I just saw Wall-E

That movie is a ball of CUTE with a creamy CHARM center, battered in ADORABLE and deep-fried in AWWW!

As soon as it was over, I immediately wanted to watch it again, in it's entirely. The last movie I saw that did that to me was the first time I saw Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

I just saw a commercial for... I don't know what. It's a Special Olympics foot race featuring a bunch of Down Syndrome kids. One kid pulls way ahead then FACEPLANTS!

Instead passing him, everone else helps him up, THEN THEY ALL CROSS THE FINISH LINE TOGETHER! Arm in arm!

I... what are they trying to say, really?

If you haven't seen me in a year or more, you probably wouldn't recognize me if you ran into me today. My face, well, my face hasn't changed since I was born; I look so remarkably like my baby pictures it disturbs me.

But the rest of me? Major changes. Clothes, walk, shape, all different.

What's really king, though, is my attitude. I figured out that I won't ever "do it" until I actually get up and do it. Yoda, it seems, was immensely right.

What's annoying me right now is that my VOICE is different too. I wish I knew what the hell I did to it last week, but I still sound like I'm working on my Harry Belafonte impression. It's not as bad as it was, say, Friday, when any attempt at a pitch higher than a tenor's would yield a raspy snake hiss and nothing more. Some of my tone control has returned, and it doesn't crack like Peter Brady trying to talk to a stacked girl in a swimsuit. Still... Harry Belafonte. Now if I could only sing...


And it reminds me, more than my son's 14th birthday, more than the mounting bills in my living room table, more than the increasing load of responsibility, that the days of my youth are far, far behind me. My body is aging, no matter what I do to hold on to the ideas of youth.

But this isn't a bad thing. I'm actually upset that I'm balding before I'm turning grey. Mom only started turning grey in her 50's because of her medication; a few of my great aunts went into their 60's before grey or silver started to seriously show.
So yeah, the aging thing isn't so bad. I now automatically get respect that I had to fight and claw for even just 5 years ago. I have a vastly improved knowledge and perspective on my world, and my writing is WAY fucking better, just on account of my maturity alone. Really, I don't mind aging all that much. I find the benefits outweigh the drawbacks by a lot.

The part that bugs me is, my body is falling apart from beneath me. The upkeep has increased significantly. But, c'est la vie.

So, I'm a lot older, and even wiser, than I was just a year ago. I now laugh at all those people that cut me off, that thought I wouldn't amount to anything. I'm already further along than they expected, and I'm only just building up momentum.

Rode to and from work on Friday. 24m total.
Spent pretty much all day Saturday, in two shifts, on my bike. From 42nd to Brooklyn Bridge Manhattan side, to Central Park North, to 72nd for a short break, to 14th to hang out with whowantscookies and his band of merry folk, then back home. I'm guessing it's in the 30 mile mark, total, I haven't done the actual calculations yet.

Subsequently, I slept like an animal Sunday, after staying up way too late watching Arthur and the Invisibles (good movie!) and the first episode of Burn Notice (decent, worth my time) with murnkay. I was completely lethargic all day Sunday. It took me 10 extra minutes, each way, biking to and from mom's. Plus I have to go back today because the freakin' stores were sold out of what I needed.

Finished editing submission #1, have to remember to email it out for notes before submitting it officially.

Ugh. When did my life get so busy and boring? I need to create some excitement. Writing in my own journal has gotten droll.

"Do not say behind someone's back anything you wouldn't say to their face."

I try very hard to live up to this. I don't succeed all the time, but for the most part I keep this in mind during my interactions. Now, I understand that sometimes politics requires a firm hold on one's tongue; politics has it's own rules, unfortunately, and I know this statement does not apply.

But as far as social interactions go? Yeah.

So, if there's something you want to say to me, feel free. Comments are screened.
I want to know how you feel about me, good, bad or ugly.

Today starts strangely.

Front derailer spazzed on me 2x on the ride to work.

No left clicking on my mouse.

And I forgot my shoes.

