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Cities in the early days of the United States were mostly quiet at night. People who did leave the comfort of their own homes at night could often be found walking into puddles, tripping over uneven terrain, or colliding into posts because virtually no street lighting existed.With the advent of gas lighting, culture transformed in fascinating ways. Here are 12 interesting facts about urban nightlife, which show how times have greatly changed and, remarkably, how some things have remained the same.
Click कीजिए और सुनिए 2 मिनट और 8 सैकिंड का audio समय का महत्व – अपनोंं के साथ (ऑडियो) मोनिका गुप्ता का नमस्कार. वैसे इंटरनेट सशक्त माध्यम है बहुत सारी बातें जानने, सीखने और कुछ नया सर्च करने का. हर कोई अपने interest के हिसाब से सर्च करते हैं कोई लेटेस्टlatest खबरे सर्च करते […]
I discovered Wordless Wednesday from my friend Sandee of Comedy Plus, and I immediately loved it. It's fun and interesting because you post a photo that conveys a message without using words.
The image speaks for itself whether its a photo capturing a moment in our lives or a cartoon imitating us being ourselves. After posting your image or photo, copy and paste your link beneath Sandee's post on Comedy Plus' list of links then post Mister Linky's code beneath your photo and we'll share the same links. Here's Sandee's link to the code.
By Nicholas Eskey San Diego publisher IDW have grown steadily beyond their beginnings of comics. Though comics are still their main focus, the company in recent years has expanded beyond that and into other forms of entertainment. At this year’s Wondercon, IDW Entertainment represented by Dirk Wood, Vice Present of Marketing, David Hedgecock, Managing Editor, […]
1 Comments on Wondercon’16: IDW Plans to Publish a Plethora of Books and Make a Mint on Movies, last added: 4/10/2016
Speaking as a lifelong Micronauts fan, I have to ask, WHAT CARTOON? What the hell is Scott even talking about?
Micronauts never once had a cartoon, it was from before the boom of Reagan-era toy-cartoon tie-ins. It had a comic adaptation with Marvel and that was it. The Japanese Microman line it was based on got a reboot in 1999 and an anime then, but neither ever made it to Western shores.
StoryMakers host Rocco Staino caught up with Mo Willems at the preview for The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems, a retrospective of Willems’ work at the New-York Historical Society. The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems exhibit contains many pieces that show Willems’ process as he created some of kid lit’s most memorable characters. He hopes children create their own art after they leave the museum. The author and illustrator briefly discussed The Thank You Book, the 25th and last book in the Elephant and Piggie series.
Mo Willems has had a huge impact on the lives of children. As a television writer for Sesame Street he garnered six Emmys. His witty one-liners inspired children to quote characters from Codename: Kids Next Door amongst other familiar cartoons. In 2003 his first picture book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, was published and since then it’s been a stream of accolades; three Caldecott Honors, two Geisel Medals, five Geisel Honors, and a place in the Picture Book Hall of Fame.
Willems’ surly pigeon, the mismatched pair of Elephant and Piggie, and everyone’s favorite Knuffle Bunny are a few of the characters visitors will get to see evolve via the exhibit.
The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems exhibition brings together original art, sketches, and inspirational drawings from Willem’s most popular series, plus stand-alone classics such as Leonardo the Terrible Monster and That is NOT a Good Idea!. It displays the efforts behind the effortlessness, the seriousness behind the silliness, and the desire, as Willems says, “to think of my audience, not for my audience.” His ability to crisply weave together life lessons and humor creates artful volumes that speak to all, regardless of size.
The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems is open now, until September 25, 2016. Click here for ticket information, directions, and more.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art organized the exhibition, which is supported by Disney Publishing Worldwide.
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
ACTIVITIES
Click the images or links below to access fun activities with characters from Mo Willems’ books!
The Thank You Book Written and illustrated by Mo Willems (Disney-Hyperion, 2016)
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In The Thank You Book!, Piggie wants to thank EVERYONE. But Gerald is worried Piggie will forget someone … someone important.
ABOUT MO WILLEMS
#1 New York Times Bestseller Mo Willems began his career as a writer and animator for PBS’ Sesame Street, where he garnered 6 Emmy Awards for his writing. During his nine seasons at Sesame Street, Mo also served as a weekly commentator for BBC Radio and created two animated series, Nickelodeon’s The Off-Beats and Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City.
While serving as head writer for Cartoon Network’s #1 rated show, Codename: Kids Next Door, Mo began writing and drawing books for children. His debut effort, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! became a New York Times Bestseller and was awarded a Caldecott Honor in 2004. The following year Knuffle Bunny: a Cautionary Tale was awarded a Caldecott Honor. The sequel, Knuffle Bunny Too: a Case of Mistaken Identity garnered Mo his third Caldecott Honor in 2008.
In addition to picture books, Mo created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of “Easy Readers”, which were awarded the Theodor Suess Geisel Medal in 2008 and 2009 and Geisel Honors in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. For older audiences he has published an illustrated memoir of his year-long trip around the world in 1990-91 entitled You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons and Don’t Pigeonhole Me!, a collection of 20 years of his annual sketchbooks. His books have been translated into over 20 languages.
The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s pre-eminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research, presenting history and art exhibitions, and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical is the oldest museum in New York City. New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered political, cultural and social history of New York City and State and the nation, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.
New-York Historical is recognized for engaging the public with deeply researched and far-ranging exhibitions. Supporting these exhibitions and related education programs are one of the world’s greatest collections of historical artifacts, works of American art, and other materials documenting the history of the United States and New York.
The New-York Historical Society’s museum is the oldest in New York City and predates the founding of the Metropolitan Museum of Art by nearly seventy years.
Nineteenth and twentieth Century opera houses are finding new lives today. Opera houses were once the center of art, culture, and entertainment for rural American towns--when there was much less competition for our collective attention.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is Eric Carle’s most famous children’s book. It is loved the world over and has been translated into many languages. The book inspired The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, an off-Broadway play that adapts four of Carle’s books for the stage. StoryMakers host Rocco Staino visited the 47th Street Theatre to interview the show’s creator, Jonathan Rockefeller. Rocco and Jonathan discussed taking Eric Carle’s work “from the page, to the stage,” working with Eric Carle, and the puppeteering process.
Seventy-five (75) puppets created in detail to resemble the characters in The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar make the show come alive. Many puppets are life-size and others are magnified many times over — a 12 foot tall butterfly! Several of the actors are puppeteers who’ve worked on Sesame Street and other children’s shows.
Jonathan enjoys seeing the faces of audience members — both younger and older — who’ve read Eric’s books. They know the story but react very differently as they watch Eric Carle’s stories unfold boldly before their eyes. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is especially wonderful because Jonathan Rockefeller and his team have shows that are bilingual and autism friendly.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show began previews on January 30th; opened on February 7th; and runs until March 27, 2016. Click here to purchase tickets for shows in New York City.
GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a pair of tickets to The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and a prize pack filled with books and other goodies!
All entrants must be residents of the United States. You must be at least 13 years or older to enter. KidLit TV is not responsible for transportation or lodging.
ABOUT THE BOOKS OF ERIC CARLE ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE
One sunny Sunday, the caterpillar was hatched out of a tiny egg. He was very hungry. On Monday, he ate through one apple; on Tuesday, he ate through three plums–and still he was hungry. Strikingly bold, colorful pictures and a simple text in large, clear type tell the story of a hungry little caterpillar’s progress through an amazing variety and quantity of foods. Full at last, he made a cocoon around himself and went to sleep, to wake up a few weeks later wonderfully transformed into a butterfly!
Every child has an artist inside them, and this vibrant picture book from Eric Carle will help let it out. The artist in this book paints the world as he sees it, just like a child. There’s a red crocodile, an orange elephant, a purple fox and a polka-dotted donkey. More than anything, there’s imagination. Filled with some of the most magnificently colorful animals of Eric Carle’s career, this tribute to the creative life celebrates the power of art.
Mister Seahorse Written and illustrated by Eric Carle
Published by Philomela Books
When Mrs. Seahorse lays her eggs, she does it on Mr. Seahorse’s belly She knows he will take good care of them. While he swims waiting for the eggs to hatch, he meets some other underwater fathers caring for their babies: Mr. Tilapia, who carries his babies in his mouth; Mr. Kurtus, who keeps his on his head; and Mr. Catfish, who is baby-sitting his young hatchlings. Eric Carle has done it again, with astonishingly beautiful collage illustrations and a story that introduces the very young to the wonders of aquatic life … and some very special daddies. A “hide and seek” feature with acetate overlays adds a colorful surprise.
When a very lonely firefly goes out into the night searching for other fireflies, it sees a lantern, a candle, and the eyes of a dog, cat, and owl all glowing in the darkness. It even sees a surprise celebration of light. But it is not until it discovers other fireflies that it finds exactly what it’s looking for. Read it with a flashlight in the dark or under the table–and watch those fireflies glow!
ABOUT ERIC CARLE
Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into 62 languages and sold over 41 million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than seventy books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote, and more than 132 million copies of his books have sold around the world.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by author/illustrator Eric Carle has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 41 million copies worldwide.
Eric’s well-known books captivated readers with his iconic colorful hand-painted tissue paper collage illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing generations of children to a bigger, brighter world — and to their first experience of reading itself.
Now, the timeless classic makes its way off the page and onto the stage.
