stomached by butterflies. However, I must say, that after last night's performance, there was no reason to be nervous. Our audience (roughly 140 people) was very warm and receptive. The entire audience erupted in fits of laughter when they needed to, and as we rehearsed and also fell silent and absorbed when the tale become more drama than comedy. After curtain call, the cast met backstage for a brief moment in silence, all feeling completely at ease with the entire evening. Sure, there were mistakes, but none that the audience could suspect. Indeed, there were many mistakes, but the reception and interaction of the audience with us made the entire show better, bigger, and more committed. I don't know if any of this makes sense to anyone, but when you get in front of an audience, pretending to be someone else, acting as though these fictional characters were real, feeling with other emotions, drawing off the energy of others in order to further yourself along in the path of creativity...this is the best feeling in the world. Escaping our own insignificant lives in order to have an adventure, a make-believe one, yes, but an adventure nonetheless. The applause of the audience before intermission and the sound of the ovation as you bow your head in gratitude of patronage, this is why we do it. We do it for ourselves. Not for you. We thank you for being a part of our game. Our playing. You pay to watch grown-up people, adults, pretend. This is why we do it. Masks are worn and exposed. Adventure is high. Tension is real. Creating something out of nothing. Truly, the theater is the exact opposite of war. This is why we do it.

Tricks, Treats, and Tears

2007-10-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

So yesterday and today...as the title here suggests, was and is full of tricks, treats, and tears. I began yesterday by going to my usual classes: Tech Theater, Vocal Ensembles, Directing, and Choir. Then, our cast of Lovers and Executioners had our final dress rehearsal. The show runs two and half hours at present. We were hoping to get it to two hours solid, but apparently that won't happen. We left after notes and cast pictures and I got home around 11:45, only to have to eat dinner and then write some more to my script of Mortar & Monsters for class today. I fell asleep at two in the morning. I then had to get up at 7 so that I could get to work at 8. I was still late because I kept pressing the snooze button. That button shouldn't be there. It's way too much of a temptation for me. Haha. So anyway, I sluggishly made my way to work, having to be stopped halfway there by road construction. I made it, just in time to be five minutes late. No worries on that part. Then I logged on to my Hotmail address and started reading some of the wacky Halloween cards that people have sent around, deleting forwards and ads from my inbox and junk mail, and then spying a letter from my sister. It's a rare occassion that my sister will email me anything but forwards, and the letter was entitled "Family Favor." At first, I thought it was a favor to Sarah and Robert concerning pictures or something simple and easy and creative. However, it wasn't. I read this letter, a few coworkers peeking over to catch a glimpse into my life. What I read left me feeling sickened. I had to rush to the bathroom to splash water on my face. I was fuming. The details of a crime were listed within, Sarah asking us to pray for the victim and the arrogant, selfish man who committed the act. I have done so. I want to do more, but more would be all for naught. I pray with all of my heart that this small victim will understand why we, people he trusts, have kept quiet of the deed. We shall so that we may save him in the future. I shook the feelings of hatred and qualms away, sipping quietly on a microwaveable tomato soup. I glance at my phone, another text message from Malori - an inquiry to my plans for the day. I will share them with you:

Wake up. Work. Playwriting class. Scary Movies. Haunted Maze with Choir. More Scary Movies. Sleep in nervousness as we open the show tomorrow

Sounds fun, no? I'm going to the maze dressed as a pirate. Not the most original idea, I admit, but it is a fun costume I have all the pieces for. I'm just using the Jack Sparrow outfit I put together this summer when At World's End came out. Great movie coming out this Christmas, you know. Anyway, I hope everyone has a splendid day, and a very Haunted and Happy Halloween!

