First off, a note from my daughter to those of you who graciously offered suggestions re: the worst songs in musicals.
"Dear Bloggers Galore,
Thank you so much for your incredibly useful thoughts and comments. I was enormously impressed (and somewhat concerned) with your expansive knowledge of bad musicals and songs. Thanks again.
~Annie
P.S. I don't care what some of you have said. I will continue to hate Shipoopi, and I'll misspell it if I want to...it's not a real word..."
Lovely. Thank you. Moving on.
Yesterday was the New York portion of my October, 2004 travelogue. The adventures continue….
*****
On Friday we zipped out to Sopranos International Airport (Newark) for our flight to Chicago. Visiting our daughter, Annie for Parents Weekend.
Back to the Omni hotel where this time the books in our room included Illinois court cases of 1954 and “the Toothache Tree”. There’s no real reason to ever leave the room.
Parents Weekend at Northwestern featured many lively seminars with professors, receptions with faculty and administration – all of which we skipped, of course. We did however go to the Northwestern-Indiana football game which proved to be the highlight of the trip. Nothing like a Big Ten game on a crisp autumn afternoon. Okay, so Northwestern usually loses (on the stadium they have listed all their bowl appearances since 1949 – there are five) but last week they upset mighty Ohio State (the Dick Cheney of universities) and this week they beat the Hoosiers in double overtime! Too bad my wife and daughter left after the third quarter to go shopping.
One thing I noticed – this was the whitest crowd I’ve ever seen at a football game. It should have been broadcast on the Hallmark Channel. And everyone was so polite. No one yelling “sodomite” (even though the quarterback was very close to the center). I’m used to “Yankees suck” and “FU-SC”. After the game a Hoosier rooter called out to a Wildcat fan “You guys were lucky”. Withering.
There’s a watchtower at Northwestern they light up whenever the Wildcats win. (They haven’t had to replace the bulb for fifty years). It’s supposed to glow purple but it looks pink. You’d think that Julliard won.
The Chicago Marathon was held on Sunday. 40,000 entries – or every thin person in the entire Midwest. As I watched -- Starbucks crumb cake in hand -- I thought to myself: “SOME of these people have to die before me.”
A lot of the marathoners were staying at our hotel. Several got on the elevator with me and I offered my support by yelling, “Take the stairs!”
Those marathoners registered at the Omni had to be good. The race started at 8 and check-out time is noon.
On Monday we grabbed a cab to O’Hare at 5 A.M. A couple of straggler marathon runners jogged by then we took off for our 7 A.M. flight back home. Why so early? Winter is coming.
All in all, Annie is fine and looks great. The freshman transition is a tough one but I have every confidence that Northwestern will eventually adjust to her.
So after ten days it’s good to be home. Yes, this is a special time in the East and Midwest with the colors changing and all but there’s nothing like being in Southern California for the first cancellations of the new Fall shows.
Friday, January 6, 2006
Thursday, January 5, 2006
If I can make it there...
For those relatively new to this blog, in addition to reckless writing advice and my sagacious opinions on anything, I also post travelogue from trips I’ve taken over the last few years. They were originally written just for those in my address book but now I share them with the world…hoping to provide mirth for you, dear reader, and attract a book publisher.
Where were you in October, 2004?
*****
We had to be in Chicago on Oct. 9th (Parents weekend at Northwestern) and since I consider anything east of Denver the East Coast, Debby and I decided to go to New York for a week first, since it was right next door. Stayed at the LeParker-Meridien -- the preferred choice of Eurotrash. You couldn't tell the snooty concierges from the guests.
Best feature: the hotel elevators have monitors showing cartoons. Give the French Tom & Jerry and they'll go anywhere. “Zeee cat eez so mean, I adore heeem.”
Overheard on 6th Avenue: A Caucasian street vendor and a Middle Eastern street vendor. The M.E. vendor shouted to customers "Don't buy from him. He has a fake license." The C. vendor countered with "His money goes to the Taliban. They cut peoples' heads off." All this over $2 "I Love NY" t-shirtrs.
No such territorial squabbles for the guy selling Xeroxed "Becker" scripts for $15 on the corner of 6th and 54th. If there were customers to be had he would have them all.