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle stories, The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
CONNECT WITH THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW Website | Facebook
ABOUT JONATHAN ROCKEFELLER
Jonathan Rockefeller is a co-founder of Rockefeller Productions, a company that combines film, theatre, animation, puppetry and television. He also devotes time to philanthropic work furthering childhood literary and appreciation of the arts. The production of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show’ debuted to a sell-out season at the Sydney Festival January 2015, and will continue to tour Australia and New Zealand through 2017. Prior to his work with Eric Carle, Jonathan co-wrote and produced the puppet-parody ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’ which has been licensed for further productions worldwide. This year Jonathan was selected as a ‘Men of Influence’ by Men’s Style Australia for his work in children’s theater and literacy. Click here to learn more about Jonathan Rockefeller.
AT RISE: Two friends discuss a theatre performance they have just seen
FRIEND 1
(perusing menu)
Decisions…decisions… I just started seeing a dietician but I absolutely adore their chocolate-chocolate-and-more-chocolate molten lava cake… One more time couldn’t hurt.
FRIEND 2
Given that it’s past eight o’clock and the worst time for weight gain, I, on the other hand, will stick to my usual expresso
FRIEND 1
You’re so holy-holy, perfect, human being
FRIEND 2
Jealousy is futile. It’s my genes. Everyone in my family is thin, going back generations
You do realize I could eat whatever I wanted without guilt but I don’t, because I respect my body
FRIEND 1
Hey! Me too! My body tells me regularly, “feed me chocolate-chocolate-and-more-chocolate molten lava cake’ and I’ll make you feel real good!”
FRIEND 2
Anywaaay…So what did you think of the show?
FRIEND 1
Well…it had its moments
FRIEND 2
You didn’t like it, I take it?
FRIEND 1
I never said that
FRIEND 2
What are you saying?
FRIEND 1
It had its moments
FRIEND 2
Which means?
FRIEND 1
Kind of dragged in parts
FRIEND 2
I dunno. Made me laugh – a lot
FRIEND 1
That’s ‘cause you’re easily amused
FRIEND 2
Is it necessary to insult me, just because you consider yourself (makes quotation marks with her fingers) “a playwright”?
FRIEND 1
It’s the words and how they’re put together that interest me
FRIEND 2
Seemed like one great show, overall, in my eyes
FRIEND 1
You didn’t find that the first act seemed to never end?
FRIEND 2
I go to the theatre to be entertained. Period. I don’t agonize over whether the first act is better than the second because really, I don’t care! If the actors can provide a couple of hours of escapism, then they’ve done their job
FRIEND 1
We obviously view the entertainment through different eyes. I’m interested in the flow of the dialogue…the inter-action of the performers…things of interest to a person who writes plays -
FRIEND 2
- remind me how many of your plays have been produced –
FRIEND 1
So? What does that have to do with anything? It’s not for lack of trying. Have you any idea how many playwrights are out there all over the planet, hoping that someone will share them with the world? Gazillions I can tell you – including me! I mean, well known one’s, too! One day – one sweet day – someone, somewhere will read one of my plays and say, “this is the winner we’ve been waiting for!” One day, you and I, will sit here as we do after a night at the theatre, and discuss the merits of one of my plays. You’ll tell me how witty the dialogue was and how it made you laugh and how lucky that our friendship has maintained over the years…
FRIEND 2
So, are we ordering or what?
FRIEND 1
I’m thinking here perhaps it is too late for something heavy like the chocolate-chocolate-and-more-chocolate molten lava cake
FRIEND 2
Good idea - think healthy
(waitress approaches to take order)
(cont’d.)We’ll have two expresso coffees, please…
FRIEND 1
…hang on…
FRIEND 2
I thought you decided against the cake
FRIEND 1
The cake is on the heavy side but a small butter pecan muffin wouldn’t even register on the scale. Now about the play…the acting was adequate but then they didn't have much to work with...
0 Comments on SCENES FROM LIFE - A SHORT PLAYETTE. At the coffee shop as of 8/1/2015 12:03:00 PM
Sharing the first scene of my first play, "A WEDDING" a.k.a. "MAKE ME A WEDDING." A comedy, the story focuses on the trials and tribulations of a young couple who want a small, intimate wedding, versus the bride and groom's mothers, who want an all-out, no holds barred (expensive) affair.
In this opening scene, the bride announces her engagement to her parents.
A WEDDING
ACT 1
Scene I
SETTING: Greenberg family living room. Plastic slip-covers cover, kitschy French-provincial furniture, circa 1970’s. On either side of the couch are two end tables with drop “crystal” lamps on each table
AT RISE:A tense MORTY GREENBERG paces, stopping
periodically to glance out of a window.SADIE his wife, sits in an armchair, absorbed in her knitting. She glances up from time-to-time to watch MORTY
TIME:Late evening
SFX: television blaring
MORTY
What time is it now?
SADIE
Five minutes later than the last time you asked me. Stop
pacing already or you'll wear a hole in the carpet. It's thin enough as it is
MORTY
(staring out of window)
What could they be doing in the middle of the night?
SADIE
Counting toothpicks in a restaurant. What's it your business? She needs your permission to stay out late?
MORTY
What'll the neighbors think?
SADIE
Oh pul-l-eeze! Get a life. They'll talk no matter what she does or doesn't do and what they don't know, they make up. Sit down and watch TV
MORTY
I can't focus knowing that my daughter is out there – somewhere - doing who-knows-what. Maybe we should go search for her or better yet, call the police
SADIE
Not! If we brought her up right, she's okay. You stay up and wait for her if you want but I'm going to bed
MORTY
Don't you wanna be here when she comes in?
SADIE
(standing)
Why? She doesn't know the way to her room? Come to bed, Morty!
MORTY
Some mother you are. What happens if… if they were in an accident or something? Maybe they're injured and can't call us
SADIE
Rachel has a cell phone
MORTY
Maybe the cell phone got crushed along with the car…
SADIE
…and maybe you should get a life?
MORTY
I'm staying up and waiting for her like a good father, unlike other people who are more interested in their beauty rest. Like it'll help anyway… I can’t take it anymore! I’m calling the police
SADIE
Enough already! Really Morty, she’s22 years old. Sit here if you want to but I gotta get some sleep
MORTY
Sure, go to bed and leave me all alone to wait for your daughter
SADIE
How come she’s “your daughter” when she does things that you don't like? Besides, I'm sure David is taking good care of her
MORTY
That's what worries me!
SADIE
Move away from that window or the neighbors will think you're a voyeur! Did I mention Becky's daughter got engaged last night? Don't think she didn't rub it in about the big diamond that her Joanie got. Two carats she tells me! Like the size of a diamond would interest me!
MORTY
(flipping TV clicker)
Of course not! Things like that aren't important to a person with your class. You materialistic? Never!
SADIE
It's what's inside a person’s heart that counts, not the size of a bank account. That's what I told Becky. Honestly, that woman is so money-oriented! I don't know how we stayed best friends all these years
MORTY
Are you telling me that you’d hold it against a potential husband for your daughter, if he was cash-friendly?
SADIE
Let me put it this way: if and I say if, the boy happens to come from a wealthy family, I wouldn’t hold it against him. I'm not prejudiced that way. Listen, I get dark circles under my eyes if I don’t get enough sleep
SADIE exits
MORTY
(calling after her)
“And you need all the help you can get!” Dark circles aren't her only problem. The woman needs a complete head transplant. Where's that daughter of mine?
SFX: key in lock
MORTY rushes to chair and feigns sleep
RACHEL
(V/O)
'Don't forget to call me the minute you get home! Mom will be thrilled when I tell her our news. Wave to Mrs. Belinsky across the road, the nosy busybody. I love you, David!'
RACHEL enters
Hi popsy. Wha'cha doin' up so late? Are you waiting up for me again?
MORTY
Wha…hmmm..? Must'a fallen asleep in front of the TV. What time is it?
RACHEL
What am I going to do with you, pops?Where's mom?
MORTY
Your mother was tired so she went upstairs. She was knitting me another one of her scarves to join the other sixteen stored away in the closet. When will she realize that I only have one neck? Where were you so late?
RACHEL
I was under the impression I can come home whenever I feel like it – at least that’s what you tell me
MORTY
What'll the neighbors think, a nice girl like you coming in at the crack of dawn?
RACHEL
Would you prefer that I move out altogether and you won’t have to worry about what everyone will say? Let them mind their own business for a change
MORTY
It's a lot to ask to call home and say you're alive?
RACHEL
Can we move on? I have something important to tell you both. Better still, go wake up mom. She'll wanna hear this
MORTY
Something is wrong! I knew it! I told your mother that she should wait up but did she listen? Noooo! Her beauty rest is more important
RACHEL
Why do you always think the worst? It just so happens that this is fantastic news and mom will be thrilled when she hears what I have to say
Dances around room, waving her left hand
D'ya notice anything new – like - on my left hand?
MORTY
You changed the color of your nail polish?
RACHEL
Look close…realLY close
MORTY
Whoa! That’s new since breakfast?
RACHEL
You do know what this means…
MORTY
A miracle! At last there's gonna be another male in the family and I'll have a chance at winning an argument, for a change!
RACHEL
I didn't expect that kind of reaction but I'll take it as a sign you approve?
MORTY
What's not to approve? The groom to be is David?