I am too verbose. I need to learn to be more succinct in my communication. Especially in my non-fiction writing.

Biked to work today. 12 miles, did it in 59 minutes, from door to the bike chained in the parking lot. This includes a four minute walk up a hill and a 10 minute walk up EPIC HILL. The only major negative about today's ride was my own stupidity; I forgot it rained last night. This meant the trail that I hit during the last leg of the ride was Muddy McMuddison, living on Mud Lane in Mudville USA. Made me consider getting mudguards.

Epic Hill is indeed epic. I decided to tackle it. Hahahah, no. I might be able to do it if I go all the way down to granny gear, but I'm having issues with my front derailer, so I don't want to risk downshifting that far. All told, I got about 75 yards up, but the hill gets steeper as you climb, and I just can't hang with that right now.

Offspring giftage has been procured. Many thanks to luisito docthestampede and rapidevolution for the company and the assistance. The cab ride home was expensive (and the cabby, not too bright) but it will all be worth it when I see the look on the kid's face.

There's a Brazilian grill joint on 14th between 5th and 6th that is awesome. I'll have to hit that place again.

Still no time to write all the things I want to write about. Today is a slow day at work, however.

New project with Luisito is moving along. I'm excited and I hope the momentum this generates carries the two of us far, or else acts as a good place to build even more momentum.

Holla.

• RIDING
  1. I rode for a little less than an hour tonight, after getting home from work, appointments and errands. It was a hard 45 minutes, and I hit top gear for about 5 straight blocks in one stretch and 2 in another. Unfortunately, I lost my full water bottle on a nasty bump on that second stretch. Not much to do about it, though. It was kind of funny.
     The ride let me break in my
     1. new rear-view mirror
     2. my new bar-ends.
     
     It took me a bit to get the hang of the mirror, and it does give me a fairly large blind spot on my left side, but I can turn my head fast enough to compensate.
     The bar ends are mostly useless for street riding. They're basically used to give your arms a break by forcing them into a more restive position as you ride. When you're on a road, though, you need to constantly break and change gears. But on those long stretches where I was just digging in and pushing it hard? Oh yeah, they were nice. They will be especially handy when I'm trail riding and I won't have to worry about changing speeds so often.
  
  
  
• WRITING
  1. I finished up the second story for submission today. With a target of 2000 words, I overshot by 200. I need to edit out a tenth of the story without killing it, and I have to do it by the end of the month. WHO WANTS TO HELP! :)
  
  
  2. I am nearly finished with the outline for my next script. I REALLY need notes on it. Would anyone care to check it out when I'm done?
  
  
  3. I still need to get back edits and make the rewrite on the 5k story that I finished last week. For serious.
  
  
  4. I have to outline a new project I'll be doing with luisito. Hopefully there will be more on that later.



• CLASS/READING
  1. Finished off the student script due on Monday, just have to make notes.
  
  
  2. I have to finish notes on the script from LAST week too. Oops.
  
  
  3. Read a shortie by one of my mentees. Good work, that. I'll be getting them their notes back tomorrow, technology permitting.



• THE FUTURE
  1. THURSDAY
     • Giftage Retreival in Manhatteng
     • Hanging with anyone that tags along
  2. FRIDAY
     So far I've gotten three "I don't know, I'll see." The first person that says they are free adn want to do something gets to hang out with my short'n'hairy self. I'll travel as far as Jersey, but I have to be back home by Saturday Morning.
  3. SATURDAY
     1. Grooming errand
     2. Familial visitation errand
     3. Offspring Quality Time
  4. SUNDAY
     That's Das Kinder's birthday. Don't expect to hear from or see me, save by happenstance. Don't worry, I will still love and respect you in the morning.

Fun with lists!

}{ Biked to and from Mom's today, trying out a new route. Going took a little longer and was a bit less direct, but the entire middle half is in a park bike/walking path so it was safe, and scenic. I might use this new route in the future, I've not yet decided.
The return trip took twice as long as normal, however, because I failed to make that left at Albuquerque and took myself almost a mile out of my way. I's a dummeh, but now I know, I NEED TO MAKE THAT LEFT.