Best panhandler in New York -- the guy who said to us "You can yell at me for a dollar."
Runner up: a big black man with a sign that said, “My parents were killed by Ninjas. Need money for Kung Fu lessons”.
Debby was on the 7th avenue express train where a guy was going from car to car peddling his novel. I wonder if commuters would be interested in humorous travelogues???
Walking around Manhattan I was forever aware that at any moment one of those Apprentice Sammy Glicks could jump out of a doorway and force me to buy lemonade or a high rise condo. New York is no longer safe.
On Saturday I stood in line at TKTS to get half price tickets for "12 Angry Men". The young couple behind me was from Oxford, Mississippi. They asked what the play was about. I told them it was a brilliant courtroom drama set in the jury room in the 50's. Mr. Mississippi then said, "Oh, so it's a gumshoe thing, right?" "Yes", I said, "That's exactly what it is. What are you guys hoping to see?" "Whatever the one is with Brooke Shields.”
Our play was at the American Airlines Theatre. I tried to see if they'd give me mileage when I bought the tickets. No deal.
Our seats were in the balcony. What we really saw was "12 Angry Ants".
One thing you notice when reading any Playbill -- Every single actor has among his TV credits "Law & Order".
Scott Ellis, who directed the play also directed our last “Frasier”. How come he got more laughs out of this?
New police drill in New York – “the swarm”. Everyday a different neighborhood or street corner is selected and fifty cop cars swarm in and officers take positions with guns drawn. I bet it’ll scare the shit out of the vendor selling illegal “Becker” scripts should they ever target 6th and 54th.
There's a lovely plaque honoring Eugene O'Neill in Times Square. It's on a Starbucks.
Stopped by the "NBC Experience Store". Asked what merchandise I could buy from "Father of the Pride"? Amazingly, nothing. I guess they were just sold out. I then asked if they had a "Fear Factor" snack bar? Nope. Just "Friends" crap and enough tickets to the "Jane Pauley Show" to wallpaper your den.
Donald Trump is speaking at the Learning Annex. I think the topic is "How to communicate with your departed pets". What everyone assumes is his hair is really his former dog, Rex.
Oh no! An American Girl Place has come to Rockefeller Center. I wonder if they have dolls that look like the Shangri-La's. (joke for baby boomers only)
In a counter move, the new Disney Store on 5th Avenue offers courses for little girls and their mothers to learn how to become Cinderella type princesses...for $80 ($75 if you register on line). This is not a joke. This is the end of feminism as we know it.
The Polish Parade was Sunday down Fifth Avenue. It started at 57th St. and 32nd St. and met in the middle. A lot of crashing accordions.
Saw "Reckless" starring the wondrous Mary-Louise Parker. For my money she's Meryl Streep with a funny mouth.
D.J.’s in local strip clubs pitch voter registration twice an hour. "Show these lovely ladies you appreciate them by getting a nude lap dance and signing up to vote."
A Brinks truck got into an accident in New Jersey and for hours people were picking coins off the highway. Trump had to leave after a few minutes to get to his Learning Annex class.
At Grand Central Station the restrooms are marked “Men Only” and “Women Only”. I hope Boy George can hold his water.
The weather was primarily gorgeous and Fall-like. On Wednesday the temperature dropped ten degrees and within eleven seconds I caught a cold… although I feel the two are unrelated. Official cause of cold: Jew having too good a time.
I LOVED “Avenue Q”. Hilarious, clever, and charming. At one point two of the puppets have sex on stage and the guy sitting next to me (a Bob Marley lookalike) shouts out “sodomite!” So of course everyone within earshot looks to me. I wanted to say to the guy, “What’s your problem? The puppets are okay with it. Where do you think the puppeteer puts his hand?”
The big trend on Broadway these days is to fill the shows with recognizable TV stars to attract the tourists. (a la Brooke Shields). It’s only a matter of time before Alf goes into “Avenue Q”.
(Tomorrow: the Chicago leg of the trip. I wish I were you and didn’t know how it ends.)
Where were you in October, 2004?