RACHEL
Who else? You know we've been seeing each other seriously and there's never been anyone else in my life, nor will there ever be. He's the most wonderful, sensitive, romantic…
MORTY
And those are just his so-so qualities. Only joking, honey. He's a good guy and normal, unlike some of those other weirdos you brought home to us. I still break out in a sweat thinking about - what was his name now - Clifford? What kind’a person tattoos the name of his girlfriend on his forehead and God knows where else?
RACHEL
That was just a high school crush, pop and besides, I
kind’a thought it was romantic at the time
MORTY
Sure you would 'cause you're not a parent - yet. Let’s see now - who came next? What did he call himself - Pukey? Porky? And then there was…
RACHEL
I get your point, popsy
MORTY
Remember your first rock concert? I couldn't hear for three days and never told your mother. Let me tell you - it was bliss!
RACHEL
So? I'm still waiting for congratulations and a kiss
MORTY
(hugging RACHEL)
My little girl - a bride! That means I’m old. I’ve never been old before
RACHEL
How 'bout go get mom so I can share the good news with her, too?
MORTY
You want me to go wake up sleeping beauty? If I disturb her beauty rest, she'll open up a mouth to me but if I don't… Be right back
MORTY EXIT
SADIE
(V/O)
‘Whad'ya doing? Lemme alone Morty. I'm tired! It's not Saturday night…go watch another program or something. What about Rachel? Are you talking about our daughter,…. Get me my duster in the cupboard! The other one! That's for the rummage sale. Do you ever look at what I wear?’
SADIE rushes on stage followed by MORTY
Rachel, is this another of your father's senior moments?
RACHEL
(extends hand)
So? Look for yourself!
SADIE
It's about time! Looks like a decent sized diamond. Must be - what - a carat at least? Bigger maybe?
RACHEL
David surprised me with it tonight. We don't want a long engagement so you won't have to plan a big party
MORTY
You're both so young. What's the big rush?
SADIE
They've been going out for five years! D'ya want she should be an old maid like your sister Miranda? I'm so excited! Becky's Joanie got engaged yesterday so she only beat you by one day!
RACHEL
This isn't a contest as far as I'm concerned. We want to get married in three months
SADIE
(ignoring RACHEL)
A summer wedding would be perfect, don'cha think? Maybe we could have it under a tent, in the back garden, just like those fancy society weddings. Mind you, indoors might be better in case of rain, but we have plenty of time to talk about the details
RACHEL
Did you hear what I said? We wanna get married in –like -three months
SADIE
Come again? I gotta get my ears checked 'cause I thought I heard you say three months
RACHEL
Your ears are fine, ma, and even if - and I say if - we wanted a garden wedding, pops has his old cars stored on the lawn, along with a thousand spare parts covering every square inch
MORTY
Listen, you want a reception in the back yard, I'll move everything into the garage…
RACHEL
It has to be at that time because David's been invited to be a keynote speaker at a big lawyer's convention in Europe, so we'll make it a working honeymoon. It's the only time we're both free
MORTY
…maybe call a few scrap dealers today to see what they'll give me. At least we'll have a couple of extra dollars towards the wedding expenses…
SADIE
Typical! Your father is worrying about the gelt, already! You expect we should get everything together in such a short time? It takes a year at least to reserve a place and even then, we have to talk to a caterer, get a band…
MORTY
…then again maybe I should keep them all. 'Ya never know when my car is gonna die on me. It's going on nine years already
RACHEL
There’s something else I haven't told you. We want a small wedding with just close friends and family, so there shouldn't be any problems with the arrangements
SADIE
Grabs chest, feigns shock and grabs MORTY for
support
Do I hear right? You would deprive your parents of making you a big tra-la-la-wedding? I think I'm gonna faint. Catch me Morty!
RACHEL
We'd rather put everything towards important things like buying a house. You should be happy with all the money you’re gonna save
SADIE
Happy? You're gonna kill me! What'll I tell my friends? They'll think we're too cheap or can't afford to marry off our only daughter right! You can't do this to me Rachel!
RACHEL
Sorry? It's our wedding and we want to keep it small. The idea of inviting a lot of people we don't know is not for us! I'm really tired and not prepared to hash this out with you now. We'll continue tomorrow when I'm fresh and can think clearly. At least I'll have a fighting chance
RACHEL starts to leave
SADIE
Stay right where you are! I wanna hear all about how David proposed. This is what a mother waits for!
RACHEL
I promise to tell you everything only let me get a couple of hours of sleep. Please?
MORTY
Let her go to bed, Sadie. The kind of wedding you want will put us back a few dollars. I like the idea that the kids are thinking small. Small is good
SADIE
You would, Mr.Cheap-skate! I'm sure David's family would want a decent-sized affair, too. Open up your pockets father-of-the-bride and let the moths fly out! Small wedding - over my dead body
MORTY
That can be arranged
SADIE
(taunting)
"Cheap-cheap-cheap…"
RACHEL
I've heard enough for one night. Enjoy yourselves, you two!
RACHEL exits
SADIE
You don't get it, do you? A big wedding means nice gifts. Have a small wedding and you end up with a bunch of fruit bowls and vases
MORTY
As far as I know, the only green growing on our trees are leaves. I have to worry about the cost if you don't
SADIE
What's money when you're marrying off your only child? Dear, dear, husband of mine, you should keep your nose out of things that aren't your business. Planning a wedding is a woman's affair. The husband only writes the checks
MORTY
0 Comments on First scene of A WEDDING as of 5/6/2015 7:45:00 PM
Sitting down in front of the computer, chin in hand and thinking about playwriting. Again. Note the word, "thinking" but not the actual act of taking fingers to keyboard and producing some worthwhile dialogue. Still further delayed the process by going over finished plays and assessing whether they need fixing or editing, something I'm prone to do in both my writing and painting. Frequently, the end result is ruining any progress on whatever project I'm "fixing."
I'm an inordinate "fixer" of all my artistic undertakings, which really don't require further adjusting. Recently, I applied what I swore were the absolute final strokes to a black and white painting first started three years ago, which has been "fixed" over the years. Perhaps this will be the reality and then again, who knows.
In as far as my plays are concerned, some have been altered to the point where all objectivity has been lost as to the strongest version. Most often, the changes are relegated to small dialogue adjustments or altering what appears to me to be a weak a scene. In the end, a decision has to be made which version is the best version to submit, followed by a period of self-doubt and whether my plays are actually produce-able. Perhaps this is a common pattern with writers in general in that the selection of the right words is paramount to the whole story line. In as far as dialogue is concerned, the character has to utter words and phrases that suit her/his mannerisms, personality and mien and therein lies the challenge.
Although the actual act of submitting plays is a positive move, there is also the self-doubt that creeps in waiting for updates on their fate. Negative thoughts like:
- perhaps the wrong version was sent - whatever that is - maybe I don't have what it takes to be a "real" playwright - given the volume of experienced and produced playwrights, many of whom are familiar names to the public and within the theatre community, do my literary gems stand a chance?
And so the uncertainty continues but something drives me to persevere. The possibility, whatever the odds that there is a theatre "out there" somewhere that will see something special in my plays is enough to keep me going and press on. Meanwhile, some fine tuning of the dialogue and changes to the story arc is required to Dead Writes. Really.
P.S.: just read that Larry David's new play, "Fish In the Dark" is a big hit on Broadway. It should only happen to me! Mazel-tov, Larry...or Mr. David. Good to note that good comedy will always draw a crowd.
0 Comments on Playwright's ruminations - the fix is in as of 1/1/1900
Thought I'd share some thoughts about submission - of the literary type. As is the case with most playwrights, I'm continually searching the web for possible good fits for my literary babies. They really are like babies given the attention, work and copious amounts of love that go into their creation. As is the case with offspring who reach maturity, there is a point where one has to part with them for their own good - and mine.
Progress has been achieved in the submission process including a rejection letter accompanied by a wonderful critique and evaluation of the submitted play. Theatres that are open to unsolicited submissions must be the recipients of thousands of plays and understandably, responding to playwrights individually isn't practical. It's commendable, therefore, when a theatre takes the time to not only respond to a play submission but actually take the time in writing to point out the plays strengths and weaknesses and make suggestions as to changes that would strengthen the overall story line. Let's say that it was one of the nicest rejections received to date.
Some of my other plays were sent packing to try their luck and as yet there has been no response. As if the playwriting process isn't difficult enough, the waiting period to hear back one way or the other is equally if not more stressful. Frequently, there is no response, which in itself is an indication of their fate.
I'm now taking precautions to e-mail my plays to myself before sending them out to ensure that it is in a readable format for the recipients. This move came about after encountering a problem submitting a play electronically when converting one of the older files to the latest version. Checking to ensure the play was successfully sent, somehow the text ended up in the wrong visual format. After a period of ranting and raving and some hair pulling, literally and figuratively, I decided to re-send in spite of a nagging, internal voice telling me to hold off for a bit. Re-sent it, anyway, accompanied by a two-sentence explanation only to discover the next day upon re-examination that the text somehow had adjusted itself and was visually perfect. Also re-confirmed my belief to always heed that inner voice.
While waiting for news, I'm continuing working on "Dead Writes", a fantasy with some comedic tones combined with interesting moral messages and dilemmas for the characters. Definitely a challenge but one worth meeting. Then again, the act of writing plays is always a challenge, no matter what.
When asked the question of the time it takes to complete a play, I quote the line expressed by Edward Albee: "People often ask me how long it takes me to write a play, and I tell them 'all my life." And then some.
