I'll try to be a little more positive

I was definately too harsh in workshopping that poem "Better Untouched" although I did think it wasn't a great poem. But I didn't mean to insult the author or her feelings. If we ever workshop any of my writings, you guys feel free to rip it apart.

Survived

Just worked the busiest weekend ever at the 1844 House. Thought it would never end but it did, of course.

Hustle and Flow

Anyone who has struggled with finding their own "voice" and making it heard should see the film "Hustle and Flow." Inspiring (but not saccharin) storytelling, a memorable protaganist, and a kickass hip-hop soundtrack.

Onion Classics

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/fcc_okays_nudity_on_tv_if_it_s

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/astronauts_suffer_agonizing_high

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/bush_tours_america_to_survey

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/pre_game_coin_toss_makes

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/expert_on_anteaters_wasted_entire

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/congress_debates_merits_of_new

Ive been in a philadalphia

The chapter on "Setting" has a really funny stage script that takes place in a diner.

Finished Medicus

I finished that novel "Medicus" last night. I still definitely recommend the book, even though I was able to guess who the killer was about halfway through. The author's notes in the back are interesting; she talks about the archeological and historical research behind the story, and admits to taking creative liberties with a few minor plot points.

Now, I suppose, I have nothing to read except textbooks...

readings

I really liked both the essay and short story in the chapter about characters. My dad taught me similar things about tools and carpentry, but unlike the author I have forgotten most of it. The story about the Indian tour guide/translator was touching and true: almost everyone, I think, can relate to having unrealistic expectations after meeting someone new.

Family

I was really impressed with Josiah's presentation today about the artwork of family. Everyone has a family and as works of art some would be more beautiful than others. I have been blessed to have the love and support of my family, but I have only recently become fully aware of this blessing. I spent years rebelling against and disappointing my family, but recent events have brought us closer, and I feel I am a stronger person for it.

Day Night Day Night take 2

In my last post I meant to write about a very unusual film I watched the other night. "Day Night Day Night" is a tense little indie which follows the final(maybe) hours of a very polite female suicide bomber. I found it relevant to the chapter we read on "Voice," in that the filmmakers chose very deliberately to keep the audience in the dark as to the motivations of the protagonist and her "handlers." All other details are shown (and heard) in excruciating detail, but the most pressing question of "why" is not answered. Many may find this kind of storytelling a tease, but if it is done well, as it is in "Day Night Day Night" the result can be thought provoking and powerful.

Day Night Day Night

RNC

Sorry I didn't want to be a political blogger , but listening to the Republican National Convention speeches tonight has made my brain boil. I respect John Mccaine and believe he would be a much more competent president than than George W. Bush, but the same people touting him now are those who 8 long years ago told us that George W. Bush was a "reformer with results", and just what the country needed. Well, they had their chance and the U.S. is weak in the world and plagued with problems at home.

And I have a big problem with his V.P. pick, Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Leave it to the conservatives to nominate a Womon for V.P. who would move us backward in time. Palin is someone who denies that Global Warming is real, yet govourns the state in which the evidence of climate change is overwhelming. She also questions Evolution, although all credible scientists agree on it's valididy. And I also will venture to comment on her 17 year-old daughter's pregnancy, although I understand the reluctance of the Obama campaign's reluctance to do so. Palin is one of the many social conservatives who advocate for "abstinence only" education for children and teens, meaning that young people in public schools would be denied information about, and access to, contraceptives. This strategy is wrong-headed and statistically ineffective. It is true that palin's daughter's personal decision's should not be under judgement, but people like Palin (who would select supreme court judges opposed to Roe V. Wade) would have reproductive decisions made by law for ALL women. Mccain is 72 and frankly could keel over, leaving this inexperienced "hockey-mom" in charge.

Mccain himself has never seen a war he wouldn't vote for, and is ambivalent on stemming climate change. The world (and history) will not forgive us if we elect our country backward.

Movies I Watched This Week

I saw two fairly good movies this week. One was "Black Snake Moan" with Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci. It's about two very different characters meeting each other in times of their lives that they need guidance."
" The Good Shepherd" is a quiet spy movie that is sometimes hard to follow but rewards patience and attention to detail.

FreeWriting

The free-writing excercise in class today made me remember something that I haven't thought of in years. The small closet under the stairs of my childhood home was a favorite hiding space of mine, and I would steal a flashlight and play at making monstrous shadows on the walls. One time I brought my little brother in there to show him, with the lights off and the door closed. A flood of guilt washed over me as I remembered how he was scared to tears by those shadow puppets, but I didn't stop. It was a trivial thing, but it stuck with me. Nick, if you ever read this, I'm so sorry I made you cry.