*****
We had to be in Chicago on Oct. 9th (Parents weekend at Northwestern) and since I consider anything east of Denver the East Coast, Debby and I decided to go to New York for a week first, since it was right next door. Stayed at the LeParker-Meridien -- the preferred choice of Eurotrash. You couldn't tell the snooty concierges from the guests.
Best feature: the hotel elevators have monitors showing cartoons. Give the French Tom & Jerry and they'll go anywhere. “Zeee cat eez so mean, I adore heeem.”
Overheard on 6th Avenue: A Caucasian street vendor and a Middle Eastern street vendor. The M.E. vendor shouted to customers "Don't buy from him. He has a fake license." The C. vendor countered with "His money goes to the Taliban. They cut peoples' heads off." All this over $2 "I Love NY" t-shirtrs.
No such territorial squabbles for the guy selling Xeroxed "Becker" scripts for $15 on the corner of 6th and 54th. If there were customers to be had he would have them all.
Best panhandler in New York -- the guy who said to us "You can yell at me for a dollar."
Runner up: a big black man with a sign that said, “My parents were killed by Ninjas. Need money for Kung Fu lessons”.
Debby was on the 7th avenue express train where a guy was going from car to car peddling his novel. I wonder if commuters would be interested in humorous travelogues???
Walking around Manhattan I was forever aware that at any moment one of those Apprentice Sammy Glicks could jump out of a doorway and force me to buy lemonade or a high rise condo. New York is no longer safe.
On Saturday I stood in line at TKTS to get half price tickets for "12 Angry Men". The young couple behind me was from Oxford, Mississippi. They asked what the play was about. I told them it was a brilliant courtroom drama set in the jury room in the 50's. Mr. Mississippi then said, "Oh, so it's a gumshoe thing, right?" "Yes", I said, "That's exactly what it is. What are you guys hoping to see?" "Whatever the one is with Brooke Shields.”
Our play was at the American Airlines Theatre. I tried to see if they'd give me mileage when I bought the tickets. No deal.
Our seats were in the balcony. What we really saw was "12 Angry Ants".
One thing you notice when reading any Playbill -- Every single actor has among his TV credits "Law & Order".
Scott Ellis, who directed the play also directed our last “Frasier”. How come he got more laughs out of this?
New police drill in New York – “the swarm”. Everyday a different neighborhood or street corner is selected and fifty cop cars swarm in and officers take positions with guns drawn. I bet it’ll scare the shit out of the vendor selling illegal “Becker” scripts should they ever target 6th and 54th.
There's a lovely plaque honoring Eugene O'Neill in Times Square. It's on a Starbucks.
Stopped by the "NBC Experience Store". Asked what merchandise I could buy from "Father of the Pride"? Amazingly, nothing. I guess they were just sold out. I then asked if they had a "Fear Factor" snack bar? Nope. Just "Friends" crap and enough tickets to the "Jane Pauley Show" to wallpaper your den.
Donald Trump is speaking at the Learning Annex. I think the topic is "How to communicate with your departed pets". What everyone assumes is his hair is really his former dog, Rex.
Oh no! An American Girl Place has come to Rockefeller Center. I wonder if they have dolls that look like the Shangri-La's. (joke for baby boomers only)
In a counter move, the new Disney Store on 5th Avenue offers courses for little girls and their mothers to learn how to become Cinderella type princesses...for $80 ($75 if you register on line). This is not a joke. This is the end of feminism as we know it.
The Polish Parade was Sunday down Fifth Avenue. It started at 57th St. and 32nd St. and met in the middle. A lot of crashing accordions.
Saw "Reckless" starring the wondrous Mary-Louise Parker. For my money she's Meryl Streep with a funny mouth.
D.J.’s in local strip clubs pitch voter registration twice an hour. "Show these lovely ladies you appreciate them by getting a nude lap dance and signing up to vote."
A Brinks truck got into an accident in New Jersey and for hours people were picking coins off the highway. Trump had to leave after a few minutes to get to his Learning Annex class.
At Grand Central Station the restrooms are marked “Men Only” and “Women Only”. I hope Boy George can hold his water.
The weather was primarily gorgeous and Fall-like. On Wednesday the temperature dropped ten degrees and within eleven seconds I caught a cold… although I feel the two are unrelated. Official cause of cold: Jew having too good a time.