0 Comments on Notes: in submission as of 2/12/2015 11:37:00 PM
Started writing this play a while back and have been slowly - accent on the slowly - adding-to and tweaking the play over time. Recently gave it yet another read and after deep thought and concentration, have finally come to what I believe and hope to be, a good ending. Still not finished, yet, but I've been making progress, which in itself is a good omen. Sometimes omens are all we have to propel us along.
I've shared bits and pieces of it here before but here is the latest incarnation. The cast list will most likely grow slightly. I've adapted it for this blog but the cutting and pasting isn't ideal. Comments welcome.
The story: Sometimes lessons in life come at a cost especially when the cost involves sacrifice on behalf of another.
DEAD WRITES
By Eleanor Tylbor
CAST OF CHARACTERS
CHARLOTTE PEMBROOK:50-something; former reporter, deceased
AT RISE:A group of people are seated in a funeral chapel, socializing for the most part, while waiting for the service to begin. A coffin is situated on an elevated stand in the middle of the room.
CHARLOTTE PEMBROOK, wearing a diaphanous flowing dress lays next to the coffin. Slowly she sits up, looks around in a confused, slightly stunned state. Touching her arms and body parts, she moves to an upright position and pulls at the material of her dress
FX: SOMBER MUSIC
CHARLOTTE
Really must'a tied one on last night. Weird, though. No hang-over like usual.
Stands upright, moves closer to coffin, straining to see inside. A funeral organizer passes by without acknowledging her presence. She pokes him in the back, to no avail.
'Scuse me…hello'? Could you tell me…? Wait a minute. Don't ignore me. You are so rude!’
He ignores her, focusing on the coffin
Lemme be blunt like the real me: who's the corpse?
Man continues to ignore her
What is your problem? A name - that's all I want! It's not a lot to ask.Fine. Suit yourself. I'll find out on my own…creep!
A man,JOSIAH,enters and stands directly behindCHARLOTTE. Dressed entirely in white, he glitters from head to toe
JOSIAH
There's really no need to yell. I can provide you with that information
Startled, she whirls around to face him
CHARLOTTE
You could give a person a heart attack sneaking up like that. And I thought I looked bad in this outfit? If you don’t mind me saying, sir, you look like a bad case of indigestion after eating too many Halloween candies. I've been trying to find out what's going on but the guy over there is ignoring me. Some people just don’t have any manners
JOSIAH
He can't hear you
CHARLOTTE
It’s not like me not to remember some details of the night before but my mind is a complete blank. Not even a few flashes. Nothing
JOSIAH
Not surprising. You’ll get used to it
CHARLOTTE
I get it now! This place is one of those new theme clubs and you're the bartender, right? Explains a lot especially the look. So – like - you doing Liberace? That would explain my dress, too. Go figure a funeral parlor would double as a club. So where’s the booze?
JOSIAH
The one thing I can assure you is that this is not a nightclub. You know…if you really want, Icould tell you who's in that coffin
CHARLOTTE
How would you know that unless… What’s wrong with me? Here's me going on about nothing and you're burying someone who means a lot to you. That’s it, isn’t it? Sometimes I'm so dense. My sympathies.
JOSIAH
You could say I’m related to that dead person. In fact - I'm close with most people that pass through
CHARLOTTE
You work here, then?
JOSIAH
In a way. Death is the human equalizer, don't you think? Everyone is on an equal plane no matter how important your life was or how much money you had or how much power you wielded
CHARLOTTE
I suppose so - can't say I've given it much thought, lately. You wouldn’t happen to know how I ended up here, though, would you?
JOSIAH
Do these mourners strike a familiar chord?
CHARLOTTE glances at the mourners
Vaguely... Hang on a minute! These people work with me!
(Aside to mourners): ‘This is a surprise party, right? It's all a big joke. I should have known. Whose birthday is it? 'Ya don't hafta worry 'bout me giving it away!Hello? I’m talking to you all!’
Weird. They're all ignoring me like I wasn’t here or something. Dumb…dumb…dumb. Ignorance, thy name is Charlotte! This is a "for real " funeral. That has'ta be it and this here is a real body in a real coffin! Okay –so – then - why am I here? Must be somebody I knew…
She strains to see in the coffin again without results
CHARLOTTE
You seem to know a lot about this. Was it Don McGrath or Pete Winston? Don't know how many times I warned them both to slow down, but did they listen? ‘Course not! What does an old broad like me know, right? Burn the candle at both ends and you’re gonna burn your light out, I told them time and time again. Everyone thinks they’re gonna live forever
JOSIAH
It wasn't either one of them
CHARLOTTE
That's a relief 'cause we're the last three old farts left at The Sentinal. Started out together at the same time and we've seen 'em come and we seen 'em leave. Some on to bigger and better and some like this here person, in a wooden box. Things are sure different now. Back when we were in our prime, the only thing we had'da know was a keyboard. Nowadays everything is electronic - cyber this, cyber that. They'll soon find a way to replace us all with computer systems and you know what? Nobody will give a damn
JOSIAH
They'll always be a need for the human touch
CHARLOTTE
Look at 'em all…young kids just out of J-school. What do they know about getting’ a story? How can you write about life if you never experienced it? This really is a real funeral, isn’t it?
JOSIAH
Unfortunately, you are correct
CHARLOTTE
Guess you were a friend of the corpse, then, or related?
JOSIAH
I'm friends with a lot of people. You can say that I help them through a difficult period
CHARLOTTE
So you're one of those - what do they call them - grief councillors? Bet you go to a lotta funerals
JOSIAH
I can honestly say that I've never missed one
CHARLOTTE
Never?
JOSIAH
Never in all the years I've been assigned here
CHARLOTTE
Have we met somewhere before, maybe a long while back? The more I look at you, the more familiar your face seems to me. Wait a minute! It’s so obvious as the nose on my face. You're a new bartender at Pat's watering hole. I'll pay my tab next week, I swear, it's just that I've been running a little short lately…
JOSIAH
We've had a few close encounters in the past, Charlotte, but this is the first time we've met one-on-one. My drinking days are history in the true sense of the word but you seem very caught up with alcoholic beverages
CHARLOTTE
Got it now. You own the new funeral parlor down the block and you're here to scope out the competition
JOSIAH
Not…exactly but you could say I'm in the funeral business since I make a point never to miss any. In fact, funeral parlors are where I first connect with…
CHARLOTTE
(backing away)
Hey! You're not one of those slimy creeps who pick up rich, lonely women at funerals. Listen buddy, I'm not rich and certainly not in the market to add a new man in my life.Been there, done that, too many times. Know what I mean?
JOSIAH
(laughing)
You're quite priceless, my dear. Trust me when I say my interest in you is anything but corporeal in nature. You do like games, don't you, with all your questions that I would be glad to answer. There really is no secret
CHARLOTTE
It's my nature to snoop and dig for answers
JOSIAH
You don't have to. I'd be most happy to supply you with the necessary information but if you insist. Have it your way
CHARLOTTE
Strikes me that this corpse wasn't too popular in life judging by the amount of people who showed up here
JOSIAH
It's all quite sad, actually. She believed she never needed people and in the end, seems that people weren't there when she needed them most
Mourner moves to front of room and stands in front of coffin
So the departed is a female.Looky who's here! It’s my friend and co-worker, Janice. Hey girl, we were supposed to meet for lunch yesterday! I showed up but what happened to you?
JANICE
Miserable, lying witch! At last you made a useful contribution to the world and left it! Good riddance to bad rubbish
CHARLOTTE
Is that the way to talk about the dearly departed? Even dead people deserve respect from the living. Your mama never taught you any manners?
JANICE touches the coffin and returns to her seat
(aside to JANICE): ‘Janice? You-hoo! It's me.’
(aside to JOSIAH) I'm not surprised! She was always a grudge holder.We better take a seat…the minister is here
Gives Janice "the finger" while passing her by and sits with others, accompanied byJOSIAH
(Cont’d. CHARLOTTE - aside to male, PETE): ‘Heeeey Pete-eee! So, how things goin' with you? Sorry 'bout that story, but I just couldn't help myself. In fact, I did just that. I'll return the favor in the future. You know how it is in our biz’
(PETE)ignoresCHARLOTTE and talks to female on other side
(Cont’d. CHARLOTTE) Still mad at me, huh? See if I care! That’s the last time I share a lead with him, let me tell you
JOSIAH
He can't hear you
CHARLOTTE
What are you talking about? Of course he can but he's busy chatting up the new receptionist. Probably still pissed 'cause I stole a lead on the story he was after! Far
be it for me to beg forgiveness. He knows that's the way things work. First come - first served!
JOSIAH
And you certainly helped yourself, a lot, didn't you?
CHARLOTTE
Listen, if something falls into my hands, who am I not to take advantage? I needed a lead and Pete was nice enough to do the legwork for me. We're old friends anyway. He'll come around, won't you sweetie?
JOSIAH
You find a way to justify everything. Has it dawned on you, yet, why you're here and that people are ignoring your presence?
CHARLOTTE
What other reason than to pay my respects to someone in the paper 'biz. Really bugging me, though, how I got here and landed up lying next to a coffin. I've covered practically every kind of story but I can't ever remember spending the night in a funeral parlor. Maybe I was after a story but why is my mind blank?