}{ zetts, mollyx and defy_gravity99 rocked the house tonight. Their harmonies were spot on, and they thoroughly entertained. Mickie is one hell of a song writer. You guys should seriously look him up.
The afterparty was awesome. son_of_ottie, alexlady, darksheik, and king_duncan were laugh riots. ceebeegee made cookies and mojitos (mmmmmmmm cookies), and we all pretty much laughed non-stop. I love hanging with you guys!

}{ I have a 9am date with a ball and a wall, then it's back home to do some chores. And maybe some writing/transcribe.


Maybe.

Today begins this year's Summer Olympics. Now, I was a huge fan of the Olympics when I was growing up. The idea of dudes from all over the world, competing for top honors, while being chivalrous, honorable and sportsmanlike really appealed to me. It was serious, but it was friendly.

At least in spirit. The Olympics, as I have always seen it, was about people, Earthlings, competing as representatives of their own countries, but also as simple, friendly rivals. I always saw it as series of events exalted above government, and above politics. But politically minded people are, frankly, neurotic about their politics.

Do I think American Black Athletes should have given the Black Panther salute in the late 60's when they were on the medal podiums?

No.

Do I think kidnapping and killing a country's Olympic team has a place there?

No, and I'm terribly saddened that it happened.

Do I think China should be protested for hosting the Olympics?

HELL no.

The way Chinese government treats it's people has NOT A GODDAMN THING to do with the events. The Olympics are about you, me, and our fellow humans sitting in stadiums and on couches all over the world, watching their brethren be what we can only dream of becoming: the best of us. The best of humanity. The Olympics are a reminder that despite our culture differences, despite our differences of opinion and appearance, we are all more alike than we are different

Let's repeat that, because it deserves to sit alone, out of context, to be honored and worshipped.

We, people, human beings, are more alike than we are different.

Politics don't change this, so it doesn't matter.
Governments will lie and brainwash you to think otherwise, but the truth is absolute and cannot be broken, harmed, or even tarnished, only masked. Governments don't matter, either.

Inside the confines of these Olympic events, it doesn't matter if China is being run by raging assholes intent on grinding the very people of it's nation into the rice patties, or if they dress in pink sequins and dance the Hokey-Pokey to pass legislation. It doesn't matter of The Shrub, our dearly elected and duly loved President, treats his own people with similar disrespect as the Chinese government even as he gives them lip for it (and in that, at least China is honest about it's motivations for what they do. Can The Shrub same the same thing, even under oath? I put money down on "no") and rallies against them. It doesn't matter if Australia decides that all Australians must Hammerdance twice a day to pay homage to the Pastafarian gods of Yecchistolian.

The only thing that matters are the souls who have worked their hardest to run and swim and throw in representation and celebration of humanity's greatness. I just wish I could convince the rest of the world of this.

+ I maded me a stori. BUT DEN I ATED IT.
No, not true. I did get about 100 words done on the new story yesterday during lunch, but wasn't smart enough to take those handwritten words home to transcribe. Ya big dummeh!

+ I forwent (forgoed?) biking to work today in order to make a dinner invitation in a timely manner. This means I'll have to bike mein assets off this weekend. Contemplating hitting the Hudson bike trail Sunday afternoon as penance; that's the only time I'll have.

+ You know what I mean?

ATTENTION NYC/NJ CYCLISTS!!!

Are any of you interested in doing the New York Century tour on September 7th?

I'm on the fence about going because of the cost. However, I have one confirmation that a friend is going, and if I get a few more I'll probably cave in and enter.

If I do sign up, it'll be for the 35miler. But, whichever length you do, it'll be cool to do the bike thing then hang out afterwards.

Anyway, let me know! :)

> My camera is dead. It will now only show black with white/prismatic "fuzz" on one side. It also will only take pictures as described. I'm rather upset.