I LOVED “Avenue Q”. Hilarious, clever, and charming. At one point two of the puppets have sex on stage and the guy sitting next to me (a Bob Marley lookalike) shouts out “sodomite!” So of course everyone within earshot looks to me. I wanted to say to the guy, “What’s your problem? The puppets are okay with it. Where do you think the puppeteer puts his hand?”
The big trend on Broadway these days is to fill the shows with recognizable TV stars to attract the tourists. (a la Brooke Shields). It’s only a matter of time before Alf goes into “Avenue Q”.
(Tomorrow: the Chicago leg of the trip. I wish I were you and didn’t know how it ends.)
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Writing your script for Chloe
From the morning mailbag comes this from Garrett Whelan:
I've learned from countless books, web sites and talking heads that when writing a screenplay you don't give acting and camera directions unless absolutely necessary. I've also heard that with 4 camera sitcoms this is thrown out the window and you do detail the camera angles and the actors delivery of dialogue. My questions would be 1) is this true and 2) if so, what about one camera sitcoms like "Arrested Development" and "My Name is Earl"? Is there a reasoning behind this difference?
Garrett,
1) Some of it is true, a lot of it is not.
2) There is no difference.
Here’s the key. You’re writing your screenplay to be READ not shot. Anything you can do to make the reader’s job easier will be in your best interest. Once you sell the script, a director ruins it and they’re ready to film, then they reformat it for production.
Remember, your script will more than likely be in a pile – some D Girl’s weekend read. Most readers I know will pick up a script and do two things – check the number of pages and skim through it to see if it’s dense. If they see 104 pages, a lot of open pages with single speeches and minimal stage direction you’ve got a fighting chance. If they see John Updike, you’re dead.
Only indicate shots and camera moves when absolutely necessary. And even then try to find alternative ways of saying them. Example: Instead of P.O.V, then BACK TO SCENE just say “Kathryn sees Bob approaching”. The less technical and more reader-friendly the better. Your D Girl may still be hung over from Karaoke Friday.
Never include scene numbers. It’s a rookie mistake.
Be sparing in your descriptions. Give the bare minimum to convey the visual. Example: You could take a full page describing the Cheers bar. I might say, “If T.G.I. Fridays were a sports bar” and leave it at that. And as the script barrels on describe even less. Nothing kills suspense like a half page description of a train station. If you’re writing an action script I suggest you check out any Shane Black screenplay. His scripts read even better than his movies play.
One trick I use is to sprinkle little jokes in the stage direction. Not enough to be annoying but just a few for incentive.
The goal is to create a flow. Be a good read.
As for acting directions, you are usually advised not to include them because they insult actors. I say “fuck the actors”. Again, your script is for someone named “Chloe” not an actor, and if an occasional indicator clarifies a possible ambiguous speech than do it. Chloe will thank you. “Margaritaville” is still pounding in her head.
But obviously, be judicious. When a character says “I hate you, I’m going to kill you!” you don’t need (murderous).
These rules apply to any single-camera formatted script, be it a feature or TV show. When I write a multi-camera show I rarely if ever suggest a camera angle. It’s pointless. Four cameras are filming at once. The editor/producer/director/studio/network will decide later which of the many shots they want.
In general, a good idea is to read your script aloud. If you lose your voice or fall asleep by page 60 get out the red pencil and start slashing.
Thanks, Garrett. I’m also available for dating advice if anyone has questions.
I've learned from countless books, web sites and talking heads that when writing a screenplay you don't give acting and camera directions unless absolutely necessary. I've also heard that with 4 camera sitcoms this is thrown out the window and you do detail the camera angles and the actors delivery of dialogue. My questions would be 1) is this true and 2) if so, what about one camera sitcoms like "Arrested Development" and "My Name is Earl"? Is there a reasoning behind this difference?
Garrett,
1) Some of it is true, a lot of it is not.
2) There is no difference.
Here’s the key. You’re writing your screenplay to be READ not shot. Anything you can do to make the reader’s job easier will be in your best interest. Once you sell the script, a director ruins it and they’re ready to film, then they reformat it for production.