JOSIAH
Merely a temporary fog that will clear after you -
CHARLOTTE
- sssh! Talk softer. We're gonna get kicked out and I'll never find out who's in the coffin
MINISTER steps behind podium
MINISTER
Friends…
Voice calls out:
'She didn't have any, so move on!'
MINISTER
..we are here to bid goodbye to one…
Another voice:
'Good riddance to bad rubbish!'
MINISTER
…a…good reporter, a good friend and colleague.
CHARLOTTE
This dead person must'a really screwed them over but good, but she – you did say it was a woman? Like I was saying, the dead deserve some respect too.
CHARLOTTE stands up and addresses everyone
'That's no way to speak about the dead, you bunch of parasites. Have some respect!'
MINISTER
Is there anyone here who has something positive to say, about the departed? Surely there must be one person in this entire room that could say a few nice words about the late Charlotte Pembrook?
CHARLOTTE
Excuse me? I can speak for myself, thank you very much… What's with this "late" junk?
MINISTER
No one? Then we'll proceed with the service
CHARLOTTE
What in the hell is he talking about? 'I'm still among you, in the flesh! Look! I’m here’
JOSIAH
Please try to control using the "H" word? I've been trying to tell you that no one can hear you – or see you, either
CHARLOTTE
They're doing it on purpose to teach me a lesson. ‘Well, it won't work people! I'm on to you all!’
CHARLOTTE stands up on chair, waves and screams on top of her lungs
CHARLOTTE
‘Charlotte is here! The old witch is alive and kicking. You can't ignore me forever’
JOSIAH walks to the front of the room and stands behind the coffin
JOSIAH
I'm the only person who can see you, at least for now
CHARLOTTE
Calm down, Charlotte. There’s a very simple explanation for all of this. I’ve had too much too drink and this is just a nightmare. Soon I'm gonna wake up and everything will be like it should. That’s it. A nightmare.
JOSIAH
What’s the last thing you can remember?
CHARLOTTE
Food! I was at The Rib Rack gnawing on a rib. Must’a been a bad rack or something to give me a nightmare like this. Alright – gotta calm down. I’m okay…gotta will myself to wake up…time to wake up now… C’mon body – wake up!
JOSIAH
Come over here and take a peak inside
CHARLOTTE moves slowly to the front of the coffin and peers down. She jumps back
CHARLOTTE
If this is a bad joke, I don't have a good sense of humor, today. Enough is enough, already. I don't know how you did this, Joey or whatever your name is to make a person look just like me. A dummy - it's a dummy, right? Hey - it's been a blast meeting you, but I got things to do, places to go…
Aside to mourners
‘Okay you guys. You pulled off the ultimate practical joke. Got me fair and square. I give in. C'mon – don't be such grudge holders! You know I was only doing what you would'a done in my place’
JOSIAH
It'syou in there for real
0 Comments on Snippet from Dead Writes - revised as of 1/23/2015 5:39:00 PM
Right now, people reading this are probably saying to themselves, "Eleanor hasn't given us any updates on her plays. I'd love to know how things are going with her." Okay - maybe the last sentence is a bit presumptuous on my part but maybe there are persons 'out there' who are curious.
Actually, I've been focusing a lot of my effort searching for a new literary address for my "babies." This includes cyber queries as to whether they would be welcome, to be followed by the actual execution (sounds so macabre) of hitting the 'send' key taking the plays on their cyber journeys. Waiting to receive news and/or updates on their suitability is stressful especially since theatres frequently restrict their responses to playwrights with plays in which they have an interest. It somehow doesn't seem logical to send a follow up if, say, there has been no response for a lengthy period of time. Then again, perhaps a reminder could be helpful:
"Dear blah-blah,
You might not remember me but five years ago (maybe more), I submitted my play to you/your theater/your literary manager. Having never heard back, I'm wondering if perhaps you never received it or somehow, it got deleted in your files (these things happen). Let me know if you'd like me to re-send the play and I'd be happy to oblige.
Yours in waiting,
Eleanor (P.S. I'd very much appreciate it if you could advise me as to which play I sent you, since my cat did a dance on my keyboard and lost many of my files).
In as far as the plays themselves, I'm reviewing the content of "Retribution" with the intent of submitting it to an interesting competition. At the half-way point, I've made some minor changes but still very pleased with the overall content. The subject matter definitely isn't for everybody but the play itself is a riveting drama.
Haven't read "Old Soldiers" since receiving the rejection advisement notice a few months ago. I had a gut feeling that it was on its way but it didn't make its reception any easier. A bit of ranting and raving occurred for a day or two followed by avowing to re-write. Thing is with rejection notices, rarely is there an accompanying explanation as to the reasons for the refusal, consequently there is always the nagging question as to why and what went wrong. In any case, time for a re-evaluation and the dastardly re-write(s) that will follow. It will require a complete overhaul having been written for radio and we'll have to see whether it's even feasible to turn it into a play. Some characters will have to be dropped in addition to scene changes and adaptations.
The newest playwriting project, "Storm Warning" is on the front burner. I've completed four scenes and I'm thinking some character sketches are required to define the purpose of everyone and where they fit into the story line.
One of my oldie but definitely good play, "Dead Writes" parts of which I've shared here in this blog, requires finishing. Actually, it needs a middle before it can be ended. A comedy, the play has been started and abandoned a number of times. Maybe not "abandoned" since this implies finality. Let's say - put to rest in cyber space for periods. No particular reason other than I became distracted with other projects.
Finally, I'm toying with idea of writing a play based on a young teenage girl and her experiences growing up in the 1960's, while attending high school. Let's just say it's something I know about intimately. First though it back to work on Old Soldiers...maybe Dead Writes should be a priority since it's an older play...then again, Storm Warning is a fun challenge... Procrastination thy name is Eleanor.
0 Comments on Playwright ponders her plays as of 10/17/2014 10:16:00 PM
Part Pixar-history, part management how-to, Catmull lays out his management philosophy with examples of how he’s implemented it.
One of the things that Catmull really values is candor and building a culture where everyone feels free and safe to give honest feedback, and where speaking truth to power is welcome and encouraged. He shows this well in his book, because he illustrates his ideas with real-life examples, and he is very honest about his missteps and what happened when things didn’t work.
And I think that’s what I appreciated most about this book--Pixar isn’t a perfect company. Many beloved movies failed multiple times before hitting the theaters. I don’t want to say this is a “warts and all” because it’s not a tell-all airing out the dirty laundry, but, at the same time, it is very honest. Catmull shows where things have gone wrong and then parses it to try to examine why and what they changed to make things better.
One the other big underlying themes is letting go of ego. When people point out ways your project isn’t working, it’s not personal. (Of course as he readily admits, not taking it personally is really hard and much easier said than done, but it’s something to strive for). You should hire people smarter than you are, and then trust them to grow and you should listen to them. I think another very good point he makes is that when managers first learn about problems in meetings, or when told about something not-in-private, it’s not a sign of disrespect and that they need to GET OVER IT.
Personally, this is something I strive for in my own management. I told everyone who works at the library in my first few weeks here that if something isn’t working, I need to know. If I’m doing something that’s not helpful, they need to tell me. I have bigger things to worry about and deal with than being personally offended when you rightfully call me out on my bullshit. (Easier said than done, but I’ve been working on separating stuff out. Dealing with the issue, and then going home and acknowledging my sad feelings and wallowing a bit, and then getting on with it.)
He’s also a big proponent of creating a culture where it’s safe to take a risk and it’s safe to fail. (As Robert Reich said in his commencement speech when I graduated from college, if you’re not occasionally failing, you’re not reaching far enough or trying hard enough.)
I like that he gets into the specifics of culture clash issues when Disney bought Pixar and he became the head of Disney Animation. He then talks about what he did to change the Disney culture and that, like most things worth doing, it didn’t happen overnight and it wasn’t always smooth.
But, one of his big things, and I think this is a good take-away for libraries is that everyone’s responsible for quality. And this ties back with his points on candor--everyone should feel empowered to look for quality issues and to go ahead and fix them or bring them to the attention of someone who can help fix them. Problems are not solutions. Often the person who notices the issue won’t have the solution, because often solutions aren’t that easy, but everyone is responsible for quality. One of the ways they foster this is to bring people from different areas and departments together. When movies are in progress, works-in-progress are routinely shown to, and commented on, by people who aren’t involved in the movie. When Pixar had grown so big some of the candor was being lost, they had a notes day where people from all across the company (including kitchen staff) got together to talk about issues and possible solutions.
I spent a number of years in a large library where departments were very separate--the children’s staff had a different work room than the adult services staff, which was different than circ, etc. Since switching systems, I’ve been at branches, which are smaller. At my last branch, only 1 person could physically be on the desk at a time, so they did reference and circ, and helped people of all ages. There’s much more fluidity between departments because that’s how we need to function. I love it. We all have the areas we specialize in, but we all have our fingers in other things, which makes us understand each other a lot better, and we have a bigger pool of people to bounce ideas off, because even if it’s not their department, they know the basics of your resources and constrictions. It doesn’t always work and it’s not always good, BUT one of things I really want to do as a manager is foster this type of cross team collaboration and minimize some of the us vs. them dynamic that I often see in libraries that can get really poisonous really quickly. And this is where Creativity, Inc. really spoke to me, both with ideas on how to nurture this, but in just reaffirming its great importance. (And, here I’m going to plug my friend Rachel’s new blog, Constructive Summer: Building the Unified Library Scene which is about this very thing)
So, overall, obviously, I loved this book. I found a lot of inspiration, but it was also just a fun read (let’s face it, when your examples are about making Toy Story, I will find it more engaging than an example about making a car.) Also, the Afterword: The Steve We Knew made me cry, which was embarrassing, because I was on the bus. Steve Jobs (owner of Pixar) came up frequently in the bulk of the book, but the afterword really looked at his role, but more importantly was Catmull talking about a friend who died. Catmull really looks at the biographical books and articles about Steve and talks about how they jived and did not jive with the person he knew. As someone who’s read Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different a countless number of times, it was really interesting to see some of the big points directly rebutted.