> Like half my FL is going to Dragon*Con this year. I guess I should suck it up and try to go next year.

> I wrote about 390 words for a new short yesterday, relatively spur of the moment (another exercise in "how to build a short story in three minutes" sort of deal). I then tried to finish it last night while I was half asleep. Foolish mortal that I am. Needless to say, that din't happen.

> The temptation to convert my super-hero gaming stuff to D20 is getting stronger. I *really* should pick up a D20 based superhero game to get an idea of how hard it might be. I'm also tempted to run another game just so I can play. HELP ME! STOP THE INSANITY!!

> So, what had happened was...

Saw Hellboy II last night. Man, I look forward to writing that review.

murnkay introduced me to a fabulous little soul food joint in the West Village. I've never had sweet-potato pie that was as good as our family's recipe until last night. Also? Their bread pudding is to die for. They make small burgers, though, and I wasn't particularly thrilled with the speed of service. Still, the food (and the coffee!) were good enough I'll want to go back.

New Icon. FISH-EYE ELFIE!

( Und now I make mit da fitness crap )

Scrape them off, Jim.

So I'm sitting in a park, reading Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny. I get to a section where a character begins playing a flute...

And 15' away from me, some dude starts playing a bamboo asian flute.

WOT.

Oh, HAHAH and "Sweep the Leg" just came up on my playlist. It opens with Japanese counting.

I was just caught in a synchronicity dust-devil. Time to go to class

First, I have to point this out, because it amuses me.
My helmet and my shirts all match my bike; grey and red. I look fabulous!
I'm sorry, fellas. I'm fae, not gae. But thanks for offering.

---

After some conversations with fellow cyclists, I decided I was going to write a post about how to bike on the roads of a big city and survive. Most of these occurred to me on the ride home from work Friday*.

( Bike in the City )

*12 miles, 54 minutes from parking lot to my front door.

I The Good
Bike Hardware Installed, after scrounging around the office begging people for tools.

II The Bad
My pizza didn't really survive the 61 minutes in the heat. It was edible, but nowhere near the fabulousness that it normally is. Lunch = unfullfilling.

III The Urgleh
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is mobilizing its store managers and department supervisors around the country to warn that if Democrats win power in November, they'll likely change federal law to make it easier for workers to unionize companies -- including Wal-Mart.

Oh, HELL no. Thanks to son_of_ottie for the heads up, and jayspec for the linkage.

Biked to work. 12 miles. 61 minutes. 2 traffic stop, 2 walk breaks uphills; 1 for 3 minutes, 1 for 8. Still had half-a bottle of water left.
Also, as a note to myself, I biked straight up the big hill at 262nd, crested with more strength than last time. I was out of the Bronx and into Yonkers in 15 minutes. That's how long it takes me to walk a mile. DAHAHAHAHAHA. I love biking.

---

My Bike Nashbar order came in. I now have:
* My own bike pump; I can now return the one I borrowed back to jaywalking.
* A new, sleevelss shirt. I'll probably break it in on the way home. Buff arms!
* New, baggy shorts. Mit pockets.
* A bottle cage. Now I can stop using my shirt pocket to hold my water. Hold yer water, Sybil, hold yer water! I'm going straight to fucking hell!

---

NEW YORK AREA PEEPS:

The MoMa is having an exhibit on Salvador Dali, from now through mid September. I'm dying to check this out. Anyone want to come with? Chances are I'll hit it on a weekend, unless I get a magical weeknight free. Seriously, let me know.

---

Say word!

Þ I have copywriting to do. It's kicking my ass.

Þ A full-sized sofa flip'n'fuck! I want this! Unfortunately, It's crazy expensive. But I want it!
Speaking of, does anyone know the actual name for 'flip'n'fuck's? I actually want a few, but I have NO idea what they're really called, and so searching has been... interesting.

Þ Biking to and from work tomorrow. I'll be a touch upset if it rains.