Remember, your script will more than likely be in a pile – some D Girl’s weekend read. Most readers I know will pick up a script and do two things – check the number of pages and skim through it to see if it’s dense. If they see 104 pages, a lot of open pages with single speeches and minimal stage direction you’ve got a fighting chance. If they see John Updike, you’re dead.
Only indicate shots and camera moves when absolutely necessary. And even then try to find alternative ways of saying them. Example: Instead of P.O.V, then BACK TO SCENE just say “Kathryn sees Bob approaching”. The less technical and more reader-friendly the better. Your D Girl may still be hung over from Karaoke Friday.
Never include scene numbers. It’s a rookie mistake.
Be sparing in your descriptions. Give the bare minimum to convey the visual. Example: You could take a full page describing the Cheers bar. I might say, “If T.G.I. Fridays were a sports bar” and leave it at that. And as the script barrels on describe even less. Nothing kills suspense like a half page description of a train station. If you’re writing an action script I suggest you check out any Shane Black screenplay. His scripts read even better than his movies play.
One trick I use is to sprinkle little jokes in the stage direction. Not enough to be annoying but just a few for incentive.
The goal is to create a flow. Be a good read.
As for acting directions, you are usually advised not to include them because they insult actors. I say “fuck the actors”. Again, your script is for someone named “Chloe” not an actor, and if an occasional indicator clarifies a possible ambiguous speech than do it. Chloe will thank you. “Margaritaville” is still pounding in her head.
But obviously, be judicious. When a character says “I hate you, I’m going to kill you!” you don’t need (murderous).
These rules apply to any single-camera formatted script, be it a feature or TV show. When I write a multi-camera show I rarely if ever suggest a camera angle. It’s pointless. Four cameras are filming at once. The editor/producer/director/studio/network will decide later which of the many shots they want.
In general, a good idea is to read your script aloud. If you lose your voice or fall asleep by page 60 get out the red pencil and start slashing.
Thanks, Garrett. I’m also available for dating advice if anyone has questions.
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Syriana...I think
Saw SYRIANA. It was CRASH in the desert.
No spoiler alert necessary. I saw the movie and don’t know what happened.
I wonder how many pregnant women are going to see the print ads, not know what the movie is about, and decide to name their baby Syriana because it sounds like a pretty name.
Not since THE BIG SLEEP have I enjoyed a movie more that I understood less. Yet, I found it compelling and even appreciated that the plot catered to smart people not exit poll results. Let the dimwits who stood in the pouring rain at the Rose Parade for nine hours see CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN II.
Still, there were many unanswered questions. What was Clooney hoping to achieve? How much did David Clennon know? Who made what deal with the Chinese? Whose car did Bogart find fished out of Lido Pier?
My daughter observed that it’s one thing to have trouble differentiating between the Arabs, they all dressed the same. But she was confused by all the old white guys who all looked alike.
Great ensemble cast. George Clooney was so good I even forgive him for ONE FINE DAY. Matt Damon is the young Robert Redford.
I wonder how many idiots leave the theatre after the movie saying “Hey, this wasn’t OCEANS THIRTEEN”.
Jeffrey Wright almost steals the movie. Give him awards, I don’t care which ones.
William Hurt is starting to look like Bill Nighy.
Chris Cooper is becoming the next Michael Caine. The only movie he’s not in this year is CHICKEN LITTLE and he probably does a voice in that one.
Stephen Gaghan redeemed himself. I recently screened the DVD of another movie he wrote, HAVOC. Luscious Anne Hathaway as a Palisades High rich girl who, like all Pali High girls, winds up in an East LA gang. CRASH in Los Angeles. Wait a minute…CRASH was in Los Angeles.
No spoiler alert necessary. I saw the movie and don’t know what happened.
I wonder how many pregnant women are going to see the print ads, not know what the movie is about, and decide to name their baby Syriana because it sounds like a pretty name.
Not since THE BIG SLEEP have I enjoyed a movie more that I understood less. Yet, I found it compelling and even appreciated that the plot catered to smart people not exit poll results. Let the dimwits who stood in the pouring rain at the Rose Parade for nine hours see CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN II.