Book Provided by... my local library
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0 Comments on Creativity, Inc. as of 9/10/2014 10:12:00 AM
A year-long celebration to commemorate Elvis Presley's first professional recording on July 5, 1954, is set to take place on Independence Day weekend in Memphis and Graceland. There are people who believe that "the King" is still alive and that he planned his disappearance. So let's say that this was the case and that a very old Elvis is living in anonymity, somewhere, but makes rare appearances at nondescript venues like gas station diners to relive the good, old days.
Elvis – The Real Story
By Eleanor Tylbor
CAST OF CHARACTERS
TAMMY40-something avid Elvis fan and wife of Len LEN40-something husband of Tammy "THE" ELVIS, former big star/singer/performer
THE TIME The present
THE PLACE
Jackson’s 7-11 GAS BAR AND DINER
Photos of Elvis cover a large portion of one wall; Elvis songs play none-stop. There are a few tables with chairs on one side of the room, while the other side of the room has the usual gas station products and displays of motor oil, etc.
AT RISE:
TAMMY and LEN, two customers, are seated at a table looking around the room
LEN
(Scrutinizing the surroundings)
Um…who recommended this place?
TAMMY
(reading book)
The restaurant guide write-up says it’s fine dining with a difference
LEN
Fine dining if you’re a rat! Did you happen to notice that a cockroach just crawled out of our bread basket? Must be one that escaped the Chef’s special catch-of-the-day
TAMMY
Stop being so negative and take in the atmosphere
LEN
You mean the aromatic scent of “eau du trash” coming from the back? Phee-ew!
TAMMY
You’re so…so…provincial in your thinking, sweetheart. It's about this authentic ‘60’s décor that gives the place its special caché!
LEN
More like early condemned. Every square inch of wall space is covered with faded Elvis photos and the man’s been dead for how many years?
TAMMY
That's the beauty of this place! It’s like a shrine devoted to “The King.” It's all too…wonderful
LEN
Are you saying that this…this gas station and three table diner was the King of Rock and Roll’s eatery of choice? Not!
TAMMY
For your information they say he used to eat fried chicken here and sometimes he even entertained diners
LEN
If I had known we were coming here to eat, I’d have checked to make sure my insurance policy was paid up
TAMMY
You know how long I hadda wait to get reservations for this restaurant…
LEN
…obviously not long enough…
TAMMY
…seven months! If you think I’m going to give up the chance to dine here…
LEN
…and a fine dining establishment it is – if you’re into salmonella poisoning
TAMMY
Get a grip! The waiter is coming so try to act normal, if that’s possible
the waiter dressed in an Elvis jumpsuit struts over, swinging his hips in a
typical Elvis-like walk. He smoothes the sides of his hair with his hands,
frequently
WAITER
(swinging his hips between every word)
Evening folks’. Need a menu? Uh-huh – oh yeah…
LEN
No. We prefer to use ESP to order. Of course we need a menu!
TAMMY
Don’t mind my husband – I don’t. Leave the menu here and we’ll choose
LEN
So tacky. All the dishes are Elvis songs. 'Be-bop-a-lu-la' chicken wings…' The 'Love Me Tender' t-bone looks questionable and it comes with fries that are probably a couple months old and a 'I Did It My Way' salad. Look at this: says here on the menu that all their steaks are aged to perfection. Yesterday's road-kill most likely
TAMMY
Have you considered that your cranial spark plugs have stopped kicking in? I can’t make up my mind – so many choices…
the waiter comes over to take the order
LEN
Are all those dishes served a la carte?
WAITER
(swinging hips)
No – on a plate. Uh-huh…
TAMMY
Just choose something already
WAITER
Want me to come back, folks? Uh-huh…
LIGHTS DIM
TAMMY
Ssshhh! Quiet! The shows is gonna begin
SOUND: GUITAR TWANG
LEN
I don’t see why we hav’ta be quiet. Cheez – I can hear the sound of someone pumping gas outside, not to mention the smell. Mind you, it's hard to tell the difference between the food and the gas
(The song from “2001: A Space Odyssey” is heard and the waiter now dressed
in a mechanic’s uniform on the other side of the room walks in front of the
counter holding a hand mic.)
VOICE OVER
“For your entertainment and pllllea-sure, the King has entered the building!”
A very over-weight man dressed in a white jump suit enters, stopping to pose while leaning on a cane. A wide belt hangs well below a sagging stomach; black aviator glasses cover his eyes and a badly-fitting black wig sits lob-sided towards the front of his head
(VOICE-OVER)
“Direct from his engagement at the luxurious Pink Flamingo Laundromat and Bank Drive Thru in Tijuana, Mex-i-co, the management of Jackson’s 7/11 and Diner is proud to present, “the” King of Rock’n’Roll himself, the one – the only – El-vis!”
A bent over Elvis slowly makes his way to the other side of the room. He stoops over to kiss Len, who pushes him way
ELVIS
“Whoops – sorry. Gotta get my eyes checked
he whips out a dirty handkerchief, spits on it and cleans his eyes and replaces it in a back pocket
ELVIS
(in weak squeaky voice)
Thank y’all very much! It’s the first time I been back this way goin’ on twenty years…or maybe it’s thirty…could be forty… Anyway… Good t'see y’all ain’t fergetten the King
whips out his handkerchief again and blows his nose
ELVIS
Guess I ain’t the same Elvis you remember a ways back, huh? But then who is?
starts coughing and choking. Scantily dresses nurses rush over to pat him on
the back
ELVIS
See? I still got it but now I don’t know what to do with it! Thank y’all very much… Listen ladies – go see if you can find my extra set of dentures that I left in a steak yesterday.
starts to choke again and a well-endowed female doctor wearing tight fitting
clothing enters, with a stethoscope draped around her neck
DOCTOR
Now Mr. Elvis – honey – you know y'all gotta take it easy. Your ticker ain’t what it used to be
ELVIS
(laughing and staring at her breasts)
Yeah but ask me if I care. Thank you all very much. And now I’m gonna sing you a personal favourite of mine…at least I think it's a favorite...what's the name of the song now...nobody help me - it'll come back ...
Elvis sings the first few lines of “My Way” completely off-key
LEN
(starting to get up)
Oh fer… We’re not gonna stay and listen to this…
Sound of tires squeaking to a stop and the slam of car doors
Two males wearing white outfits move on either side of Elvis and take
his arms
MALE 1
C’mon pops. You got another gig at the Sunnyvale Nursing Home
ELVIS
But…but…I ain’t finished my set, yet!
MALE 1
(shaking his head and winking at Len and Tammy)
You don’t wanna be late for your big entrance.
ELVIS
Where’s my peanut butter and banana sandwich. I caint sing without it!
MALE 1
Here you are…
the two men start to lead Elvis off the stage but Elvis stops and addresses the
couple
ELVIS
Thank you all very much!
Elvis walks over, signs a piece of paper and hands it to Len and then exits with the men
LEN
(addressing waiter)
That was not “the” Elvis Presley now, was it? You got us here under false pretences. And that’s against the law, y’know!
WAITER
The guy is over 80 years old. Whad’ya expect? He’s got two hip replacements, a bad knee and now all that shaking he does is the real thing, poor guy. By the way, know that piece of paper he handed you?
LEN
I really couldn’t care less about the man’s autograph… In fact this is what I think of you AND your Elvis
LEN rips up the piece of paper into small pieces
WAITER
You shouldn’t have done that. Uh-uh…
LEN
Elvis my a-s-s!
WAITER
That piece of paper would’a given you a free tank of gas with your meal. Oh well…uh-huh…
Len throws himself down on the floor picking up the pieces of paper trying to put them together
LEN
A tank of gas is a tank of gas is…
VOICE OVER
“The King has left the building”
LEN
(on his knees scooping up pieces of paper frantically)
Hang on a minute. I can stick these pieces together… Help me Tammy – at the price of gas these days…
When did they make the last truly funny show? Has there been anything funny created in two decades or are they simply repeating the same thirty minute plotlines with different characters? The real question is, are they still using the same crazy laugh track from I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith show? We are […]
5 Comments on The Laugh Track, last added: 5/27/2014
Green Acres Mark, but my favorite was Andy Griffith. I still like them. Have a great week.
Wendy said, on 5/27/2014 4:53:00 AM
WKRP in Cincinnati. The turkey episode, and how Les Nesman would say Chi Chi Rodriguez, and taped off the area around his desk and made people knock. A pre-view of Sheldon from Big Bang?
Mark Myers said, on 5/27/2014 5:04:00 AM
Green Acres is a good one. I love Arnold
Mark Myers said, on 5/27/2014 5:05:00 AM
Haha! That episode is hysterical. Yes, Les was a good role model for Sheldon, without the genius IQ.