Þ I redlined my Morrigan story a few days ago. I should get back to it this weekend and make those changes.

Þ The newest script idea that I've had has been slowly eating up background processes. This is not the one I am currently working on, but the one inspired by my trip to Atlantic City. I have main and supporting character, a plot, opening scene, a few interim scenes, the drama, and a general mood. I have motives and motivations. Wait until I ACTIVELY start to work on it!

Þ It occurs to me, now that I'm looking at furniture, that to convert my apartment to what I want it to be would cost me at lest $3. I'll need
Þ Þ a sofa (don't have one)
Þ Þ shelving for the entertainment center
Þ Þ an entertainment center (receiver, media players, speakers)
Þ Þ Table space
Þ Þ Chairs/crash space.
Well. This wouldn't be an issue if...

Þ I'm interested in a video camera. I can't really afford film classes, so I might as well start teaching myself what I can now.

Þ I'll also need a new, faster machine so I can run video editing software.

Þ Enough stalling and procrastinating.

A friend of mine showed me these videos. It's a lecture by a lawyer on the 5th amendment and why you should never talk to the police if you are being questioned for a crime. Or least, you shouldn't without a lawyer present.

Part 1, Part 2.

This is easily the most practical, educational thing I've seen in 10 years.

PRINCE TREVOR AMONGST THE ELEPHANTS
Starring Eric C. Bailey*, Chris C. Cariker, Patricia Comstock, Jon Crefeld, Keith Patrick Dunn*, Carlos Rafael Fernandez, Paula Galloway, Clara Barton Green, Jason Alan Griffin*, Kelly Nichols, Luke Strandquist, and Jess Cassidy White.
Written and Directed by Duncan Pflaster.


One man built a play. He used a Shakespearean frame, filled it with mirth, dropped in a healthy dose of politics for spice, and then upended a barrel of funny into it. Then he glued some amazing actors onto it's face.

Hijinx ensued. Uproariously funny Hijinx.

Prince Trevor... is a modern fairy tale told in the tradition of a Shakespearean comedy. It tells the woeful, but funny, story of the Prince, youngest of four, who must wed the deceptively cruel Queen Bluebella of a neighboring country to heal the wounds rendered by the recently ended war. The problem? Trevor's heart belongs to the cute stable boy Toby.

Oh. Dear.

The tale carries the audience, whooping and crying with laughter, through magical forests, political intrigue, dancing eunuchs, blind royalty, frenzied revolutions and past the Mystical Elephants of Style until the exciting climax in the castle. Along the way, a bunch of characters learn a few things about themselves (including, for one, what it's like to have a vagina when you aren't born with one!)

Carlos Rafael Fernandez is rock solid as Trevor, carrying the show on his shoulders effortlessly. Luke Strandquist puts in the absolute ballsiest performance I have ever seen as Grumbelino, Trevor's faithful (if rough-around-the-cockles) servant. Kelly Nichols, Clara Barton Green and Keith Patrick Dunn make valiant attempts at pinching the show right from beneath everyone's feet, and were it not for the calibre of the cast as a whole, they very well might have. Paula Galloway is seductive as Lynette, ally to the Prince and his servant. Jason Alan Griffin, Jon Crefeld, Chris C. Cariker and Eric C. Bailey slide through their multiple roles with liquid invisibility, and Patricia Comstock gives up nothing short of a revolutionary performance.


I enjoyed myself tremendously. The show is definitely worth seeing for it's humor, and all that mirth is anchored by subtle but opaque nods to some of life's current immediate struggles, including issues dealing with our sad state of political affairs. Duncan Pflaster has definitely shone brightly with this production.

Saturday, August 2^nd is the final showing of this play. I highly recommend you take the night to see it. Check out the website (linked above) for details and order information.



* actor appears courtesy of Actor's Equity Association. An Equity Approved Showcase

....

Love and Candlelight sound WRONG when played by Port Authority Fluteguy.


For serious.


And ohgod, now it's a Stevie Wonder medley.


YES! Save by the train!