Still, there were many unanswered questions. What was Clooney hoping to achieve? How much did David Clennon know? Who made what deal with the Chinese? Whose car did Bogart find fished out of Lido Pier?
My daughter observed that it’s one thing to have trouble differentiating between the Arabs, they all dressed the same. But she was confused by all the old white guys who all looked alike.
Great ensemble cast. George Clooney was so good I even forgive him for ONE FINE DAY. Matt Damon is the young Robert Redford.
I wonder how many idiots leave the theatre after the movie saying “Hey, this wasn’t OCEANS THIRTEEN”.
Jeffrey Wright almost steals the movie. Give him awards, I don’t care which ones.
William Hurt is starting to look like Bill Nighy.
Chris Cooper is becoming the next Michael Caine. The only movie he’s not in this year is CHICKEN LITTLE and he probably does a voice in that one.
Stephen Gaghan redeemed himself. I recently screened the DVD of another movie he wrote, HAVOC. Luscious Anne Hathaway as a Palisades High rich girl who, like all Pali High girls, winds up in an East LA gang. CRASH in Los Angeles. Wait a minute…CRASH was in Los Angeles.
Monday, January 2, 2006
The Ken Levine Comedy Writer Camp
I always thought a great scam would be the “Ken Levine Comedy Writer Camp” – like those Dodger fantasy camps where refugees from a fat man’s picnic get to wear actual Dodger uniforms, play catch with Tom Niedenfeur, and blow out their hamstrings on the real field in Vero Beach, Florida (hurricane permitting).
My spin on it would be to sign up twenty “campers”. They would meet at a studio, watch a horrendous runthrough then march off to a tiny office with no air conditioning, eat congealed Chinese food, and rewrite until 5 in the morning. The next day they see a runthrough of their rewrite, get network notes, studio notes, director notes, non writing producer notes, standards and practice notes, actor notes, actors’ managers notes, and notes from me that contradict all of the other notes. Back to the room, take out from Dr. Hoaglie Woaglie’s Tyler Texas BBQ (hot links, kick ass chili, beans, and all the fixin’s), another 5 A.M. rewrite with added fun features like the computer crashing, the lead actress coming up to the room and having a complete breakdown, and the showrunner getting called out for a phone call and being gone for two hours.
$2000 and I’ll throw in a T-shirt.
I bet there’d be a line waiting to sign up. You may be saying “Come on, writers aren’t that gullible.” Oh no? Are you familiar with “the Office”? (not the brilliant BBC show or the occasionally amusing NBC show). The Office is a storefront on 26th St. across from the Brentwood Country Mart. It offers carrels for writers, a quiet environment, coffee, reference material, and internet access. And charges HUNDREDS of dollars. Meanwhile, you can tote your laptop to any Starbucks, library, picnic table, hotel lobby, cigar lounge, food court, student union, Borders, Jamba Juice, even Gelsons and enjoy the same features FOR FREE. And yet, the Office is somehow still in business.
“The Ken Levine Comedy Writer Camp” – If you sign up by midnight I’ll even throw in a copy of Vicky King’s “How to Write a Screenplay in 21 Days”.
My spin on it would be to sign up twenty “campers”. They would meet at a studio, watch a horrendous runthrough then march off to a tiny office with no air conditioning, eat congealed Chinese food, and rewrite until 5 in the morning. The next day they see a runthrough of their rewrite, get network notes, studio notes, director notes, non writing producer notes, standards and practice notes, actor notes, actors’ managers notes, and notes from me that contradict all of the other notes. Back to the room, take out from Dr. Hoaglie Woaglie’s Tyler Texas BBQ (hot links, kick ass chili, beans, and all the fixin’s), another 5 A.M. rewrite with added fun features like the computer crashing, the lead actress coming up to the room and having a complete breakdown, and the showrunner getting called out for a phone call and being gone for two hours.
$2000 and I’ll throw in a T-shirt.