Michael said, on 5/27/2014 7:44:00 AM
You’re right about this. In the last couple of years I’ve been making an effort to watch every episode of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” on Hulu. He is a true talent. “Frasier” and Raymond were funny, too. I must add George Jefferson.
ANGIE and her male friend(JOE) are sitting on a couch, caught up in an embrace. Her cell phone rings repeatedly.
ANGIE Ignore it. Now where were we...
(cell phone stops ringing and is replaced by the ringing of her regular phone)
JOE Shouldn't you answer? Sounds like it's important
ANGIE Some people might think so but not me. So...now...where were we?
JOE You know who it is?
ANGIE I have a pretty good idea
JOE Strikes me that whoever's calling you, is trying to get your attention
ANGIE Ignore him. As I recall, you had your arm here...
JOE 'Him'?
ANGIE That is to say, it's probably one those scam companies making me an offer I'll refuse
(both phones ring simultaneously)
JOE I dunno, Angie. Sounds like someone really wants to speak with you. You better pick up one of them. Why don't I go get us a drink while you choose?
ANGIE Honestly! I get crank calls all the time. Why should this be any different?
JOE (getting up) Answer the phone, Angie
(JOE leaves the room. ANGIE stares at the phones while they continue to ring)
JOE (from the other room) 'Answer the phone already!'
ANGIE Why...why did I get involved in this again?Hello?
NOAH Guess who? Is this your cell phone I'm communicating on? I've been thinking of getting one msyelf...
ANGIE I'm going to end this conversation, now
NOAH ...I mean, it would definitely give us more manoeuvering room. We could travel around and still keep in touch with everyone.
ANGIE We? I don't think so
NOAH Okay. I get it. We'll only use your cell phone. Don't wanna squander resources
ANGIE We are not partners, got that? Now if you excuse me, I'm otherwise occupied
NOAH Seems like a nice enough guy
ANGIE Say what?
NOAH Dear, Angie, my special connections allow me a private view into people's lives not accessible to humans
ANGIE What happened to my right to privacy? It's beyond chutzpah! This conversation is over
NOAH Would it make a difference if I apologize? It's not like I ask to have this insight. Comes with the territory. It's all water under the bridge, anyway. Always wanted to say that. Oh my - I am witty today.
ANGIE You mean, wit-less
NOAH Just trying to inject humor in what would otherwise be a dismal and gloomy topic. We have important things to discuss like how are we going ensure that we have two representations of all living things on this planet
ANGIE There is no "we"! I'm not working along side a peeping Tom or Noah as the case may be. Good bye!
(ANGIE turns off her cell phone. It rings again)
ANGIE (cont'd.) 'I'm not home, Noah!'
(JOE re-enters and looks around)
JOE I thought I heard voices
ANGIE Watching this stupid program on TV about this weirdo who thinks he's been appointed to save the world and tries to convince a woman to join him
JOE Sounds interesting
ANGIE Forget about it. Let's get back to what we were doing before, better
(CELL PHONE rings again)
JOE Boy! You sure get a lot of calls!
ANGIE It's always the wrong number. Gotta do something about that
(Knock on the door. ANGIE answers)
ANGIE (cont'd.) You!
NOAH Hope you don't mind me dropping by. I happened to be in the neighborhood
(pushes by ANGIE)
NOAH (cont'd.) Hello! I've heard so much about you and at last we meet. I'm Angie's friend, Noah. Tell me...have you given much thought to all this rain we've been having?
TO BE CONTINUED...
0 Comments on Arks to Go: the flood sequel II Scene 2 as of 5/22/2014 8:54:00 PM
Sometimes, a playwright is privy to a conversation that just begs to be written. Okay. Perhaps begs is too strong but this was over-heard while standing in line in Walmart (no less) waiting to pay for some items. It went something like this.
SCENE: WALMART. Long line up of people waiting to pay.
THE CAST:
SALLY (60-ish female) FLO (80-ish female) and mother of SALLY
SALLY Lot of people today, mom. We're gonna have to wait a bit
FLO People always seem to shop at Walmart when it rains. I wonder why
SALLY Nothing better to do, I guess
FLO Uh-huh...maybe...
(SALLY's attention is on the magazines located in the check-out aisle. She shakes her head)
SALLY Sad...really sad
FLO What?
SALLY Miley Cyrus
FLO Who?
SALLY Miley Cyrus
(SALLY points to photo of Miley Cyrus on magazine cover)
SALLY You know Miley Cyrus...
FLO Who?
SALLY The singer?
FLO Name sounds familiar...
SALLY Remember she used to be in Disney movies? Such a sweet thing she was. Sad...
FLO Is she dead?
SALLY No - but if she doesn't change her life style, she could be
FLO Oh...
SALLY She was in the hospital, y'know
FLO She sick I suppose?
SALLY Yeah...could say that. The girl exposes herself
FLO She's not wearing a lot of clothes. Perhaps she susceptible to colds
SALLY I read somewhere that she has a heart murmur
FLO Didn't know that. My friend, Phyllis has heart problems - so does Arthur... They take a lot of pills, especially the pink one's with a heart on it? Everyone I know takes them.
SALLY Says here she was hospitalized for an allergic reaction to antibiotics. She probably over-dosed on drugs and they're just saying that to cover up
FLO Arthur over-dosed on water pills. Couldn't stop peeing. Hadda go to the doctor. I told him, 'Arthur! Just put in a plug.' He didn't like my suggestion. Good. We're next in line
SALLY Such a good girl, she was. Wonder what makes a girl like her suddenly do all that sexy stuff?
FLO M-o-n-e-y!
SALLY Her dad was Billy Ray Cyrus. Remember him? Achy-breaky heart guy?
FLO They play that when we do line dancing at the Seniors Center. Lots of steps to remember but nobody cares when someone forgets, unless of course they trip somebody. Last week Sam forgot what direction he was supposed to go and Phyllis ended up with a sprained ankle.
SALLY Oh well...hope Miley sees the light and gets normal again...
(replaces magazine back on stand)
FLO Aren't you gonna buy the magazine?
SALLY Neh. I finished it waiting to pay for our stuff. Poor Miley...
FLO Whatever...
0 Comments on Scenes from Life: a Short Play-ette. Miley and the Walmart Ladies: as of 4/26/2014 5:09:00 PM
…………………… Victricia Malicia: Book-Loving Buccaneer Carrie Clickard, author Mark Meyers, illustrator 4 Stars ………….. Inside Front Jacket: Victricia Malicia Barrett may have been born on a pirate ship and raised in all the best pirate ways, but she sure is a wreck on deck. Her knots slip, she falls from the rigging, and rats abandon [...]
Emotion is what we strive for in writing. Get your reader to feel something! This isn’t a new idea. There’s been plenty of blog posts and craft books on the topic. It’s why Twilight is so successful, because the audience falls in love with Edward. Not stellar writing, sure, but it definitely got thousands of readers to feel something. Yes, this may seem like a no-brainer. We go to a comedy film to laugh. We read a drama to cry. The point is to create a catharsis.
But why is emotion so important? Possibly more important than plot or even good writing?
There’s a quote from Janet Burroway’s book Writing Fiction that has been on my mind for weeks, and I think it gets it the heart of this question.
Burroway says:
“Literature offers us feelings for which we do not have to pay. It allows us to love, condemn, condone, hope, dread, and hate without any of the risks those feelings ordinarily involve, for even good feelings – intimacy, power, speed, drunkenness, passion – have consequences, and powerful feeling may risk powerful consequences.”
This quote stuck with me because it has so many implications for writing and what an audience wants from a literary experience.
I’ve always hated the concepts of writing as entertainment or even escapism. But the idea of experiencing emotion – emotion that is not our own, that we pay no consequences for – is in a way entertainment. But it’s not “entertainment” as a word associated with money or the market, but entertainment as experience. It’s a real human need to feel, to connect, to have the opportunity to experience something – gain understanding – but in a safe environment without consequence.
And that is pretty powerful.
The idea of free emotion puts a new slant on many of own personal struggles with writing honestly. I’m often annoyed with “rules” that there must be conflict, or catharsis, or change in a character. I’m not convinced these things happen in “real life” – and yet perhaps that’s the point. Emotion without consequence allows us to step out of reality, and live vicariously through the fictional characters that are willing to put up the fight, deal with the consequences, and lose everything. We watch a horror film – not because we want someone to chase after us with a chainsaw in real life, but because we want to feel the thrill of fear and not almost die. We want to know the whole gamut of human emotion. And to do that there must be some fabrication, coercion, perhaps even a heightening of the truth, if you like.
Granted, this is a slippery slope. If we read too many romance novels we might forget that great passionate love comes with consequences. You can’t have the glorious love affair without the tears, and the work, and the heartbreak. We might start expecting our partners to be something they aren’t – something easier. We might want a relationship with emotion that’s free.
But then…that’s what books are for. In real life we have to pay the consequences and make the hard decisions.
I realize this post is rambling a bit. I’m still wrapping my head around how this affects my work. But it does give me insight and respect for some of the mainstream “popular entertainment” books and films out there. They create an emotional response in their audience – and that’s not easy to pull off.
It also makes me consider the emotional response I want in my reader. Are there enough risks and consequences in my book to create a truly exciting “free” emotional experience? Are my characters really put to the test? Or is my book about creating a pleasurable intellectual experience for my reader? Maybe it isn’t about making a reader cry, but activating their curiosity, or letting them feel the wonder of a new phrase of language.