Film Review - 54

2007-10-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the party. So last night, I actually sat down and watched, completely, Mark Christopher's 54. This, I have to say, is one of the better historically almost accurate accounts of anything that I have ever seen. Though there was a lot of sexual content and drug use in the film, it kept true to the nature and likeness of the original disco nightclub Studio 54, headed by Steve Rubell. The film, originally released in theaters in 1998, stars Ryan Phillippe, Selma Hayek, Breckin Meyer, Ellen Dow, Mike Myers, Neve Campbell, Sela Ward, and Heather Matarazzo. There are some minor parts played by Mark Ruffalo and Sherry Stringfield, as well. I don't care who you are, this cast is amazing. The acting is superb, even by Phillippe, who has never really interested me until I saw Crash. The cinematography is killer on the eyes, but perplexing and seductive, as are the lifestyles of all those who attended the hot disco nightclub, the most famous nightclub on Earth during the time, of Studio 54. The movie isn't just about the parties or the scandal leading to the downfall of owner and creator Steve Rubell, but also of the plights of celebrities who chose to go there, of the workers who were trying to make the connections, and of the deception and decisions about life, love, and money of everyone involved.

The story revolves around Shane McShea (Phillippe), who is 19 years old when he discovers the world that is Studio 54. Being chosen out of a crowd to attend the club after he agreed to remove his shirt, Shane enters the club and is promptly sucked into the decedant powers of sex, drugs, alcohol, and the surroundings of glamorous celebrities. His first night there, he meets Truman Capote and even sees Julie Black (Neve Campbell), a soap opera star of the day. He is given a job interview because of his looks and is given a job because of his lack of intelligence. Shane quickly makes friends with Greg (Breckin Meyer) as he shows him the ropes of the biz. Shane quickly makes friends with Greg's wife, Anita (Selma Hayek), and falls deeply in love with her. Shane moves in with Greg and Anita after leaving his house, due to the bad relationship he has with his father. Behind him is Shane's sister, Grace (Heather Matarazzo). Grace remains friends with her brother, and he even pays for her braces after being made bartender at the club. The story then shifts for a while to the life of Steve Rubell (Mike Myers), the owner of Studio 54. Steve drinks and parties every single night at his club only to be carried home to his "palace" by his personal assistant. He carries home with him a large duffel bag of money with which he sleeps on. One particular night, Greg is asked to escort Steve Rubell home to carry the bag of cash. Greg sees this large amount of money. Steve tries to prostitute him, but Greg flees. Anita then tries constantly to sell her voice, but is very unsuccessful. Greg steals a thousand dollars from Steve's stash in order to buy drugs to sell. He saves up to pay for Anita's recording equipment. Greg then becomes increcibly jealous as Shane and Anita become good friends. Of course, Shane tries to hide his desire for Anita, but one night, he loses control. Anita pushes him away and not a moment too soon, as Greg is right at the door. The story then shifts again to Christmas. Shane tries returning home to visit his family, but his father won't allow it. He meets Julie Black in a restaurant and falls in love with her. They become great friends and she falls in love with him. Another shift to New Year's Eve. Shane has been working at Studio 54 for about four months. He is asked to wait on Princess Grace (whom his sister is named after). He's ecstatic for a moment, until Anita performs her first live solo on stage at the Studio. A very old lady who had visited the club every single night goes into a seizure from the lights, due to a large amount of cocaine inhaled before the song and dies. Shane realizes that the drug and sex lifestyle he so wanted was nothing more than a sham. Steve Rubell attempts to hide his financial horrors from the IRS who raid and arrest him that night. 18 months later, Steve Rubell comes home from prison and invites all of his former employees. They become the guests for the night. Fade out to credits.

I enjoyed the character development and the fantastic atmosphere created by Mark Christopher. Very good movie. I label it "Cappucino-tastic." Watch it. Great soundtrack and even better acting, especially by Selma Hayek and Mike Myers. Love it. Happy watching.

Best Halloween Movies

2007-10-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my list of the best movies to watch during the Halloween season. Some are scary, some aren't. Most are. Have fun watching these amazing films and let me know what you think. All the movies I've listed are out on DVD and most play on AMC or TCM during this month. Happy viewing! Muhahahaha!