I bet there’d be a line waiting to sign up. You may be saying “Come on, writers aren’t that gullible.” Oh no? Are you familiar with “the Office”? (not the brilliant BBC show or the occasionally amusing NBC show). The Office is a storefront on 26th St. across from the Brentwood Country Mart. It offers carrels for writers, a quiet environment, coffee, reference material, and internet access. And charges HUNDREDS of dollars. Meanwhile, you can tote your laptop to any Starbucks, library, picnic table, hotel lobby, cigar lounge, food court, student union, Borders, Jamba Juice, even Gelsons and enjoy the same features FOR FREE. And yet, the Office is somehow still in business.
“The Ken Levine Comedy Writer Camp” – If you sign up by midnight I’ll even throw in a copy of Vicky King’s “How to Write a Screenplay in 21 Days”.
Sunday, January 1, 2006
I've been tagged
Frank Murphy from http://www.frankmurphy.com (I still haven’t figured out how to include links in posts) has tagged me with a meme. Like Frank, I had to look up the word “meme”. I’m challenged to list five of my weird habits. The real challenge is to hold it down to five.
1) In a restaurant, theatre, or any public place I can’t be seated anywhere near a child. This made it very difficult when I had my own small children. It’s not that I don’t love kids. I just love them more when they’re locked away in your home.
2) I don’t like anyone looking over my shoulder when I’m writing, be it a script, email, or love letters to Keira Knightly or Sandy Koufax.
3) I listen to 60’s music when I write. And this includes radio station jingles from the era and Joanie Sommers Pepsi commercials. I love Joanie Sommers.
4) I can’t watch an old black and white movie from the 30’s or 40’s without thinking “everyone I’m looking at is dead”. Not that this spoils my enjoyment.
5) I go through breakfast phases. I eat the same thing every day for a couple of years and then switch. Currently it’s macadamia nuts and raisins. If I ever switch to Lucky Charms get “old Betsy” off the wall and shoot me.
6) I have no blood so I always dress warm. Stop making fun of Cosby for wearing those sweaters. They look cool.
7) I check my site counter waaaaay more than I should.
8) As a former disc jockey, I still talk-up records in my car. Right up to the vocal. I’m a master at this. It’s maybe my greatest skill…which is unfortunate since it’s also utterly useless. KHJ Boss Radio is not coming back anytime soon.
9) I try to read “Confederacy of Dunces” once a year for inspiration. And finally:
10) I feel compelled to post every day. (which ties into #7)
Now it’s my turn to tag five blogging friends/victims. I choose Howard Hoffman (Hoffmania), Lloyd Thaxton, the Tabloid Whore, MK from Popbytes, and Kelditty from People We Love to Hate. (links are listed on the right)
Oh, I forgot, when I’m having trouble with internet service (like I’m having right now) I turn into Daffy Duck. My family finds it very amusing. That does not help.
1) In a restaurant, theatre, or any public place I can’t be seated anywhere near a child. This made it very difficult when I had my own small children. It’s not that I don’t love kids. I just love them more when they’re locked away in your home.
2) I don’t like anyone looking over my shoulder when I’m writing, be it a script, email, or love letters to Keira Knightly or Sandy Koufax.
3) I listen to 60’s music when I write. And this includes radio station jingles from the era and Joanie Sommers Pepsi commercials. I love Joanie Sommers.
4) I can’t watch an old black and white movie from the 30’s or 40’s without thinking “everyone I’m looking at is dead”. Not that this spoils my enjoyment.
5) I go through breakfast phases. I eat the same thing every day for a couple of years and then switch. Currently it’s macadamia nuts and raisins. If I ever switch to Lucky Charms get “old Betsy” off the wall and shoot me.
6) I have no blood so I always dress warm. Stop making fun of Cosby for wearing those sweaters. They look cool.
7) I check my site counter waaaaay more than I should.
8) As a former disc jockey, I still talk-up records in my car. Right up to the vocal. I’m a master at this. It’s maybe my greatest skill…which is unfortunate since it’s also utterly useless. KHJ Boss Radio is not coming back anytime soon.
9) I try to read “Confederacy of Dunces” once a year for inspiration. And finally:
10) I feel compelled to post every day. (which ties into #7)
Now it’s my turn to tag five blogging friends/victims. I choose Howard Hoffman (Hoffmania), Lloyd Thaxton, the Tabloid Whore, MK from Popbytes, and Kelditty from People We Love to Hate. (links are listed on the right)
Oh, I forgot, when I’m having trouble with internet service (like I’m having right now) I turn into Daffy Duck. My family finds it very amusing. That does not help.