The concept of “free emotion” opens you to so many possibilities.
1 Comments on When Emotion Is Free, last added: 12/28/2012
Emotion is what we strive for in writing. Get your reader to feel something! This isn’t a new idea. There’s been plenty of blog posts and craft books on the topic. It’s why Twilight is so successful, because the audience falls in love with Edward. Not stellar writing, sure, but it definitely got thousands of readers to feel something. Yes, this may seem like a no-brainer. We go to a comedy film to laugh. We read a drama to cry. The point is to create a catharsis.
But why is emotion so important? Possibly more important than plot or even good writing?
There’s a quote from Janet Burroway’s book Writing Fiction that has been on my mind for weeks, and I think it gets it the heart of this question.
Burroway says:
“Literature offers us feelings for which we do not have to pay. It allows us to love, condemn, condone, hope, dread, and hate without any of the risks those feelings ordinarily involve, for even good feelings – intimacy, power, speed, drunkenness, passion – have consequences, and powerful feeling may risk powerful consequences.”
This quote stuck with me because it has so many implications for writing and what an audience wants from a literary experience.
I’ve always hated the concepts of writing as entertainment or even escapism. But the idea of experiencing emotion – emotion that is not our own, that we pay no consequences for – is in a way entertainment. But it’s not “entertainment” as a word associated with money or the market, but entertainment as experience. It’s a real human need to feel, to connect, to have the opportunity to experience something – gain understanding – but in a safe environment without consequence.
And that is pretty powerful.
The idea of free emotion puts a new slant on many of own personal struggles with writing honestly. I’m often annoyed with “rules” that there must be conflict, or catharsis, or change in a character. I’m not convinced these things happen in “real life” – and yet perhaps that’s the point. Emotion without consequence allows us to step out of reality, and live vicariously through the fictional characters that are willing to put up the fight, deal with the consequences, and lose everything. We watch a horror film – not because we want someone to chase after us with a chainsaw in real life, but because we want to feel the thrill of fear and not almost die. We want to know the whole gamut of human emotion. And to do that there must be some fabrication, coercion, perhaps even a heightening of the truth, if you like.
Granted, this is a slippery slope. If we read too many romance novels we might forget that great passionate love comes with consequences. You can’t have the glorious love affair without the tears, and the work, and the heartbreak. We might start expecting our partners to be something they aren’t – something easier. We might want a relationship with emotion that’s free.
But then…that’s what books are for. In real life we have to pay the consequences and make the hard decisions.
I realize this post is rambling a bit. I’m still wrapping my head around how this affects my work. But it does give me insight and respect for some of the mainstream “popular entertainment” books and films out there. They create an emotional response in their audience – and that’s not easy to pull off.
It also makes me consider the emotional response I want in my reader. Are there enough risks and consequences in my book to create a truly exciting “free” emotional experience? Are my characters really put to the test? Or is my book about creating a pleasurable intellectual experience for my reader? Maybe it isn’t about making a reader cry, but activating their curiosity, or letting them feel the wonder of a new phrase of language.
The concept of “free emotion” opens you to so many possibilities.
0 Comments on When Emotion Is Free as of 12/19/2012 12:14:00 AM
Whereas the playwright has a conversation with the main character of "Old Soldiers", JOE MCKENNA
PLAYWRIGHT Joe! You old son-of-a-...gun. How are things going with you?
JOE MCKENNA Cut the crap, Eleanor. You know very well I'm looking for direction
PLAYWRIGHT You mean, you're lost? How so?
JOE MCKENNA You keep changing my focus so often, I'm getting dizzy. When are you gonna make up your mind once and for all?
PLAYWRIGHT It's not for lack of trying. I start out in one direction and then suddenly realize that I'm sending you on a wild goose chase
JOE MCKENNA How well I know that! Now what are you gonna do with my army buddies? They're obviously important since you put them in the first scene
PLAYWRIGHT That's the dilemma right now. I love their characters and I love the dialogue that flows out of their mouths, but they have to have something to offer in the way of justification
JOE MCKENNA They're my friends. That's all they need
PLAYWRIGHT True...but I want their input to be meaningful. To have an impact on the story. Do you like where they're at now?
JOE MCKENNA Can't really say for sure - yet. It could work and then again the whole damn thing could fall apart
PLAYWRIGHT What about the new characters?
JOE MCKENNA Potential...they could be interesting.
PLAYWRIGHT Well, if all goes according to plan, they will all have impact on each other
JOE MCKENNA Sorry - I don't get it
PLAYWRIGHT Hopefully, as time goes on, you will
JOE MCKENNA Promises...promises...
PLAYWRIGHT Trust me
JOE MCKENNA Do I have a choice? Gotta leave. I have a feeling the guys are meeting up at the pub. 'I'm comin' fellas...I'm comin'! We are, right?
Crinkled brows, eyes shifting from side to side, estimating, evaluating; finally a bark of laughter erupts and a lead card is thrown onto the table.
“We have you now,” shrieks a female voice.
“Maybe,” replies a male opponent as a second card meets the first.
A third card, higher ranked, joins the small pile, and a fourth. The trick is taken by the opponent.
“Always expect a holdout,” the man’s voice advises.
Roars of laughter fill the kitchen with raucous sound. Another Saturday night has convened at the kitchen table for the weekly Euchre game between Mom and Dad and Mom’s sister and brother-in-law.
The aroma of strong coffee and one of Mom’s baked wonders tantalizes nostrils and stomachs of those present. It’s always the same group; couple vs. couple or men vs. women. The game might change from Euchre to rummy or to Pitch, but the night would leave everyone relaxed and satisfied.
Mom’s sister had a great deal to do with that feeling of hilarity. She loved playing the fool during card nights and did it very well. Some nights she was more boisterous than on others, but she seldom turned serious when games were in play.
My younger brother and his counterpart cousin generally watched TV during card night and then settled down to sleep. My older cousin and I watched the game in the kitchen as interested by-standers. We didn’t play. If Euchre was being played, we definitely were not allowed to play. In our part of the country, that game was a gambling game, even when not played for stakes. No children need apply.
None would ever consider the two women as not being family. My mom resembled my aunt in coloring and hair style. Their builds were nearly identical. Both were natural artists and could turn almost anything into a piece of art.
My mother worked in paint and clay or metal and findings from the forest. Her sister worked in paint and fabric, for the most part. Both loved antiques, but my aunt could have been a dealer. The knowledge she had was gleaned from years of scouring antique shops, auctions, and estate sales.
Most of all, both women loved the outdoors and nature. They’d grown up in the country. Their mother had taught them a deep love and respect for what grew wild or by design. They each enjoyed growing food for their tables as much as gathering from the wild.
With all of these commonalities, they managed to remain individuals who stood apart from each other.
Auntie was more playful than Mom. Mom had better rapport with children and animals. Auntie desired a house full of antiques and a spotless home. Mom liked things tidy, but she preferred a sense of home and comfort to fill rooms meant for living.
Aunt and Uncle often took Grandma and my cousins on trips away for a weekend to see other relatives. Mom didn’t bother. Her sister took great pleasure in that part of mother-daughter time; leaving Mom to do the Sunday home visits for family time.
Sisters, friends, companions, champions, confidantes; each filled those roles for the other. They talked in person or on the phone every day, without fail. Close didn’t begin to d
2 Comments on Weekends with Family Can be Side-Splitters, last added: 2/27/2012
Until this fall, I’ve never really watched Two and a Half Men. Charlie Sheen was such a train wreck in real life I couldn’t bring myself to tune in while watching my direct tv San Marcos. But after all the hype about his being fired and Ashton Kutcher being hired, I couldn’t help tuning in. I wanted to see what all the drama was about. Boy was I not disappointed! I know many long time fans aren’t very excited about the change but I really like the way they made the transition. The funeral was hilarious and a fitting tribute to a character gone rogue. Ashton’s introduction was a blast. He isn’t the best actor but the character he plays doesn’t seem to have much personality so it works! Jon Cryer is always great and continues to play the perfect straight man against Kutcher’s slightly spacy and clueless billionaire. And Angus Jones never disappoints. This show is one of very few examples where the cute kid in the punchlines has been able to grow up and remain relevant. Have you noticed they haven’t had to introduce another younger “cousin” like on so many other sitcoms?
1 Comments on Welcoming Ashton, last added: 11/8/2011
Much like the rest of America I was totally intrigued with the whole Charlie Sheen/ Two and a Half Men saga. So I want to know what you think--are you digging the new Two and a Half Men with Ashton Kutcher or would you rather see Charlie Sheen? (IMO--Charlie Sheen is more entertaining, but Ashton is definitely cuter)
By Nicholas Eskey San Diego publisher IDW have grown steadily beyond their beginnings of comics. Though comics are still their main focus, the company in recent years has expanded beyond that and into other forms of entertainment. At this year’s Wondercon, IDW Entertainment represented by Dirk Wood, Vice Present of Marketing, David Hedgecock, Managing Editor, […]
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Speaking as a lifelong Micronauts fan, I have to ask, WHAT CARTOON? What the hell is Scott even talking about?
Micronauts never once had a cartoon, it was from before the boom of Reagan-era toy-cartoon tie-ins. It had a comic adaptation with Marvel and that was it. The Japanese Microman line it was based on got a reboot in 1999 and an anime then, but neither ever made it to Western shores.