Here's a list for the kids:
1. Casper
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas
3. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
4. Garfield's Halloween Special
5. Monsters, Inc.
6. The Witches
7. The Monster Squad
8. Corpse Bride
9. Hocus Pocus
10. Haunted Mansion

Here's a list for the adults:
1. Beetlejuice
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
3. Psycho
4. Rear Window
5. Arsenic and Old Lace
6. Halloween
7. The Nightmare on Elm Street
8. The Descent
9. Scream
10. I Know What You Did Last Summer
11. The Shining
12. Pet Semetary
13. Poltergeist
14. Secret Window
15. Carrie
16. American Psycho
17. What Lies Beneath
18. Identity
19. Final Destination
20. Disturbia
21. Sixth Sense
22. Dracula
23. Frankenstein
23. Signs
24. Urban Legend
25. The Village

Film Review - 30 Days of Night

2007-10-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to the Show Low 5 Theater and saw the new movie, "30 Days of Night." I went for the sake of Halloween. I was originally not all that excited to see it. It looked like another gross, gory horror movie that would make me cry at the end for wasting time. However, I was actually surprised by how good the movie was. The one thing I would change about the movie experience, however, was the fact that the audience was comprised of preteen girls who sat right in front of me and my friends and the non-English speaking couple with four kids under the age of eight who sat right behind us.

The film is based on the Steve Niles graphic novel of the same name. The story is of the northernmost city on Earth, Barrow, Alaska. The city, every December, is consumed for an entire month without the sun. Most members of the city leave the town to visit relatives for the 30 days. However, many opt to stay and wait out the harsh blizzards and intense darkness. The film begins the last day of sunlight when we see a mysterious stranger (played expertly by Ben Foster of 3:10 to Yuma) walking for miles and miles in the snow to find the town after abandoning a shipwrecked oil cargo boat. He finds the town and promptly kills every sled-dog in the town. The plot shifts to Eben Oleson (played by Josh Hartnett), the local sheriff. He finds the stranger and arrests him. Eben's wife, with whom he is seperated, visits the town for the fire marshall, where she works, to check on the supplies. She misses her plane to Anchorage and finds shelter for the month with a friend. While visiting the locals that have chosen to stay for the month, Stella Oleson (Melissa George), meets her husband, her brother-in-law, and his grandmother at the sheriff's station. The stranger details that the city isn't consumed with cold from the weather, but of death approaching. The city is then turned into a giant orgy of blood and death when a viscious and horrifying group of vampires begin feeding on the locals who have stayed behind. The film's ending is calm and redemptive after the long stretch of scares.

The acting, I must say, is better than most horror movies of our day. You actually felt for the victims, unlike in the recent string of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" movies where you want the stupid bimbo to be chopped up. Very rarely do the monsters in the movie get less appreciation than the heroes. Ben Foster adds a huge amount of suspense with his diabolical voice and Josh Hartnett's "romantic-lead" facade is shattered when he becomes a protector of an entire town.

The events in the plot are very original, and don't follow the mores of common horror films, such as "House of a Thousand Corpses" or "Slither." There were never any unneeded scares. Every time you jumped out of your seat was because of something frightening that was happening on the screen. You never jumped because a friend walked into the room when you expected someone else. Never did you jump because sprinklers went on suddenly. All the "terror" was genuine. Especially one scene where Eben and Stella were driving away from an unknown spectre and as they were speeding away, a quick shot to outside the Jeep, you see a silhouette of a man running at them and jumping up on the car. Very scary.

One very postive "horror" feature about this film is that there is a lot of blood and gore. Most of the time, however, you are left to your imagination about what has happened. You hear screams and someone is pulled underneath a house. Sounds are made of shredding and drinking. A few moments later you see a large pool lof blood. Very attractive and asthetically pleasing to the eye and imagination. Another aspect that made this film so scary was the fact that most of the shots of someone were very tight and claustrophobic. Not many times did you see an entire head shot, but rather you saw a lot of face shots. This added to the uncomfort that the audience should be feeling.

I really enjoyed this film and would tell anyone interested in scary movies to watch it. It was scary, I'll guarantee it, but it wasn't weak or artistically-draining. The shots were beautiful and the color scheme and shot schematics were indeed entrancing. I give this a cappuccino-tastic rating. Peace out y'all! Happy scaring!