New Tears Rockin' Eve
I gasped. I just gasped. I bet you did too. Wasn’t it sad and horrifying to see Dick Clark? I sure give him credit for gamely pushing forward, he’s the ultimate pro, but it was heartbreaking nonetheless. And sure hard to celebrate after that.
It reminded me of Ali lighting the torch at the Olympics.
America thanks you for so many years of ringing in the new year for us, standing out in the freezing cold, and reassuring us that everything was going to be okay. We wish you the best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Other Rockin’ Eve thoughts:
What was bigger, the ball in Times Square or one of Mariah Carey’s breasts? Jesus. She went for the complete va-va-voom, Russ Meyer, supersize, jumbo, hungry man, DDD+, Diamond Jim, Jayne Mansfield, I-can’t-see-my-feet tits. I was watching on HD and could swear I saw the surgery scar.
I was also quite surprised by how chunky Ms Carey has gotten. Instead of wearing that formal Peter Pan dress which showed off legs that could have been a linebacker’s, a tasteful long gown and parka might’ve been a better fashion call.
And Mariah – never speak. It’s a shame that Dick Clark can’t talk but you can.
Ryan Seacrest darkened his eyebrows thus dispelling any rumors that he’s gay.
Meanwhile, on Fox, there was Regis Philbin interviewing Lou Holtz on his bowl game predictions. That’s the Fox attitude? I wonder if anyone who watches Fox knows who Regis Philbin even is, much less Lou Holtz.
NBC had Carson Daly. Why?
ABC said Mariah Carey had the number one hit of the year. NBC said their guest Mary J. Blige had the number one hit of the year. Fox said Notre Dame should beat Ohio State.
Judging by the promos, all the networks are carting out their single guy/girl dating SEX IN THE CITY ripoff comedies this January. JAKE IN PROGRESS. LOVE MONKEY. EMILY SAYS WHY NOT? JENNA SAYS CAUSE I SAID SO.
Talk about vamping. By 12:15 all three networks were interviewing sanitation workers on clean up schedules.
Once again, happy New Year. And welcome back, Dick Clark. Hopefully by next year you’ll be all the way back.
It reminded me of Ali lighting the torch at the Olympics.
America thanks you for so many years of ringing in the new year for us, standing out in the freezing cold, and reassuring us that everything was going to be okay. We wish you the best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Other Rockin’ Eve thoughts:
What was bigger, the ball in Times Square or one of Mariah Carey’s breasts? Jesus. She went for the complete va-va-voom, Russ Meyer, supersize, jumbo, hungry man, DDD+, Diamond Jim, Jayne Mansfield, I-can’t-see-my-feet tits. I was watching on HD and could swear I saw the surgery scar.
I was also quite surprised by how chunky Ms Carey has gotten. Instead of wearing that formal Peter Pan dress which showed off legs that could have been a linebacker’s, a tasteful long gown and parka might’ve been a better fashion call.
And Mariah – never speak. It’s a shame that Dick Clark can’t talk but you can.
Ryan Seacrest darkened his eyebrows thus dispelling any rumors that he’s gay.
Meanwhile, on Fox, there was Regis Philbin interviewing Lou Holtz on his bowl game predictions. That’s the Fox attitude? I wonder if anyone who watches Fox knows who Regis Philbin even is, much less Lou Holtz.
NBC had Carson Daly. Why?
ABC said Mariah Carey had the number one hit of the year. NBC said their guest Mary J. Blige had the number one hit of the year. Fox said Notre Dame should beat Ohio State.
Judging by the promos, all the networks are carting out their single guy/girl dating SEX IN THE CITY ripoff comedies this January. JAKE IN PROGRESS. LOVE MONKEY. EMILY SAYS WHY NOT? JENNA SAYS CAUSE I SAID SO.
Talk about vamping. By 12:15 all three networks were interviewing sanitation workers on clean up schedules.
Once again, happy New Year. And welcome back, Dick Clark. Hopefully by next year you’ll be all the way back.
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